When Do Dogs Lose Their Teeth?

Okay, deep breaths. You just brought home this tiny, adorable fluffball – or maybe they’re not so tiny anymore, maybe they’re already starting to look a bit awkward, like a teenager hitting a growth spurt. And then you notice it. A tiny, sharp little tooth on the rug. Or maybe you just feel those razor-sharp needles digging into your hand during playtime and think, “Surely these can’t be permanent?” The burning question, the one that haunts every new puppy parent: When do dogs lose their teeth?

Let’s cut straight to the chase, because I know you’re probably already knee-deep in puppy chaos and don’t need me waxing poetic too much… yet. Generally speaking, puppies start losing their baby teeth, officially called deciduous teeth or just plain old puppy teeth, around 3 to 4 months of age. This whole teething rodeo usually wraps up by the time they’re about 6 to 7 months old. So, you’re looking at a roughly three-month window of intensified chewing, maybe a little bit of discomfort for the pup, and definitely some frantic searching under furniture for those miniature dental souvenirs. That’s the quick answer. Now, let’s get into the nitty-gritty, because trust me, there’s more to it than just a timeline.

Think of it exactly like human babies. They’re born with tiny tooth buds hidden under their gums. Then, those little nubs push through, giving them their first set of teeth – perfect for graduating from milk to solid food. Puppies are the same. They’re born without teeth, but by the time you get them home, usually around 8 weeks old, they’ve got a full set of 28 puppy teeth. And let me tell you, those 28 teeth are like miniature needles. They are sharp. Designed, I’m convinced, by some sadistic evolutionary force just to make puppy nipping an unforgettable experience.

The process of losing them and getting their adult teeth is a marvel of nature, and frankly, a bit gross sometimes. Those 28 puppy teeth make way for a whopping 42 adult teeth! The roots of the puppy teeth get gradually reabsorbed back into the gums as the adult teeth start pushing up underneath them. Eventually, with enough wiggling from chewing or sometimes just falling out on their own, the puppy tooth loosens and pops out. The adult tooth, bigger and much sturdier (thank goodness!), then takes its rightful place.

This isn’t a sudden, all-at-once event. It’s a gradual transition, teeth by tooth, usually following a general pattern. The incisors (those small teeth at the front, used for nipping and grooming) are usually the first to go, often starting right around that 3-4 month mark. You might find these tiny little things on the floor, looking like grains of rice or maybe a minuscule shark tooth. After the incisors, the premolars (the teeth between the canines and molars) start coming in, often between 4-6 months. Then come the canines (the long, pointy fangs), usually between 5-6 months. These seem to take the longest to loosen and can sometimes look quite precarious before they finally drop out. Finally, the molars (the big grinding teeth at the back), which puppies don’t have in their baby set, start erupting, typically between 6-7 months, completing the adult set.

Now, this is just a guideline, okay? Your mileage may vary. Just like some kids get their first tooth early and some are late bloomers, some puppies will breeze through this faster or slower. Breed can play a tiny role, maybe size does too, but mostly it’s just individual puppy development. Don’t panic if your 5-month-old still has a few baby incisors hanging on, or if your 3.5-month-old seems to be shedding teeth like confetti. It’s the overall process and lack of significant issues you should focus on.

So, what does this look like from your end? Besides finding those rogue tiny teeth (which, honestly, I think is kind of cool – I’ve kept a few!), you’re going to see some changes in your puppy. The most obvious? Increased chewing. Oh, the chewing. Puppy teething is nature’s way of saying, “Hey, my mouth feels weird and a bit sore! Applying pressure helps! Let’s chew everything!” Your shoes, the corners of your furniture, your hands, the remote control… nothing is sacred. Their gums can be sore and itchy, and chewing provides relief. This isn’t necessarily bad behavior (though you still need to redirect them from inappropriate items!), it’s a physical need. Providing plenty of safe, appropriate chew toys is absolutely essential during this time. I’m talking about things like Nylabones designed for puppies, KONG toys that you can stuff and freeze (the cold feels good on their gums!), rope toys (supervised!), and maybe some puppy-safe edible chews. Rotate them to keep things interesting. Praise them like crazy when they chew on the right stuff.

You might also notice their gums looking a little red or swollen where a tooth is coming in. Sometimes, you might see a tiny spot of blood on a chew toy or where they were playing. Don’t freak out; a little bit of bleeding is perfectly normal as a tooth comes loose and falls out. If there’s excessive bleeding, persistent pain, or swelling, then you call the vet. Otherwise, it’s just part of the process.

Some puppies might have a slightly decreased appetite for a day or two if their mouth is particularly sore. Some might seem a bit more irritable or clingy. Their breath might get a little… interesting. Puppy breath is usually sweet, but during teething, with blood and inflammation, it can sometimes get a bit funky. This should clear up once the adult teeth are in.

What shouldn’t you do? Don’t try to pull out a loose puppy tooth yourself unless it’s literally hanging by a thread and bothering the dog. Most of the time, they’ll come out on their own during chewing or eating. Forcing it can cause pain or damage.

What should you do? Gently check their mouth occasionally if they let you, just to get them used to it and to see how things are progressing. Look for any teeth that seem stubborn – a puppy tooth that’s still firmly in place when the adult tooth is already halfway up next to it. This is called a retained puppy tooth, and it’s something you do need to address. Retained teeth can cause bite problems, trap food, and lead to dental disease down the road. Your vet will check for this during routine puppy visits (which often coincide perfectly with teething time for vaccinations and check-ups anyway!). If they find one, they might recommend removing it, often at the time of spaying or neutering if that’s planned. It’s important not to ignore it.

Beyond retained teeth, keep an eye out for signs of infection: excessive swelling, pus, significant pain, or a refusal to eat that lasts more than a couple of days. Again, when in doubt, a quick call to your vet is always the safest bet. They’ve seen it all before, trust me.

Teething is a stage. A messy, chewy, sometimes frustrating stage, but a totally normal and necessary one. It feels like it lasts forever when you’re cleaning up blood spots or mourning a lost slipper, but in the grand scheme of your dog’s life, it’s just a few months. It’s a sign they’re growing up, trading those tiny, fragile baby teeth for the strong, permanent set they’ll use for the rest of their lives (assuming you take good care of them, which is a whole other conversation about dental hygiene later on!).

So, to recap: puppy teeth start falling out around 3-4 months, making way for 42 adult teeth. The process is usually complete by 6-7 months. Expect lots of chewing, maybe some minor bleeding, and sore gums. Provide appropriate chew toys, monitor for retained teeth or infection, and don’t hesitate to consult your veterinarian if you’re worried.

Embrace the chaos a little. It’s part of the journey with your furry friend. Those puppy teeth are temporary, but the bond you’re building, navigating these awkward stages together? That’s the real permanent set. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I think I hear tiny teeth gnawing on something they shouldn’t be… time to grab a chew toy and redirect!