Puppy Teething Stages: What to Expect Each Month
By Dr. Zubair Khalid, DVM, MS, PhD ·
Puppies go through a predictable set of dog teething stages, starting with the first baby teeth at around 3 to 4 weeks of age and ending with a full set of adult teeth near 6 to 7 months. The most active period for owners is between 3 and 6 months, when baby teeth loosen and adult teeth push through. Knowing what is normal each month helps you spot problems early, especially retained baby teeth that can cause a misaligned bite and dental disease later.
This article is educational and is not a substitute for veterinary diagnosis or treatment.
Quick Answer
- Baby teeth start coming in around 3 to 4 weeks, and most puppies have a full set of 28 deciduous (baby) teeth by about 6 to 8 weeks.
- Adult teeth begin replacing baby teeth around 3 to 4 months, and the process usually finishes by 6 to 7 months.
- Retained baby teeth are common, with an overall prevalence of about 7% in a large United States dog population, and they are far more common in extra-small breeds (about 15%) [1].
- Retained baby teeth do not dissolve on their own. Root remnants left behind can cause problems in most affected dogs, including infection around the root tip [2].
- Chewing, drooling, and mild gum soreness are normal. Bleeding that will not stop, refusal to eat, swelling, or a double row of teeth are reasons to call your vet.
Dog Teething Stages by Month: What Happens and When
Puppies are born without teeth. The timeline below reflects typical development, but small and toy breeds often run slightly behind larger breeds, and individual puppies vary.
Weeks 2 to 4: Baby Teeth Start Erupting
The first teeth to appear are usually the incisors, the small front teeth. By the end of this window, most puppies have a few sharp little teeth poking through the gums. This is early, and you may not notice much beyond extra mouthing during nursing or play.
Weeks 5 to 8: The Full Baby Set
By about 6 to 8 weeks, most puppies have all 28 baby teeth. This is also the age when puppies can leave their mother and eat on their own, typically around 7 to 8 weeks [3]. If you bring home a puppy at this age, you can expect a mouth full of needle-sharp teeth and a strong urge to chew.
This is a good time to start gentle handling of the mouth. Touch the lips, lift the jowls, and look at the teeth for a few seconds each day. Puppies who learn that mouth handling is normal are easier to examine later.
Months 3 to 4: Adult Teeth Begin to Push Through
Around 3 to 4 months, the adult incisors and canines start erupting. You may find tiny baby teeth on the floor, in the crate, or in a chew toy. Many puppies swallow them, so not finding teeth does not mean nothing is happening.
During this window, the gums can look red and slightly swollen. Some puppies drool more, chew more, and eat a little less for a day or two. Soft food or softened kibble can help if your puppy seems uncomfortable.
Months 4 to 5: The Heaviest Teething Period
This is usually the messiest month. Premolars and molars are coming in, and the baby versions are loosening. You may see a double row of teeth for a short time, where the adult tooth has come in next to a baby tooth that has not fallen out yet.
A brief overlap is normal. A baby tooth that is still firmly in place when the adult tooth is well erupted is not normal, and it should be evaluated.
Months 5 to 7: Adult Teeth Finish Coming In
By 6 to 7 months, most puppies have their full set of 42 adult teeth. The last teeth to erupt are often the canines and the back molars. Permanent canine eruption is a meaningful milestone. In male dogs, it tracks closely with pubertal maturation and rising testosterone, and it can be a better marker of maturity than age alone [4].
If your puppy still has baby teeth at 7 months, that is a red flag for retained deciduous teeth.
A Month-by-Month Teething Schedule for Owners
| Age | What is happening | What you should do |
|---|---|---|
| 2 to 4 weeks | First incisors erupt | Leave the litter alone if possible, no mouth handling needed yet |
| 5 to 8 weeks | Full set of 28 baby teeth | Start gentle mouth handling, begin chew toy habits |
| 3 to 4 months | Adult incisors and canines start | Offer safe chews, check for loose baby teeth |
| 4 to 5 months | Premolars and molars erupt | Watch for double teeth, keep chewing appropriate |
| 5 to 6 months | Most adult teeth in place | Check for retained canines, especially in small breeds |
| 6 to 7 months | Full 42 adult teeth expected | Veterinary oral exam if any baby teeth remain |
How to Help Your Puppy Through Each Stage
Step 1: Offer Safe Chew Options
Chewing relieves pressure on the gums. Choose toys that are firm but flexible, such as rubber chews made for puppies. Avoid hard objects like antlers, hooves, and ice cubes, which can fracture teeth. Avoid anything your puppy can tear off and swallow.
Step 2: Chill the Chew, Not the Tooth
A chew toy kept in the refrigerator (not the freezer) can soothe sore gums. Freezer-hard toys can be too hard and may damage baby teeth or tender gums.
Step 3: Keep Mouth Handling Short and Positive
Handle the mouth for 5 to 10 seconds at a time, several times a day. Pair it with treats and praise. This makes future veterinary dental exams easier and helps you notice problems early.
Step 4: Check for Loose Baby Teeth Weekly
Starting at 4 months, look for baby teeth that are still present while the adult tooth next to them has already come in. Pay close attention to the upper canines, which are the most common site for retained roots [2].
Step 5: Keep Up With Wellness Visits
Puppies need frequent veterinary visits and vaccinations every 2 to 3 weeks until about 4 months of age [3]. These visits are a natural time for your vet to check dental development. If you are unsure what happens at each appointment, see Puppy Vet Visit Schedule: What to Expect at Each Appointment. For a first-visit overview, read Puppy First Vet Visit: What Should You Expect?.
Signs Something Is Wrong During Teething
Most teething is mild. These signs are not normal and need veterinary attention.
- A baby tooth still firmly in place at 6 to 7 months, especially if the adult tooth has already erupted next to it.
- A visible double row of teeth that persists for more than a few weeks.
- Swelling, redness, or a bad smell from the mouth.
- Drooling that is heavy or ongoing, not just occasional.
- Refusing to eat for more than 24 hours, or dropping food while eating.
- Bleeding from the gums that does not stop with gentle pressure.
- A jaw that looks uneven, or a bite that seems off.
- Broken teeth, especially baby canines with a pink or red center, which means the pulp is exposed.
Retained baby teeth are linked to malocclusion, soft tissue trauma, and a higher risk of periodontal disease [1]. Retained root remnants do not resorb on their own and can cause problems in most affected dogs, most often infection around the root tip and root resorption or fusion to the bone [2]. Yorkshire Terriers were overrepresented in one study of retained root remnants, making up 41.2% of affected patients [2]. Extra-small breeds under 6.5 kg had a much higher rate of retained baby teeth than larger breeds [1].
Common Mistakes Owners Make
Mistaking Normal Overlap for a Retained Tooth
A baby tooth and adult tooth can briefly coexist. If the baby tooth is loose and falls out within a few weeks, that is fine. If it is firm and the adult tooth is fully in, call your vet.
Waiting Until Spay or Neuter to Address Retained Teeth
Many owners plan to have retained baby teeth removed at the same time as spay or neuter. That can work if the timing lines up, but retained teeth can cause problems before then. Ask your vet when removal should happen for your puppy.
Using Hard Chews to "Loosen" Baby Teeth
Hard chews do not safely loosen baby teeth. They can fracture them or damage adult teeth coming in. Let teeth fall out naturally unless your vet advises otherwise.
Skipping Dental Checks Because the Teeth Look Fine
Retained root remnants can sit under the gum and are often found only on dental X-rays [2]. A normal-looking mouth does not rule out a problem.
Ignoring Small-Breed Risk
If you have a toy or extra-small breed, your puppy has a higher chance of retained baby teeth [1]. Ask your vet to specifically check for them at every visit from 4 months onward.
Supplies and Setup That Actually Matter
- Puppy-safe rubber chews in a few sizes. Rotate them so your puppy stays interested.
- A small toothbrush and dog-safe toothpaste. Start brushing as soon as the adult teeth come in.
- A flashlight or phone light. You can see the back teeth and check for double rows.
- A towel for drool. Teething puppies can be messy.
- A written log of which teeth you see and when. This helps your vet track development.
Dental disease is one of the most common problems in small-breed dogs, and some breeds show it early [5]. Starting dental care during teething sets the habit for life. For a full picture of what dental disease looks like over time, see Dog Dental Disease: Signs, Stages, and What You Can Do.
Limitations and When to Contact a Veterinarian
Teething timelines are averages. Your puppy's breed, size, and individual development affect when teeth come in and fall out. No article can tell you whether a specific tooth in your puppy's mouth is retained. That requires an exam, and often dental X-rays. Your veterinarian is the only person who can make that call for your pet.
Contact your veterinarian the same day if you see:
- A baby tooth still firmly in place at 6 to 7 months
- A double row of teeth that has not resolved
- A broken tooth with a pink or red center
- Swelling around the jaw or under the eye
- Bad breath that started suddenly
- Dropping food or chewing on one side only
Go to an emergency clinic now if you see:
- Bleeding from the mouth that will not stop after 10 minutes of gentle pressure
- A jaw that is visibly misaligned or hanging open
- Difficulty breathing, gagging, or choking
- A tooth or chew toy fragment stuck in the throat
- Collapse, weakness, or severe pain when the mouth is touched
Schedule a routine visit if you see:
- Mild drooling or chewing that lasts more than a week
- A puppy that seems uncomfortable eating but is still eating
- Any tooth you are unsure about
Frequently Asked Questions
When do puppies lose baby teeth?
Puppies start losing baby teeth around 3 to 4 months of age, and the process usually finishes by 6 to 7 months. Most owners never see the teeth because puppies swallow them. If a baby tooth is still firmly in place at 7 months, that is not normal and should be checked.
How many teeth does a puppy have compared to an adult dog?
A puppy has 28 baby teeth, and an adult dog has 42. The extra teeth are the premolars and molars that come in during the teething months. This is why the mouth looks crowded during the transition.
Is it normal for my puppy to have two rows of teeth?
A brief overlap is normal when an adult tooth is coming in and the baby tooth is loose. A double row that lasts more than a few weeks, or a baby tooth that stays firm next to a fully erupted adult tooth, is not normal and needs a veterinary exam.
Do retained baby teeth need to be removed?
Yes, in most cases. Retained baby teeth are linked to bite problems, soft tissue injury, and a higher risk of periodontal disease. Retained root remnants do not dissolve on their own and often cause problems, so removal is usually recommended. Your veterinarian will decide the best timing and method for your dog.
Can I pull a loose baby tooth at home?
No. Pulling a baby tooth at home can break the root and leave a fragment behind, which can cause infection. Let teeth fall out on their own, and let your veterinarian remove any tooth that does not come out naturally.
Related Articles
- Dog Dental Disease: Signs, Stages, and What You Can Do
- Puppy Vet Visit Schedule: What to Expect at Each Appointment
- Puppy First Vet Visit: What Should You Expect?
- Dog Heart Disease: What Are the Stages and What Do They Mean?
- What to Expect at Your Puppy's First Vet Visit: A Complete Guide
- New Puppy Checklist: The First 30 Days
- Do Puppies Lose Teeth? Teething Timeline and What to Expect
- Dog Teething Age: When Puppies Start and Stop
- When Do Dogs Get Their Adult Teeth? A Timeline
References
- Persistent deciduous teeth: Association of prevalence with breed, breed size and body weight in pure-bred client-owned dogs in the United States. Research in veterinary science, 2024.
- Retained Deciduous Tooth Root Remnants in Dogs: A Ten-Year Retrospective Study. Journal of veterinary dentistry, 2026.
- Puppy Care - Dog Owners. Merck Veterinary Manual.
- Linking Canine Teeth Eruption, Testicular Histology and Testosterone Levels as Indicators of Pubertal Maturation in Male Dogs. Anatomia, histologia, embryologia, 2026.
- Longitudinal Evaluation of Permanent Dental Anomalies in a Group of Yorkshire Terriers Referred for Dental Consultation. Journal of veterinary dentistry, 2025.