Puppy teething typically starts around three weeks of age and finishes by six to seven months, with the most uncomfortable stage between three and five months. The main signs are increased chewing, drooling, mild gum bleeding and occasional grumpiness. Most symptoms are completely normal and manageable at home with the right chew toys and patience.
The Puppy Teething Timeline
| Age | What’s Happening |
|---|---|
| 3 to 6 weeks | 28 baby (deciduous) teeth begin erupting |
| 6 to 8 weeks | Full set of baby teeth usually in place |
| 3 to 5 months | Baby teeth fall out as adult teeth push through; peak discomfort period |
| 6 to 8 months | All 42 adult teeth should be in place |
Every puppy is a little different, and smaller breeds sometimes finish slightly earlier than large breeds.
Signs of Puppy Teething
Normal, expected signs
- Increased desire to chew everything in sight
- Mild drooling
- Small spots of blood on toys or in the food bowl
- Finding a shed baby tooth on the floor
- Mild irritability or grumpiness
- Slightly reduced interest in food during the most uncomfortable days
Signs that need a vet check
- A baby tooth still present once the adult tooth has clearly come through (a retained tooth)
- Gums that are heavily swollen, deeply red, or bleeding persistently
- Complete refusal to eat, even soft food, for more than a day
- Breath that smells genuinely foul rather than mildly different
- Visible pain when the mouth is touched
Retained baby teeth are particularly common in smaller breeds such as Chihuahuas and terriers, and left untreated they can cause overcrowding and dental problems later.
How to Soothe a Teething Puppy
- Offer appropriate chew toys — firm rubber teething toys give safe relief without risking tooth damage
- Try a chilled option — a clean, damp cloth or a vet-approved chilled toy can numb sore gums
- Redirect, don’t punish — swap an inappropriate item for an approved chew calmly rather than scolding
- Start gentle tooth handling early — getting your puppy used to having their mouth touched now makes future brushing far easier
- Keep valuables out of reach — this stage passes, but prevention saves your belongings in the meantime
Building Bite Inhibition During Teething
Teething puppies naturally mouth hands and clothing more than usual. This is actually a useful window to teach bite inhibition, alongside the reward-based methods covered in our positive dog training tips guide. When a nip is too hard, a firm “no” followed by briefly withdrawing attention teaches your puppy that hard biting ends the fun. Consistency here matters more than intensity.
Should Puppies Go Off Their Food When Teething?
A slight dip in appetite during the most uncomfortable days is common and usually resolves on its own. Softening dry food with a little warm water can help. If your puppy refuses food entirely for more than 24 hours, or seems lethargic alongside it, contact your vet, since this can also indicate something unrelated to teething.
Starting Dental Care Habits Early
Teething is a natural opportunity to introduce a lifelong dental care routine. Once adult teeth are in, begin gentle brushing with a pet-safe toothpaste, starting with just letting your puppy lick it from your finger before progressing to a soft brush. Establishing this habit early makes ongoing dental care far easier as your dog grows. Consistency during this stage pairs well with the training habits covered in our guide on staying patient during training.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does puppy teething last?
The full process runs from around three weeks to six to eight months of age, with the most uncomfortable period typically between three and five months.
Is it normal for puppies to have blood on their toys while teething?
Yes, small spots of blood from loosening baby teeth are expected and not usually a cause for concern. Heavy or persistent bleeding is not normal and needs a vet check.
What can I give my puppy to chew during teething?
Firm, vet-approved rubber teething toys, and chilled (not frozen solid) options, are generally safest. Avoid anything hard enough to risk cracking a tooth, such as bones or antlers, during this delicate stage.
What are retained baby teeth and why do they matter?
A retained tooth is a baby tooth that has not fallen out even though the adult tooth has emerged. Left untreated, this can cause crowding and dental disease, so it is worth a vet check if you notice it.
Key Takeaways
- Teething runs from around three weeks to six to eight months of age
- Increased chewing, drooling and mild gum bleeding are all normal
- Retained baby teeth, persistent bleeding, or a total food refusal need a vet check
- This stage is a good opportunity to start dental care and bite inhibition training
About the Author: This guide was written by the K9 Assistance editorial team, who research UK-based pet care topics to help owners make confident, informed decisions.