Puppy Teething Timeline: Symptoms, Relief Tips & Safe Chews

One day you bring home a soft, sleepy puppy. A few weeks later, that same puppy is systematically destroying your shoes, your furniture, and occasionally your fingers. Welcome to the “shark phase” , also known as puppy teething.

It is messy. It is frustrating. But it is also completely normal and temporary. Understanding the puppy teething timeline helps you know what to expect, what is normal, and when something needs a vet’s attention. This guide walks you through every stage, from the first baby tooth to the last adult molar.

Puppy Teething Timeline by Age

Every puppy is different, but the teething timeline follows a predictable pattern. Here is what happens at each stage , and what you can do to help.

Puppy Age	What Is Happening	What Owners May Notice	What to Do
3-6 Weeks	28 baby teeth (deciduous teeth) begin erupting through the gums	Puppies are still with the mother and littermates; needle-sharp baby teeth appear	Breeder or rescue handles this stage; puppies begin learning bite inhibition from siblings
8-12 Weeks	All baby teeth are in place; puppy typically comes home around 8 weeks	Mouthing, nibbling, and chewing on everything , this is exploration, not aggressive behavior	Provide soft puppy-safe chew toys; start handling the mouth gently to prepare for tooth brushing
12-16 Weeks	Baby teeth begin falling out as adult teeth push through; incisors go first, then canines, then premolars	Increased chewing intensity; small blood spots on toys; you may find tiny teeth on the floor (or not , puppies often swallow them, which is harmless)	Offer frozen teething toys; supervise all chewing; start redirection training; check mouth weekly for retained teeth
16-24 Weeks	Adult molars , the large grinding teeth in the back , erupt; chewing intensity typically peaks here	Heaviest chewing phase; drooling; possible mild gum tenderness; adult canines become visible	Rotate frozen chews daily; enforce nap time (overtired puppies chew more); use bitter apple spray on furniture
6-8 Months	Full set of 42 adult teeth should be in place; teething discomfort largely resolves	Chewing decreases significantly; adult teeth look cleaner and whiter; puppy breath starts fading	Begin daily tooth brushing routine; schedule first dental checkup if not done yet; continue providing appropriate chews
After 6-8 Months	Teething is complete; any remaining baby teeth that have not fallen out are now considered retained and need veterinary evaluation	Chewing continues as natural dog behavior but should no longer be driven by teething pain	Transition to adult-appropriate chew toys; check for retained baby teeth at vet visits; maintain dental care routine

How Many Teeth Do Puppies Have?

Puppies start with 28 baby teeth , these are the sharp little daggers you feel when your puppy mouths your hand. By adulthood, dogs have 42 permanent teeth: 12 incisors, 4 canines, 16 premolars, and 10 molars. That is 14 more teeth than the baby set, which is why the teething phase takes months , there is a lot of tooth movement happening inside those small jaws.

The extra teeth are mostly molars , those big grinding teeth in the back that puppies do not have in their baby set. These come in last, between 16 and 24 weeks, and are often the most uncomfortable for your puppy.

Signs Your Puppy Is Teething

Not sure if your puppy is teething or just being a typical mouthy puppy? Here are the most common signs:

1. Increased chewing , on everything: furniture, shoes, hands, baseboards, even walls. It is not bad behavior , their gums hurt and chewing relieves the pressure.
2. Drooling more than usual , the discomfort stimulates saliva production, and some puppies leave small wet spots where they have been lying.
3. Tiny blood spots on toys , a small amount of blood when baby teeth fall out is normal. Heavy bleeding is not.
4. Pawing at the mouth or rubbing the face , a sign of gum and jaw discomfort, especially when molars are erupting.
5. Missing teeth and visible gaps , you will suddenly notice fewer teeth in your puppy’s mouth, then new adult teeth emerging within days.
6. Decreased interest in hard food , some puppies eat less or prefer softer food during peak teething because chewing hurts.
7. Irritability or restlessness , puppies in pain may be fussier, sleep less soundly, or seem generally unsettled.

What Is Normal During Puppy Teething?

Teething can look alarming. Blood on toys. Teeth everywhere. A suddenly grumpy puppy. Here is a quick reference to help you separate normal teething from problems that need veterinary attention:

Sign	Usually Normal?	What to Do
Mild chewing	✅ Yes	Provide appropriate chew toys; redirect from furniture and hands
Drooling	✅ Yes	Normal during teething; wipe face gently if needed
Tiny blood spots on toys	✅ Yes	Normal when baby teeth fall out; no action needed
Missing baby teeth	✅ Yes	Expected; adult teeth should appear within days to weeks
Swallowing baby teeth	✅ Yes	Completely harmless; teeth are tiny and pass through the digestive system
Mild bad breath	✅ Yes	Common during teething; should resolve once adult teeth settle
Refusing hard food temporarily	⚠️ Sometimes	Try soaking kibble in warm water; if refusal lasts more than 24 hours, call your vet
Heavy bleeding from the mouth	❌ No	Call your vet immediately; this is not normal teething
Swollen, red, or painful gums	❌ No	Schedule a vet visit; could indicate infection or impaction
Broken tooth	❌ No	Requires veterinary attention; broken teeth can lead to infection and abscesses
Adult tooth growing beside a baby tooth	❌ No	Retained baby tooth , needs veterinary evaluation; common in small breeds
Extreme lethargy or refusal to eat	❌ No	Call your vet promptly; teething should not cause systemic illness

When to See the Vet During Puppy Teething

Most puppies sail through teething with nothing more than increased chewing and occasional fussiness. However, some situations require professional attention. Call your veterinarian if you notice any of the following:

• Retained baby teeth , an adult tooth has erupted but the baby tooth is still firmly in place beside it. This is more common in small breeds and at the canine (fang) positions. Retained teeth cause crowding, misalignment, trapped food, and gum irritation. A vet may need to extract the baby tooth.
• Broken or fractured teeth , chew toys that are too hard (antlers, bones, hooves, hard nylon) can crack puppy teeth. Broken teeth are painful and can become infected.
• Heavy bleeding , tiny blood spots on toys are normal. Active bleeding from the gums or mouth is not.
• Facial swelling , swelling around the jaw, cheeks, or under the eyes can indicate a dental abscess or infection.
• Refusing to eat for more than 24 hours , some pickiness is normal. Complete refusal to eat is not.
• Extreme lethargy, fever, or signs of pain , teething does not cause systemic illness. If your puppy seems genuinely sick, something else may be going on.

Safe Puppy Teething Relief That Actually Helps

When your puppy’s gums are sore, cold and texture are your two best tools. Cold reduces inflammation and numbs discomfort. Interesting textures satisfy the urge to chew while massaging tender gums. Here are the methods that work:

Frozen Puppy Toys

A frozen puppy Kong stuffed with wet food, plain yogurt, or mashed banana provides 20-30 minutes of focused, calming chewing. The cold soothes gums while the food reward keeps your puppy engaged. Rotate two or three Kongs through the freezer so you always have one ready. For small breeds, use the puppy-sized Kong , adult Kongs are too large and the rubber may be too firm for young jaws.

Chilled Washcloths

Twist a clean washcloth, wet it, and freeze it. This is one of the cheapest and most effective teething relief tools. The fabric texture is perfect for sore gums, and the cold provides immediate comfort. Supervise your puppy while they chew it , washcloths can fray, and you do not want your puppy swallowing threads. Replace it when it starts to come apart.

Puppy-Safe Rubber Chews

Soft, flexible rubber toys designed specifically for puppies , like the Nylabone Puppy Chew or Kong Puppy , are safe and effective. Look for toys labeled “puppy” or “soft” rather than “power chewer.” A good test: if you cannot dent the toy with your fingernail, it is too hard for puppy teeth. Hard rubber, dense nylon, antlers, and bones can fracture young teeth.

Frozen Carrots and Soft Edible Options

A whole frozen carrot is nature’s teething ring. It is cold, firm, edible, low-calorie, and safe. For very small puppies, use baby carrots to prevent choking. Other edible options include frozen banana slices, plain frozen yogurt cubes, and soft edible puppy teething treats. Always supervise edible chews and remove any small pieces that could become choking hazards.

Puppy Teething Toys: What to Choose and What to Avoid

Not all chew toys are created equal , and some popular options are dangerous for teething puppies. Here is a guide to safe choices, plus the items you should keep out of reach:

Teething Option	Best For	Why It Helps	Safety Note
Puppy rubber chew toy (Kong, Nylabone puppy)	Daily chewing; can be frozen	Durable, gentle on gums, holds treats for engagement	Choose puppy size; discard if torn or cracked
Frozen stuffed puppy Kong	Extended chewing sessions	Cold numbs gums; food reward keeps puppy focused	Supervise; do not use adult Kongs for small puppies
Chilled rope toy	Texture variety	Fibers massage gums; can be soaked and frozen	Supervise; discard when frayed to prevent swallowed threads
Frozen wet washcloth	Budget-friendly option	Cold + texture = effective relief; basically free	Must supervise; replace when it starts fraying
Frozen carrot (whole)	Natural edible chew	Cold, firm, safe to eat, low-calorie	Use baby carrots for small breeds; supervise for choking
Soft edible puppy chew	Short chew sessions	Digestible; satisfies urge to chew and eat	Check ingredients; avoid rawhide; supervise for large chunks
Ice chips (not full cubes)	Quick gum numbing	Cold reduces inflammation instantly	Crushed ice only for small puppies; full cubes can be a choking hazard
Lick mat with frozen wet food	Calm, stationary activity	Licking releases endorphins; cold soothes gums	Use puppy-formula wet food; clean mat thoroughly after use

What to Avoid: 11 Items That Do Not Belong in a Teething Puppy’s Mouth

• Human painkillers , NEVER give ibuprofen, acetaminophen, aspirin, or any human medication to a puppy without explicit veterinary instruction. These drugs are toxic to dogs at even small doses.
• Human teething gels , products like Orajel or Anbesol contain benzocaine, which can cause a dangerous blood condition (methemoglobinemia) in dogs.
• Hard bones , beef bones, marrow bones, and cooked bones can fracture puppy teeth and splinter, causing intestinal perforations.
• Antlers , despite being marketed as “natural,” antlers are extremely hard. They are a leading cause of slab fractures (cracked teeth) in young dogs.
• Hooves , cow hooves are hard, splinter-prone, and can cause tooth fractures and digestive blockages.
• Very hard chews (hard nylon, dense plastic) , if you cannot dent the toy with your fingernail, it is too hard for puppy teeth. The VOHC (Veterinary Oral Health Council) recommends avoiding anything harder than what you can indent with a thumbnail.
• Rawhide , a major choking and intestinal blockage hazard. Rawhide swells in the stomach, and many products contain chemical residues from processing.
• Small swallowable toys , anything that fits entirely in your puppy’s mouth can become a choking hazard or intestinal obstruction.
• Stuffed toys with plastic eyes, noses, or parts , your puppy WILL chew them off and swallow them. Choose toys with embroidered features instead.
• Electrical cords, shoes, socks, and household objects , these are not chew toys, but your puppy does not know that. Puppy-proof your home by moving these items completely out of reach.
• Pulling out loose puppy teeth yourself , let baby teeth fall out naturally. Tugging on a tooth that is not ready can break the root, cause pain, and lead to infection. If a tooth seems stuck, let your vet handle it.

How to Stop a Teething Puppy from Chewing Everything

Teething puppies do not know the difference between a $40 chew toy and a $200 pair of shoes. Both feel good on sore gums. Here is how to manage the destruction:

1. Manage the environment first

The single most effective strategy: if your puppy cannot reach it, they cannot chew it. Move shoes, remotes, phone chargers, children’s toys, and anything valuable out of reach. Use baby gates to limit access to rooms you cannot fully puppy-proof. Close closet doors. Bundle and conceal electrical cords. A complete puppy-proofing guide walks you through every room.

2. Redirect, do not punish

When your puppy chews something inappropriate, do not yell. Calmly take the object away and immediately offer a chew toy they ARE allowed to have. The moment they start chewing the correct item, praise them warmly. Your puppy learns: “This thing gets me attention and feels good. That thing gets taken away.” They are not being naughty , they are responding to a biological drive.

3. Rotate toys daily

Put half the toys away and swap them every day. A toy that reappears after 48 hours feels brand new. This keeps your puppy interested in appropriate chews instead of seeking out furniture legs for variety.

4. Enforce nap time

Overtired puppies are destructive puppies. Puppies need 18-20 hours of sleep per day. If your puppy is getting frantic, bitey, and unstoppable, they probably need a nap , not another chew toy. Crate training provides a safe, quiet space for much-needed rest.

Puppy Biting During Teething: How to Teach Bite Inhibition

Teething and mouthing go hand in hand. Puppies explore the world with their mouths, and during teething, they are mouthier than ever. This is actually your best opportunity to teach bite inhibition , arguably the most important skill a dog can learn.

The method: When puppy teeth touch your skin with any pressure, make a high-pitched “Ouch!” , similar to the yelp a littermate would make. Immediately stop playing. Turn away for 10-15 seconds. Then resume play gently. Your puppy learns that hard biting ends the fun instantly, while gentle mouths keep the game going. Over weeks, progressively yelp for lighter and lighter contact until your puppy learns to mouth with zero pressure.

Never hold your puppy’s mouth shut, yell, or use physical punishment. These methods create fear and can make biting worse. Positive reinforcement training is more effective and builds trust instead of damaging it.

Puppy-Proofing Your Home During Teething

A teething puppy is a relentless investigator. They will find , and chew , things you forgot existed. A thorough puppy-proofing session before the teething peak (around 12-16 weeks) saves your belongings and, more importantly, keeps your puppy safe.

Key areas to secure: electrical cords (conceal or cover with cord protectors), houseplants (many are toxic), remote controls (batteries are lethal if punctured), shoes and clothing, children’s small toys, trash cans, and cleaning supplies. Get down on your hands and knees at puppy height and look for anything within reach. If you can see it, your puppy will find it.

Retained Baby Teeth in Puppies

A retained baby tooth happens when a puppy’s adult tooth erupts but the baby tooth does not fall out. The result: two teeth occupying one spot , the adult tooth and the baby tooth side by side. This is most common at the canine (fang) positions and in small-breed dogs like Chihuahuas, Yorkies, Poodles, and Shih Tzus.

Retained baby teeth are not just a cosmetic issue. When two teeth crowd one spot, they trap food, plaque, and bacteria. Over time, this causes gum irritation, bad breath, tartar buildup, and periodontal disease. The crowding can also push adult teeth out of alignment, leading to bite problems that affect eating and comfort.

What to watch for: Check your puppy’s mouth regularly, especially along the upper and lower canines. If you see an adult tooth growing in directly beside a baby tooth that is still firmly in place, your vet should evaluate it. Baby teeth that have not fallen out by the time adult teeth are fully in (around 7-8 months) almost always need to be extracted. This is a routine procedure , often done during spay or neuter surgery to avoid a second round of anesthesia , but it should not be delayed indefinitely.

For more detailed information on retained deciduous teeth in dogs, see the VCA Animal Hospitals guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Tip: Protect the Puppy, Not the Shoes

Teething is one of the hardest phases of puppyhood , but it is also one of the shortest. The intense chewing, the lost baby teeth, the occasional blood spot on a toy , it all passes. What remains is the adult dog you are raising, and the habits you build now last a lifetime.

When you feel frustrated, remember: your puppy is not giving you a hard time. They are having a hard time. Their mouth hurts. They do not understand why. Chewing is the only relief they know. Your job is to provide safe outlets, manage the environment, and guide them through it with patience.

For authoritative veterinary information on puppy teething, visit the VCA Animal Hospitals teething guide, the American Kennel Club puppy teething resource, the AVMA pet dental care page, and the VOHC accepted products list for scientifically vetted chew recommendations.