When Do Puppies Lose Their Teeth? A Teething Guide

Puppies usually begin losing baby teeth at about three to four months, and most have their adult teeth by roughly six to seven months. Timing varies, so watch the mouth rather than treating one date as a deadline. A baby tooth that remains beside an erupting adult tooth should be examined by a veterinarian.

A practical puppy-teething timeline

Puppies develop 28 baby, or deciduous, teeth. As the permanent teeth erupt, the baby-tooth roots normally resorb and the small crowns fall out. You may find a tooth on the floor, but puppies often swallow them without a problem. Adult dogs normally have 42 permanent teeth.

VCA’s veterinarian-reviewed guide to teeth, teething, and chewing in puppies explains that baby teeth begin falling out around 12 weeks and permanent teeth are generally present by about six months.

What owners may notice

• more chewing or mouthing;
• mild gum tenderness or drooling;
• a tiny amount of blood on a toy;
• brief changes in interest in hard food; or
• a small hollow-looking tooth in bedding or on the floor.

Heavy bleeding, marked facial swelling, severe pain, a broken tooth, foul odor with illness, or refusal to eat is not routine teething and warrants veterinary attention.

Safer ways to meet the need to chew

Offer appropriately sized puppy toys that have enough give not to fracture a tooth. Rotate a few options and supervise until you know how your puppy uses them. VCA advises avoiding very hard items such as bones, cow hooves, hard nylon chews, and ice cubes because they can damage teeth or create other injuries.

Teething is also a training opportunity. Redirect hands and clothing to a toy, pause interaction when mouthing becomes too hard, and help an overtired puppy settle. Do not punish normal developmental chewing.

Check for retained baby teeth

Look gently at your puppy’s mouth each week. Two teeth occupying the same position—often an adult canine emerging beside a baby canine—can indicate a retained deciduous tooth. Crowding can trap debris, alter the bite, cause pain, and increase future dental disease. VCA recommends prompt veterinary assessment rather than waiting automatically for a spay or neuter appointment.

Begin cooperative dental care early

Build comfort with brief, gentle handling of the lips and mouth. Once your veterinarian says brushing is appropriate, use a pet-safe product and introduce it gradually. Early cooperation makes ongoing dental care and veterinary exams easier.

Teething often overlaps with rapid changes in sleep and veterinary care. Our guides explain how much puppies normally sleep and how to plan puppy vaccines with your veterinarian.

Frequently asked questions

Is it normal not to find the lost teeth?

Yes. Puppies commonly swallow tiny baby teeth while eating, and this is usually harmless.

When should teething be finished?

Most puppies have their adult teeth by about six to seven months. Ask your veterinarian to examine any baby tooth still present beside an adult tooth.

For help with puppy mouthing, settling, and household routines, see our training programs or request an evaluation.

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About the author

David Hunt is the owner of Paws Unleashed USA in Fort Pierce, Florida. His work includes dog training, boarding, rescue and rehabilitation, along with champion-bloodline Belgian Malinois. Puppy dental information is educational and does not replace examination or treatment by a veterinarian.