Like human children, puppies aren’t born with their adult teeth. Their mouths simply aren’t large enough to accommodate them. Instead, they start with baby teeth that they eventually lose through a process called teething.

Not sure how to help your pup through this potentially uncomfortable stage? This guide breaks down everything you can expect during puppy teething. We’ll also share helpful strategies you can use to make the process more comfortable for your dog.

What Is Puppy Teething?

Puppy teething is a completely natural process. It’s similar to the teething that occurs when human infants grow their first teeth. However, puppies start with a small set of baby teeth, which they eventually lose to make room for their adult teeth.

Puppies typically begin getting their baby teeth when they are about two weeks old. They use these teeth to eat and explore the world around them. Eventually, those baby teeth fall out as adult teeth grow in.

During this time, your puppy may experience some discomfort, and you may need to take extra precautions to manage chewing or biting behaviors.

Fortunately, you and your dog can get through the teething phase together. With the right setup and a little patience, you can help make the experience much more comfortable for your furry friend.

When Will Your Puppy Lose Their Teeth?

The exact timing varies from puppy to puppy. In general, puppies begin developing their 42 adult teeth around three to four months of age. It can take several weeks—or even up to two months—for all of their baby teeth to fall out.

Most puppies will have their full set of adult teeth by about six months old.

That said, teething usually doesn’t happen continuously for several months. Instead, it tends to occur in short bursts of activity followed by calmer periods.

Your puppy may lose their baby teeth a bit faster if they have plenty of safe items to chew on. This is typically a good thing. The sooner the baby teeth fall out, the sooner the adult teeth can fully grow in.

However, you should never try to force a tooth out. Don’t pull loose baby teeth yourself. Only a veterinarian should remove puppy teeth if necessary. If you notice a loose tooth, simply allow it to fall out naturally.

Symptoms of Puppy Teething

New pet parents should know what to expect when their puppy begins teething. Here are some common symptoms you might notice. Keep in mind that your puppy may only experience a few of these.

Chewing or Biting

Your puppy may chew or bite much more frequently than usual. Chewing helps relieve the discomfort associated with teething.

As adult teeth begin to push through the gums, the gums can become sore. Chewing applies pressure to the gums, which may temporarily ease that discomfort.

Chewing also helps loosen baby teeth, allowing them to fall out more quickly.

Bleeding

You may occasionally notice small amounts of bleeding from your puppy’s gums. This is usually minor and might show up as tiny spots of blood on toys or bedding.

However, if your puppy experiences heavy or persistent bleeding, contact your veterinarian right away.

Loose or Lost Teeth

Since teething involves losing baby teeth, don’t be surprised if you find tiny teeth around your home or stuck in toys.

If you find a tooth, it’s best to throw it away so your puppy doesn’t swallow it during play.

Take a quick look at the tooth to make sure it appears whole. If part of the tooth seems missing, check your puppy’s mouth to see if the remainder is still lodged in the gum. If so, consult your veterinarian rather than trying to remove it yourself.

Drooling

Some puppies drool more than usual while teething. Increased saliva is a common response to gum irritation.

If your puppy drools frequently, simply clean up as needed and ensure they have access to fresh water. Drooling episodes usually don’t last very long.

Difficulty Eating

Some puppies temporarily lose interest in food during teething because chewing can be uncomfortable.

In most cases, this is temporary. As long as your puppy continues eating regularly overall, it’s usually not a cause for concern.

However, if your puppy stops eating entirely, you should contact your veterinarian.

Low Fever

Occasionally, puppies may run a mild fever during teething. If your puppy feels slightly warm, monitor them closely.

Offering something cool to chew—such as a chilled treat—may help soothe their gums. If the fever lasts longer than several hours, contact your veterinarian.

Red or Swollen Gums

Red or swollen gums are a normal part of the teething process. As adult teeth push through the gums, mild inflammation can occur.

How to Help Your Puppy Through Teething

Teething can cause several uncomfortable symptoms, but there are many ways you can help your puppy during this stage.

Provide Teething Toys

One of the best ways to help your puppy is by providing durable chew toys.

Teething toys don’t have to be specialized products. Any sturdy toy designed for chewing—such as tough rubber toys, durable balls, or reinforced plush toys—can work well. When your puppy begins chewing on something they shouldn’t, redirect their attention to an appropriate toy. This encourages healthy chewing habits while protecting your belongings. Chewing toys may also help speed up the teething process by loosening baby teeth.

Our Bolt Bite is a great example of a durable chew toy for teething puppies. It features a reinforced center for added durability and open ends where you can hide treats to keep your pup engaged. You can even play a gentle game of tug with it. Just be careful not to pull too hard.

We also have softer toys for them to chew on, which feature unique textured fabrics that support teething.

Try Frozen Treats

Cold temperatures can help soothe sore gums. You can freeze natural or baked dog treats for a few hours and offer them to your puppy when they seem uncomfortable. Frozen treats provide both relief and a safe chewing outlet. You can also use these treats during training sessions so your puppy earns them while practicing commands.

Limit Your Puppy’s Access Around the House

Even attentive pet parents can’t watch their puppies every second.

Using dog gates or restricting certain areas of the home can help prevent destructive chewing. Limiting your puppy’s access reduces the chance they’ll wander into rooms and chew on something valuable.

At the same time, they should still have enough space to move around and play comfortably.

Check Your Puppy’s Teeth

During teething, it’s helpful to occasionally check your puppy’s mouth.

Call your puppy over, reward them with a treat, and gently examine their teeth. Reward them again afterward so they learn that mouth handling is a positive experience.

Look for:

• Broken teeth
• New adult teeth coming in
• Signs of infection or gum issues
• Excessive bleeding

If you notice anything concerning, contact your veterinarian for guidance.

When Should You Call a Vet?

In most cases, puppy teething doesn’t require veterinary care. However, you should contact your veterinarian if you notice:

• A fever that lasts several hours
• Excessive bleeding from the mouth
• Vomiting
• Signs of a broken or impacted tooth
• Unusual lethargy or illness

These symptoms don’t always indicate a serious problem, but it’s best to have a veterinarian evaluate your puppy if you’re unsure.

In some cases, vets may also recommend pain relief if teething appears especially uncomfortable.

What If Your Puppy Nips During Teething?

It’s common for puppies to start nipping again during teething—even if they’ve previously learned not to bite.

The urge to chew can become strong when their gums are sore.

If your puppy nips your hands, reinforce your training using positive reinforcement. Redirect their attention to an appropriate chew toy and reward them when they choose it instead.

Remember, nipping during teething isn’t a sign of aggression. It usually just means your puppy needs something safe to chew.

Supporting Your Puppy Through Teething

Teething isn’t the most comfortable experience for your puppy, but with the right care, you can help them get through it with minimal discomfort.

Providing safe chew toys, soothing treats, and consistent training will make the process easier for both of you—and help prevent those painful puppy nips.

Looking for toys and treats that can help during teething? Explore Wild One’s collection of thoughtfully designed dog essentials, and contact us if you have any questions.

Sources:

Teeth, Teething and Chewing in Puppies | VCA Animal Hospital

Puppy Teeth: Everything You Need to Know | PetMD

Persistent Deciduous Teeth (Baby Teeth) in Dogs | VCA Animal Hospital