Puppy Teething: What to Expect and How to Get Through It
Teething explains most of the chewing, mouthing and misery of months three to seven. Here is the timeline, what helps, what to avoid, and the signs that need a vet.
In short
Teething explains most of the chewing, mouthing and misery of months three to seven. Here is the timeline, what helps, what to avoid, and the signs that need a vet.
Between roughly three and seven months, a puppy loses 28 milk teeth and grows 42 adult ones. It is uncomfortable, it drives an enormous amount of chewing, and it coincides with the period when many owners start to wonder whether they have made a mistake. Understanding the timeline makes it far easier to manage.
The Teething Timeline
- 2–4 weeks: milk teeth begin to appear (before the puppy comes home)
- 12–16 weeks: incisors start to fall out — often the first missing teeth owners notice
- 16–24 weeks: canines and premolars are replaced; this is usually the most intense period
- 5–7 months: molars come through and the adult set is largely complete
You will probably not find many of the lost teeth — most are swallowed harmlessly during eating.
What You Will Notice
- A sharp increase in chewing and mouthing
- Small spots of blood on toys or bedding
- Slightly reduced appetite, or slower eating of hard kibble
- More drooling than usual
- Increased irritability or difficulty settling
What Actually Helps
- Frozen items: a frozen Kong, a soaked and frozen flannel, or frozen wet food on a lick mat. Cold is the most effective relief there is.
- Rubber chew toys with some give — hard enough to satisfy, soft enough to be safe.
- Rotation: keep several toys and swap them daily so they stay interesting.
- Soaking kibble in warm water if eating has become uncomfortable.
- Enforced naps. An overtired puppy chews and bites far more. Most of the worst behaviour in this period is exhaustion, not teething alone.
New Puppy Starter Kit
Track chewing, sleep, feeding and mood through the teething months. The New Puppy Starter Kit includes printable daily routine, feeding and behaviour pages so you can see the pattern behind a difficult week.
Get the New Puppy Starter Kit →What to Avoid
- Very hard chews: antlers, hooves, hard nylon and cooked bones fracture developing teeth
- Ice cubes as a chew — too hard on new teeth
- Tug games with heavy pulling while adult teeth are settling
- Punishing chewing: the drive is physical; redirect rather than tell off
- Old shoes as toys: puppies cannot distinguish an old shoe from a new one
Managing the Environment
During teething, management beats training. Use a pen or crate when you cannot supervise, keep cables covered and shoes away, and make sure an appropriate chew is always within reach so redirection takes a second rather than a search.
When to See a Vet
- A retained milk tooth still present alongside the adult tooth beyond around seven months — often a canine
- Swollen, very red or bleeding gums beyond mild teething bleeding
- Refusing food for more than a day
- A tooth that is visibly broken or discoloured
- A misaligned bite
Retained milk teeth are common and usually need removal, frequently at the same time as neutering.
Two ways to get through the teething months
Want routine, feeding and behaviour logs? Choose the New Puppy Starter Kit. Focused on training progress and bite inhibition? Choose the Puppy Training Tracker.
Get the Puppy Training Tracker →Frequently Asked Questions
When does puppy teething stop?
Usually between six and seven months, once the adult set is through. Chewing may continue as a habit and needs appropriate outlets well beyond that.
Is it normal to find blood on toys?
Small amounts are common while teeth are coming out. Ongoing bleeding, very swollen gums or refusing food warrants a vet check.
Should I stop my puppy chewing altogether?
No. Chewing is a genuine need. The goal is directing it to appropriate items, not eliminating it.
Printable and fillable PDF templates for pet owners — feeding schedules, health records, training trackers and more.