Puppy Teething 2025: Vet Approved Timeline, Comfort & Dental Care 🦷🐶

By Dr. Duncan Houston BVSc

📈 Teething Timeline: When Does It Start & Stop?

Puppies are born without teeth, with milk (deciduous) teeth erupting around 3 weeks, completing 28 by ~6–8 weeks.

Permanent adult teeth begin replacing milk teeth between 12–16 weeks, with full dentition (42 teeth) established by around 6–7 months.

⚠️ Common Signs of Teething

• Increased chewing/nipping—comfort-seeking behavior
• Drooling, mild gum swelling, occasional tiny bleeding spots
• Temporary decreased appetite, irritability, whining
• Bad breath due to gum inflammation
• Finding small teeth—puppy teeth are often swallowed

🧠 Why Teething Gets So Biting

Chewing helps relieve gum discomfort and supports adult tooth eruption. Teeth are sharp, but chewing also teaches bite inhibition—redirecting early is key.

🏡 Puppy-Proofing & Redirecting

• Remove objects you don’t want chewed—cords, shoes, furniture
• When puppy nips you or furniture: say “Ah!” firmly to interrupt, then redirect to chew toy
• Use bitter sprays on off-limits items to discourage chewing

🧸 Best Chew Toys & Soothing Aids

• Soft rubber toys: Eg. KONG Puppy Teething Stick—chewable and soothing
• Frozen treats: Carrots, green beans, frozen toys—cold soothes gums
• Rotate toy types: rubber, plush, chilled to keep interest & relief

🦠 Health Watch: When to Call the Vet

• Retention: Milk tooth hasn't fallen out by ~8 months—can lead to crowding or infection
• Excessive bleeding or pain during chewing
• Fever, lethargy, refusal to eat lasting 2+ days
• Signs of dental disease or gum infection—pus, foul odor

🪥 Introducing Dental Care Early

Start brushing gently when baby teeth are in (~8–12 weeks) using a soft brush and dog toothpaste. Daily is ideal; even a few times weekly helps prevent infection.

• Introduce brushing gradually—touch gums, then brush with finger, then introduce brush and toothpaste
• Use VOHC-approved toothpaste; reward with praise or treat
• Continue brushing daily as adult teeth come in—prevent plaque buildup and dental disease

📝 Teething Care Checklist

• 📅 Know timeline: 3 wks–8 wks baby teeth → 3–7 mo adult teeth
• 🧸 Provide chilled chewy toys and rotate textures
• 👂 Interrupt nipping, redirect, and praise calm chewing
• 🏠 Puppy-proof: secure valuables and chew hazards
• 🦷 Start gentle daily brushing with dog toothpaste
• 👀 Monitor for retained teeth, infections, or gum issues
• 📱 Ask A Vet available for persistent mouth concerns or teething troubles

🌟 Final Thoughts

Teething is a natural, essential stage of puppy development—often messy and slightly painful, but manageable with chew toys, redirection, dental care, and vet guidance. Your puppy will soon graduate from chewing everything in sight to teething happily—and your shoes (hopefully) remain intact! 🐾❤️

Need help picking upcoming-life chew solutions, dental routines, or mouth check tools? Visit AskAVet.com or download the Ask A Vet app for expert vet advice anytime. 📱🐶