If your puppy has been turning your favorite shoes into confetti and you are wondering when this phase will end, you are not alone. Teething is a messy, chewy, and sometimes painful stage for both of you. The good news is that it is temporary and has a clear finish line. Most puppies stop teething completely between 6 and 7 months old, once their adult teeth have pushed through and settled in. But the journey from those first needle-sharp baby teeth to a full set of adult chompers has distinct stages, and knowing what to expect can save your furniture and your sanity. Let’s walk through the timeline, the signs, and the best ways to help your pup through it.
The Puppy Teething Timeline: Week by Week
Puppies are born without teeth, but those baby teeth (also called deciduous teeth) start appearing around 3 to 4 weeks of age. By 8 weeks, most puppies have a full set of 28 sharp little needles. The real teething trouble begins when those baby teeth start to fall out to make room for the permanent adult teeth. This process usually starts around 12 to 16 weeks. The most intense period of chewing, drooling, and irritability happens between 4 and 5 months, when the premolars and molars are coming in. By 6 months, most puppies have lost all their baby teeth, and by 7 months, the adult set of 42 teeth should be fully in place. If your puppy is still chewing everything in sight at 8 months, it might be less about teething and more about boredom or habit, which brings us to the next section.
Common Signs Your Puppy Is Teething
It is not always obvious when a puppy is teething because they chew for many reasons. But a few telltale signs include: increased drooling (sometimes with tiny blood spots on toys), red or swollen gums, a slight decrease in appetite (especially for hard kibble), and a sudden obsession with chewing ice cubes or frozen washcloths. You might also find tiny, hollow baby teeth on the floor or in their bed, though many puppies swallow them without issue. Some puppies get a bit grumpy or whiny, and a few even have mild digestive upset from swallowing extra saliva. If your pup seems to be in significant pain, is refusing to eat, or has bleeding that does not stop quickly, please ask your vet for guidance. Otherwise, these signs are normal and manageable.
Puppies have 28 baby teeth, but adult dogs have 42. That is 14 extra teeth coming in, mostly in the back of the mouth. Those molars are often the most uncomfortable for your pup, which is why they may suddenly start chewing on the legs of your coffee table around 5 months old.
How to Soothe Your Teething Puppy Safely
Your first instinct might be to give your puppy a bone or a hard chew toy, but you need to be careful. Puppy teeth are fragile, and hard items can crack a baby tooth or damage emerging adult teeth. Stick to soft, flexible rubber toys that you can freeze. A wet washcloth twisted and frozen is a classic, safe option. You can also freeze a small amount of plain yogurt or unsalted chicken broth in a Kong toy. Always supervise your puppy with any chew item, and avoid cooked bones, antlers, or hard nylon bones until their adult teeth are fully in. If your puppy seems really uncomfortable, you can ask your vet about puppy-safe teething gels or pain relief, but never give human medications. For more ideas, check out our guide on the best teething toys for puppies that are gentle on new teeth.
When Chewing Doesn’t Stop: Boredom vs. Teething
By 7 or 8 months, your puppy should have all their adult teeth, but many owners still find their young dog chewing furniture, shoes, and baseboards. This is usually not teething anymore. It is often boredom, excess energy, or a lack of appropriate outlets. A tired puppy is a good puppy. Make sure your dog is getting enough physical exercise and mental stimulation. Puzzle toys, training sessions, and short walks can make a huge difference. If the chewing continues, it might also be a sign of separation anxiety or a habit formed during the teething phase. Redirecting to appropriate chews and rewarding calm behavior works better than punishment. For more on managing this transition, read our article on puppy chewing behavior after teething.
“Teething is temporary, but a good chewing habit can last a lifetime. Offer the right things to chew, and your puppy will learn what is theirs.”
What About Teething Pain and Loss of Appetite?
It is common for a teething puppy to eat a little less, especially if they are used to hard kibble. You can help by softening their food with warm water for a few minutes, or offering wet food during the worst days. Some puppies also benefit from a frozen treat like a small piece of banana or a frozen carrot. If your puppy skips a meal but still drinks water and acts playful, it is usually fine. However, if they refuse food for more than 24 hours, seem lethargic, or have diarrhea, contact your vet. Teething should not cause serious illness. Also, keep an eye on baby teeth that seem stuck. Occasionally a baby tooth does not fall out on its own, and the adult tooth comes in beside it. This is called a retained tooth and can cause dental problems later. If you see two teeth in one spot, or if your puppy is 7 months old and still has baby teeth, schedule a vet visit. For more on dental health, see our guide on puppy dental care basics.
When to Call the Vet
Most teething is a normal, uncomplicated process. But there are a few red flags. Call your vet if you see: a baby tooth that is clearly broken and causing pain, a swollen face or jaw, excessive bleeding from the gums, or if your puppy stops eating or drinking completely. Also, if your puppy is chewing so aggressively that they damage their own gums or break a tooth, a vet can help. Finally, if your puppy is over 8 months old and still has not lost all baby teeth, a dental check is a good idea. Retained baby teeth can lead to plaque buildup and misalignment. Your vet can remove them easily if needed. Teething is a phase, and with a little patience and the right tools, you and your puppy will get through it together.