Puppy teething: ages, loose teeth and safe relief

Pawno editorial · Published 20 October 2026 · 4 min read

The usual dental sequence

These are ranges, not deadlines and not a way to diagnose a mouth from age alone. Your veterinary team can check the actual teeth and bite. If something seems painful or abnormal, do not wait for the end of the range.

Why you may never find a tooth

Owners sometimes discover a small tooth near a bed or toy, but many baby teeth are swallowed during normal activity without a problem. Failure to find teeth does not mean replacement has not happened. Avoid pulling at a loose tooth to help the process along.

A tiny trace of blood on a toy can occur as a tooth loosens. Persistent bleeding, a visible injury, facial swelling or an animal who seems unwell should not be dismissed as teething. Contact your vet for an assessment.

Set up a small chewing station

Put a few puppy-appropriate options in the room where supervised downtime happens. Choose sizes that cannot easily disappear into the mouth, inspect seams and remove items that break apart. Match the item to the puppy in front of you; a product labelled “puppy” is not a safety guarantee.

Very hard objects can damage teeth. Ask your vet about suitable materials and avoid bones, antlers and other unyielding chews. Do not assume that a longer-lasting object is a better choice. Your supervision needs to include watching what the puppy is doing to the object, not merely being somewhere in the house.

Some owners use a cool toy intended for that purpose. Follow the manufacturer’s directions and check with your vet about suitability. Avoid improvised remedies and rock-hard frozen objects. A chew should offer an outlet; it should not require the puppy to bite harder through pain.

A daily check that stays gentle

When the puppy is relaxed, begin with a moment of comfortable touch near the cheek and a reward. Build towards brief lip lifts only if they remain willing. Stop before struggling begins. This is preparation for cooperative care, not permission to pry open a sore mouth.

Ask your vet when and how to begin toothbrushing, using pet-safe products. Human toothpaste and human pain medicines are not teething treatments for a puppy. Pain that seems to need medication is a reason to call the practice.

What are retained baby teeth?

Sometimes an adult tooth arrives while the baby tooth remains. This can affect alignment and create a crowded space that traps material. If you notice two teeth apparently sharing one position, arrange a veterinary examination. Do not attempt removal yourself or assume it can wait until an unrelated future appointment.

Troubleshooting the common situations

• The puppy chews furniture: restrict access while you are unable to supervise and provide a suitable alternative before they start.
• They reject one chew: try a different appropriate size or texture; do not force their mouth onto it.
• They stop eating or chew on one side: call your vet rather than switching foods repeatedly to hide the symptom.
• A tooth looks chipped or broken: get it examined, even if the puppy continues playing.

After teething

Chewing does not end when the last adult tooth appears. Dogs continue to explore and use chews, and some habits persist without teaching and management. Keep safe outlets available and carry on rewarding appropriate choices. If nipping is your main problem, use the separate biting guide as well as addressing the teeth.