At what age do puppies lose their teeth?

Baby teeth usually start being replaced around four months, with a full set of adult teeth by about six to seven months.

Is it normal for a puppy’s gums to bleed while teething?

A small amount of blood on a toy is common and usually nothing to worry about. Persistent bleeding, obvious pain or refusing food is worth a vet check.

What is a retained baby tooth?

A baby tooth that has not fallen out when the adult one comes through, leaving two teeth in one place. It commonly affects the canines and usually needs removing, often at the same time as neutering.

Should I pull out a loose puppy tooth?

No. They come out on their own, and pulling risks breaking the root. If a tooth is still there once the adult tooth is through, mention it to your vet.

What can I give a teething puppy to chew?

Toys designed for puppies, and something cool such as a damp cloth chilled in the freezer. Avoid bones, antlers and very hard nylon, which can fracture teeth.

When do puppies lose their teeth?

Puppies start losing their baby teeth at around four months old and have usually finished by six or seven months. Most owners never find a tooth — they are usually swallowed, which is harmless. The one thing worth checking is whether any baby teeth are still there once the adult ones have come through.

The rough timeline

Puppies are born without teeth. Baby teeth come through from around two to three weeks and are complete by six to eight weeks, which is part of why weaning happens when it does.

From roughly four months the baby teeth start to be replaced, usually beginning with the small front teeth and working back. By around six to seven months most puppies have a full set of adult teeth.

A little blood on a toy, mild reluctance to chew hard things, and a lot of chewing generally are all normal during this period.

The thing to actually check

Retained baby teeth. If an adult tooth comes through while the baby tooth is still in place, you get two teeth in one spot — most commonly the canines. It traps food, pushes teeth out of alignment, and stores up dental problems.

Have a look at around six or seven months and mention anything doubled up at the next appointment. Retained teeth usually need removing, and vets often do it at the same time as neutering to avoid a second anaesthetic.

Also worth raising: a bite that looks noticeably misaligned, or a puppy who is genuinely off their food rather than just chewing more.

Managing the chewing

Give appropriate things to chew and make the inappropriate ones unavailable. Puppy-proofing works better than correction, because a teething puppy will chew something regardless.

Avoid anything hard enough to damage a tooth — bones, antlers and very hard nylon are common causes of fractures, and a fractured tooth in a young dog is a genuine problem.

Something cool can help. A damp cloth frozen for an hour, or a rubber toy chilled in the fridge, gives relief without risk.

Do not use your hands as a toy during teething. It is much easier not to teach it than to untrain it later.

Common questions

At what age do puppies lose their teeth?: Baby teeth usually start being replaced around four months, with a full set of adult teeth by about six to seven months.
Is it normal for a puppy’s gums to bleed while teething?: A small amount of blood on a toy is common and usually nothing to worry about. Persistent bleeding, obvious pain or refusing food is worth a vet check.
What is a retained baby tooth?: A baby tooth that has not fallen out when the adult one comes through, leaving two teeth in one place. It commonly affects the canines and usually needs removing, often at the same time as neutering.
Should I pull out a loose puppy tooth?: No. They come out on their own, and pulling risks breaking the root. If a tooth is still there once the adult tooth is through, mention it to your vet.
What can I give a teething puppy to chew?: Toys designed for puppies, and something cool such as a damp cloth chilled in the freezer. Avoid bones, antlers and very hard nylon, which can fracture teeth.

Sources

Written against guidance published by UK veterinary and welfare organisations. Always confirm specifics with your own vet.

Written by Matt Garnett, who runs Giddy Pets and is a lifelong pet owner — not a vet. This is general information, not veterinary advice, and it cannot replace an examination by the vet who knows your animal. How we write these guides.