When Do Puppies Lose Their First Teeth? A Comprehensive Guide For Pet Owners

As a new puppy parent, you might be wondering about the various changes your furry friend will undergo as they grow.

One common concern is when do puppies lose their first teeth? Understanding this process is essential for ensuring your pup’s health and comfort.

In this blog post, we’ll explore the timeline of puppy dental development, the signs to look for, and how you can support your growing dog through this important stage.

The Puppy Teething Timeline

Puppies are born without teeth, but by three weeks of age, they start to develop their baby teeth, also known as deciduous teeth.

These initial teeth will begin to emerge in a specific order:

Incisors: The first to appear, typically around 3 weeks old.

Canines: These come next, usually appearing by 4 weeks.
Premolars: The last of the baby teeth, which emerge by 6 weeks.

Puppies have a total of 28 baby teeth that will eventually fall out as they grow.

When Do Puppies Start Losing Their Baby Teeth?

Puppies begin to lose their baby teeth at around 12 weeks of age. This process can last until they are about 6 months old.

So if you’re wondering, “When do puppies lose their first teeth?” the answer is typically between 12 to 16 weeks of age.

Signs Your Puppy Is Teething

As your puppy transitions from baby teeth to adult teeth, you may notice several behaviors indicating they are teething:

1. Increased Chewing

Puppies may chew on furniture, shoes, or toys more frequently. This helps soothe their sore gums as their teeth come in.

Natural Instinct: Puppies will start to chew more as their baby teeth begin to loosen. This is a natural instinct for them during the teething process.
Searching for Relief: Chewing helps relieve discomfort from sore gums. It’s their way of coping with the pain of teething.

Destructive Behavior: You may notice your puppy chewing on furniture or shoes. This is often an attempt to find something to soothe their aching gums.
Variety of Chew Toys: Providing appropriate chew toys can help redirect this behavior. It also satisfies their need to chew without causing damage.

Understanding these signs can help you support your puppy through this important developmental stage.

2. Drooling as a Sign of Teething

Teething can cause excessive drooling. You might notice wet spots where your puppy frequently hangs out.

Increased Salivation: One of the most common signs of teething in puppies is drooling. You may notice your puppy drooling more than usual during this time.
Soaking Wet Fur: The drool can soak their fur around the mouth and chin. This can lead to a mess, so be prepared for extra cleaning.

Swollen Gums: Along with drooling, puppies may have swollen or red gums. This discomfort often leads to increased drooling as they try to soothe their mouths.

Recognizing these signs can help you provide the right support for your puppy during their teething phase.

3. Gums Appear Red or Swollen

Check your puppy’s gums. They may look red or swollen due to the pressure of the emerging teeth.

Visual Changes: When puppies start teething, their gums may become red or swollen. This is a clear sign that their baby teeth are loosening.
Increased Drooling: As the gums become irritated, you may notice more drooling. This can be a messy but normal part of the teething process.
Behavioral Changes: Puppies might become more irritable during this time. They may chew on furniture, shoes, or toys to relieve their discomfort.

Recognizing these signs can help you provide the right support and care for your teething puppy.

4. Behavior Changes During Teething

Some puppies become irritable or more anxious. This can be a sign that teething is causing discomfort.

Increased Chewing: Puppies often chew more when they are teething. They may target furniture, shoes, or toys to relieve gum discomfort.

Irritability: Teething can make puppies cranky. You might notice your puppy being less social or more easily agitated during this time.
Excessive Drooling: As teeth push through the gums, drooling can increase. This is a natural response to the irritation and discomfort they feel.
Loss of Appetite: Some puppies may eat less when teething. The pressure and pain in their gums can make it uncomfortable to chew food.

Recognizing these signs can help you support your puppy through this challenging phase.

Providing appropriate chew toys can ease their discomfort and keep them happy.

5. Loss of Appetite

Puppies may eat less or refuse food altogether. Their sore mouths can make eating uncomfortable.

Reduced Interest in Food: When puppies start teething, they may show less interest in their regular food. This can be due to discomfort in their mouths.
Preference for Soft Foods: Puppies might choose softer foods over kibble. This is because softer textures are easier on their sore gums.
Temporary Discomfort: Teething can cause pain and sensitivity. A puppy may eat less during this period but will usually return to normal once the teeth have fully emerged.

Recognizing these signs can help you support your puppy through the teething process.

6. Bleeding Gums

It’s not uncommon for puppies to have a little bleeding from their gums. This usually happens when teeth break through.

Visible Blood: One of the most noticeable signs of teething is bleeding gums. You may see small amounts of blood on your puppy’s toys or in their mouth.

Discomfort: Your puppy may also show signs of discomfort. They might whine or paw at their mouth. This can indicate that their gums are sore.
Changes in Behavior: Teething can lead to changes in behavior. Your puppy may become more irritable or less willing to play.
Increased Chewing: You may notice your puppy chewing more frequently. This is a natural response to relieve gum pain.

Keeping an eye on these signs can help you manage your puppy’s teething process effectively.

7. Excessive Barking or Whining

Teething pain can lead to more vocalizations. Your puppy may bark or whine more than usual.

Increased Vocalization: When puppies start teething, they may bark or whine more than usual. This vocalization can indicate discomfort from their new teeth pushing through.

Attention-Seeking Behavior: Puppies might use barking to get attention. They may want reassurance or comfort during this uncomfortable phase.
Frustration: Teething can be frustrating for puppies. They may express their annoyance through whining or barking, signaling their need for help.

Observing these signs can help you understand what your puppy is going through.

It’s important to provide support during this challenging time.

8. Finding Teeth

You might find baby teeth around your home. This indicates that your puppy is actively losing them.

Finding Teeth: It’s common to find tiny, sharp teeth around your home. These are often baby teeth that have fallen out.

Increased Chewing: Teething puppies tend to chew more. They may go after shoes, furniture, or toys to relieve discomfort.
Excessive Drooling: You might notice more drool than usual. This is a natural response to the teething process and can make a mess.
Irritability or Whining: Teething can be uncomfortable. Puppies may become irritable or whine more often as they seek comfort.

Recognizing these signs can help you support your puppy through this important developmental phase.

9. Seeking Comfort During Teething

Puppies may seek out your attention more during this time. They may want to cuddle or be close to you for reassurance.

Increased Chewing: Puppies often chew on anything they can find. This behavior helps relieve the discomfort of their emerging teeth.

Seeking Attention: A teething puppy may become more clingy. They often seek comfort from their owners, wanting extra cuddles and reassurance.
Whining or Whimpering: Teething can be painful. Puppies may vocalize more often to express their discomfort. This is a sign they need your support.
Changes in Eating Habits: Some puppies may show a decrease in appetite. The pain from teething can make it uncomfortable for them to eat.

Recognizing these signs is important. It allows you to provide the care and comfort your puppy needs during this challenging time.

10. Playfulness with Toys

You may notice your puppy becoming more playful with chew toys. This is a positive way for them to relieve teething pain.

Increased Chewing: When puppies are teething, they often chew on toys more than usual. This is their way of relieving discomfort from emerging teeth.

Seeking Out Chewable Items: Teething puppies may search for anything they can chew. This can include shoes, furniture, or even your fingers.
Playing Roughly: You might notice your puppy being more playful or rough with their toys. They may shake, toss, or gnaw on them vigorously.

These signs indicate that your puppy is experiencing the teething process.

Providing appropriate chew toys can help soothe their discomfort during this time.

Note: Recognizing these signs can help you provide comfort and support during your puppy’s teething phase.

Read also: Why Do Puppies Sleep On Their Backs: 10 Reasons, Benefits & Tips

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How You Can Support Your Growing Dog Through This Important Stage

Understanding the Timeline: Puppies usually begin to lose their baby teeth around three months old. This process can last until about six months of age.
Provide Chew Toys: Offer safe and appropriate chew toys. This can help soothe their gums and distract from the discomfort of teething.

Frozen Treats: Freeze wet washcloths or dog-safe treats. The cold can provide relief for sore gums and make chewing more enjoyable.
Regular Dental Care: Start brushing your puppy’s teeth early. This helps them get used to dental hygiene and promotes healthy teeth and gums.
Monitor Their Diet: Offer soft food during the teething phase. This can make eating easier and more comfortable for your puppy.

Encourage Play: Engage your puppy in gentle play. This can help distract them from any pain and keep them active.
Vet Checkups: Schedule regular vet visits. Your vet can monitor your puppy’s dental health and ensure everything is progressing normally.
Avoid Hard Objects: Keep hard bones and toys out of reach. These can be too tough for teething puppies and may cause damage to their developing teeth.

Be Patient: Understand that teething can be uncomfortable. Provide comfort and reassurance to your puppy during this time.
Positive Reinforcement: Use treats and praise to encourage good behavior. This helps create positive associations as they grow through this important stage.