Timeline
| Age | What happens |
|---|---|
| 2 to 4 weeks | Baby (deciduous) teeth start to appear |
| 6 to 8 weeks | All 28 baby teeth are in |
| 12 to 16 weeks | Baby incisors fall out; adult incisors come in |
| 4 to 6 months | Adult canines, premolars and molars erupt; peak chewing |
| 6 to 7 months | All 42 adult teeth are usually in |
Signs of teething
- Chewing everything, especially hard or cold things
- Drooling, small spots of blood on toys
- Finding tiny teeth on the floor (most are swallowed, which is harmless)
- Mild gum swelling, sometimes picky eating for a day or two
How to help
- Offer a few chew types: rubber toys, a frozen damp flannel, a frozen stuffed Kong
- Avoid very hard chews such as antlers, hooves and cooked bones, which can fracture teeth
- Redirect chewing from hands and furniture to a toy, and reward it
- Start brushing gently with dog toothpaste now so it becomes routine
When to see a vet
If a baby tooth is still there once the adult tooth beside it has come through (common with canines in small breeds), it can push teeth out of line, and the vet may remove it. Also check with your vet if your puppy has a broken tooth, won't eat, or has bad breath that doesn't fade.
Frequently asked questions
Can puppies get a fever from teething?
Teething doesn’t cause a real fever. A puppy that is lethargic or has a temperature needs a vet check for another cause.
Are ice cubes OK for teething puppies?
Small amounts are generally fine, but frozen toys and cloths are gentler on teeth.