Lose Their Baby Teeth?
Do dogs lose their baby teeth? Yes — learn the science behind puppy teething, the exact timeline, what's normal, and when retained deciduous teeth need vet attention.
Quick Answer: Do Dogs Lose Their Baby Teeth?
Yes, dogs absolutely lose their baby teeth. Puppies are born without teeth, develop 28 deciduous (baby) teeth by roughly 6–8 weeks of age, and then shed all of them between approximately 12 and 28 weeks (3 to 7 months) as 42 permanent adult teeth erupt underneath. The entire process is typically complete by 6–7 months of age. If your puppy still has baby teeth alongside adult teeth after 7 months, consult your veterinarian — this condition, called retained deciduous teeth, can cause orthodontic problems and requires professional evaluation.
If you've found a tiny, rice-grain-sized tooth on your puppy's bed or noticed your 4-month-old chewing everything in sight, you're witnessing one of the most predictable developmental milestones in canine biology. Unlike some mammalian traits that vary wildly between breeds, tooth eruption and replacement in dogs follows a remarkably consistent timeline — with a few important exceptions that every owner should understand.
This guide breaks down the physiological mechanism, evolutionary reasoning, and practical realities of puppy teething, so you know exactly what to expect and when to intervene.
The Science of Deciduous and Permanent Dentition in Dogs
How Puppy Teeth Develop and Fall Out
Dogs are diphyodont, meaning they develop two successive sets of teeth during their lifetime — a trait shared with humans, wolves, and most mammals. The process begins before birth.
Embryonic stage (weeks 3–6 of gestation): The dental lamina — a band of epithelial tissue in the developing jaw — begins forming tooth buds. These buds will become both the deciduous and permanent teeth. The deciduous tooth buds develop first, while the permanent tooth buds remain dormant just above or below them in the jawbone.
Postnatal eruption: After birth, the deciduous teeth mineralize and erupt through the gums. The permanent teeth continue developing within the bone, surrounded by a protective follicular sac.
The shedding mechanism: As each permanent tooth grows, it puts pressure on the root of the overlying deciduous tooth. Specialized cells called odontoclasts (the dental equivalent of bone-resorbing osteoclasts) are activated by this pressure. They begin dissolving the root structure of the baby tooth from the bottom up — a process called root resorption. As the root disappears, the baby tooth loses its anchor and eventually falls out, often swallowed by the puppy during eating or grooming (which is harmless).
According to the Merck Veterinary Manual, this resorption process is why you rarely see the roots of shed puppy teeth — only the hollow crowns remain by the time they fall out.
Puppy Teething Timeline: Week by Week
| Age Range | Milestone | Tooth Count | What to Expect |
|---|---|---|---|
| Birth – 2 weeks | Edentulous (no teeth) | 0 | Puppy nurses using tongue; gums are smooth |
| 3 – 4 weeks | Deciduous incisors erupt | 6–12 | Tiny front teeth appear; puppy may start nibbling littermates |
| 4 – 6 weeks | Deciduous canines and premolars erupt | Up to 28 | Sharp "needle teeth" fully in; weaning begins as teeth irritate mother |
| 8 – 12 weeks | Full deciduous set in place | 28 | Puppy bites hard; chewing behavior intensifies |
| 12 – 16 weeks (3–4 months) | Incisors begin shedding | Transitional | First baby teeth fall out; you may find small teeth or notice gaps |
| 16 – 20 weeks (4–5 months) | Canines and premolars shed | Transitional | Peak teething discomfort; chewing surges; possible mild gum bleeding |
| 20 – 24 weeks (5–6 months) | Permanent molars erupt | Approaching 42 | Back molars push through; jaw growth accommodates larger teeth |
| 24 – 28 weeks (6–7 months) | Full permanent dentition complete | 42 | All adult teeth in; chewing drive decreases; vet dental check recommended |
Why Do Dogs Lose Baby Teeth? The Evolutionary Basis
From Wolf Pups to Domestic Dogs
The diphyodont tooth pattern predates domestication by millions of years. Gray wolf pups (Canis lupus) follow an almost identical dental timeline to domestic dogs, which makes sense given their shared ancestry.
Why two sets? In the wild, wolf pups need functional teeth early to begin processing regurgitated meat from pack members (starting around 3–4 weeks) and to compete with littermates for food. But a pup's jaw is too small to hold the full-sized teeth an adult needs for shearing meat and crushing bone. The solution evolution arrived at: a temporary set of smaller, sharper teeth that serve the growing juvenile, then get replaced by larger, more durable permanent teeth once the jaw reaches adequate size.
The needle-sharp deciduous teeth of wolf and dog puppies also serve a behavioral function: they cause discomfort to the nursing mother, which encourages her to begin distancing herself and pushing the pups toward solid food — a natural weaning mechanism. Research on wild canids published in journals like the Journal of Mammalogy confirms that weaning onset correlates closely with deciduous canine eruption.
Domestic dogs have retained this system virtually unchanged. Despite thousands of years of selective breeding for size, coat, and temperament, the dental eruption schedule remains one of the most conserved traits across all breeds — with important exceptions discussed below.
How Is This Different From Humans?
Humans are also diphyodont, but there are key differences in how dogs and people replace their teeth:
- Speed: Humans take roughly 6–12 years to shed all 20 deciduous teeth (ages 6 to 12). Dogs complete the entire process in about 4 months (ages 3 to 7 months). This accelerated timeline matches the dog's faster overall maturation — dogs reach skeletal maturity in 1–2 years versus 18+ years in humans.
- Tooth count: Humans have 20 baby teeth and 32 permanent teeth. Dogs have 28 baby teeth and 42 permanent teeth. The difference in adult count is due to dogs having additional premolars and molars adapted for a carnivorous shearing function.
- Root resorption: Both species use odontoclast-mediated root resorption, but dogs tend to swallow their shed teeth rather than losing them externally. If you find a puppy tooth, it's usually the crown only — the root has already been dissolved.
- No third set: Neither dogs nor humans can grow a third set of teeth. Some animals (sharks, crocodiles) are polyphyodont — continuously replacing teeth throughout life. Dogs and humans cannot. Once the 42 permanent teeth are in, they must last the dog's lifetime.
Practical Implications: What Teething Means for Your Daily Life
Managing the Teething Puppy (Months 3–7)
1. Provide appropriate chew outlets. Puppies in active teething phases have a biological drive to chew — it helps relieve gum pressure as teeth erupt and aids in loosening deciduous teeth. Offer:
- Rubber chew toys rated for puppies (KONG Puppy, Nylabone Puppy — $8–$15)
- Frozen washcloths (wet a clean cloth, twist, freeze for 2 hours — the cold numbs inflamed gums)
- Edible puppy teething chews (look for VOHC-accepted products; $15–$25 for a month's supply)
- Chilled (not frozen solid) carrots for large-breed puppies over 12 weeks
2. Puppy-proof your home aggressively. Between months 3–6, puppies will chew baseboards, shoes, electrical cords, and furniture legs. Expect to spend $30–$60 on bitter sprays (Grannick's Bitter Apple, ~$10) and cord protectors. Redirect to approved chews every time you catch them on a forbidden item — this is positive reinforcement training, not a behavioral problem.
3. Monitor for excessive bleeding or swelling. Mild gum bleeding during tooth shedding is normal and self-resolving. However, if you see persistent bleeding lasting more than a few minutes, significant facial swelling, or your puppy refuses to eat for more than 24 hours, contact your veterinarian promptly.
4. Begin tooth brushing during teething. The teething window is an ideal time to accustom your puppy to having their mouth handled. Use a dog-specific enzymatic toothpaste (Virbac C.E.T., ~$12) and a finger brush. Start with 5-second sessions and build to 30 seconds. Dogs that learn to accept brushing as puppies have significantly lower rates of periodontal disease later in life.
Breed Variations in Teething
While the general timeline holds across breeds, several important variations exist:
| Breed Category | Teething Variation | Owner Action |
|---|---|---|
| Toy & small breeds (Chihuahuas, Yorkshire Terriers, Pomeranians, Toy Poodles) | Highest risk of retained deciduous teeth. Small jaws may lack space for permanent teeth to push out baby teeth. Canines most commonly retained. | Vet dental check at 5–6 months. Extraction of retained teeth may be needed ($200–$600 per tooth under anesthesia). |
| Brachycephalic breeds (Bulldogs, Pugs, Shih Tzus, Boston Terriers) | Crowded jaws due to shortened skull. Teeth often erupt at abnormal angles (malocclusion). Retained teeth compound crowding. | Early orthodontic assessment by 4–5 months. Some cases require veterinary dentist referral. |
| Large & giant breeds (Great Danes, Mastiffs, Labrador Retrievers) | Teething may complete slightly later (up to 8 months for giants). Larger jaws usually accommodate teeth well. | Monitor but generally lower risk. Provide larger-format chew toys. |
| Working/herding breeds (German Shepherds, Border Collies, Belgian Malinois) | Standard timeline. High chew drive during teething can lead to destructive behavior if not channeled. | Heavy investment in puzzle toys and structured chew sessions. Rotate toys to maintain interest. |
The American Kennel Club notes that toy breeds are disproportionately affected by retained deciduous teeth, with some studies suggesting up to 10–15% of small-breed puppies retain at least one baby tooth past the normal shedding window.
When Retained Baby Teeth Signal a Problem
A retained deciduous tooth occurs when the permanent tooth erupts alongside the baby tooth rather than beneath it, so the root of the baby tooth is never resorbed. This is not a cosmetic issue — it has real clinical consequences:
- Crowding and malocclusion: Two teeth occupying the same space forces the adult tooth into an abnormal position, which can cause the tooth to rub against the palate, lip, or opposing gum — creating painful ulcers.
- Periodontal disease acceleration: Crowded teeth trap food and bacteria, leading to plaque buildup and early-onset periodontal disease. Small breeds with retained teeth often show significant dental disease by age 2–3.
- Root abscess risk: A retained deciduous tooth with an intact root can develop endodontic disease, leading to a painful root abscess that may require surgical extraction.
When to See Your Veterinarian
Contact your vet if you notice any of the following during or after the teething period:
- Any baby tooth still present after 7 months of age (especially canines)
- Two teeth occupying the same socket ("double tooth" appearance)
- Adult teeth erupting at abnormal angles or toward the palate
- Persistent bad breath beyond normal puppy breath (may indicate infection)
- Puppy dropping food, pawing at mouth, or refusing hard kibble for more than 48 hours
- Visible pus, significant swelling, or bleeding that does not stop within minutes
- Facial asymmetry or swelling under the eye (possible tooth root abscess)
Extraction of a retained deciduous tooth is a routine veterinary dental procedure. Costs typically range from $150–$600 per tooth depending on whether general anesthesia and dental radiographs are needed. Early extraction (before 8–9 months) prevents most orthodontic complications.
Common Misconceptions About Puppy Teeth
| Myth | Fact |
|---|---|
| "Puppies swallow their teeth and it's dangerous." | Most puppies do swallow shed teeth, and it's completely harmless. The tiny, rootless crowns pass through the digestive tract without issue. You'll never find most of them. |
| "I should pull out my puppy's loose teeth myself." | Do not pull puppy teeth. If a tooth is ready to fall out, it will on its own. Forcing extraction can break the root, leaving fragments that cause infection. Only a veterinarian should extract teeth that are genuinely retained. |
| "Teething causes diarrhea and fever." | There is no strong veterinary evidence that teething causes systemic illness in dogs. Mild gum inflammation is local, not systemic. If your puppy has diarrhea, fever (>103°F / 39.4°C), or lethargy, look for another cause and consult your vet — these are not teething symptoms. |
| "All dogs have the same number of teeth." | The standard is 42 permanent teeth, but some dogs are born with congenitally missing teeth (hypodontia), particularly in small breeds and brachycephalic breeds. Missing premolars are the most common. This is usually cosmetic but should be documented by your vet. |
| "Puppy teeth are sharper because they're more aggressive." | Deciduous teeth are proportionally thinner and sharper than adult teeth — this is a structural feature, not a behavioral one. They evolved to process soft food and to stimulate weaning behavior in the mother. |
Related Developmental Milestones During the Teething Window
The 3–7 month teething window overlaps with several other critical developmental phases:
- Fear periods: Puppies experience a secondary fear period around 6–14 months. Negative experiences during dental procedures (rough handling, painful extractions without adequate pain management) can create lasting fear associations with mouth handling. Choose a vet who uses low-stress handling techniques.
- Social hierarchy testing: Adolescence (6–18 months) coincides with the end of teething. Mouthing and biting during play may intensify before decreasing. Redirect to appropriate toys and reward calm behavior — never punish, as this can create fear-based aggression.
- Vaccination schedule completion: By 16–20 weeks, most puppies complete their core DHPP series and receive their rabies vaccine. Coordinate dental checks with these visits to minimize clinic stress.
- Spay/neuter timing: Many veterinarians recommend spaying or neutering between 5–7 months (breed-dependent). This is often the same window when retained teeth are assessed. Combining dental extraction with a spay/neuter procedure under one anesthesia reduces cost and total anesthetic exposure — ask your vet if this is appropriate for your dog.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do dogs lose their baby teeth the same way humans do?
The underlying mechanism — odontoclast-mediated root resorption triggered by permanent tooth eruption — is the same in both species. However, dogs complete the process in about 4 months compared to 6+ years in humans, and dogs typically swallow their shed teeth rather than losing them externally. Dogs also have more teeth in both sets (28 baby, 42 adult) compared to humans (20 baby, 32 adult).
Is it normal for my puppy to bleed while losing teeth?
Yes, minor gum bleeding is expected when a baby tooth finally releases. You may notice pink-tinged saliva or a small blood spot on a chew toy. This should be brief and self-limiting. Continuous bleeding, large amounts of blood, or bleeding accompanied by lethargy or refusal to eat warrants a veterinary visit. A clotting disorder or other underlying issue could be present.
Can dogs regrow teeth if an adult tooth is lost?
No. Like humans, dogs are diphyodont — they only get two sets. Once a permanent tooth is lost (due to trauma, periodontal disease, or extraction), it does not regrow. This is why daily dental care and annual veterinary dental cleanings are essential for preserving your dog's 42 permanent teeth throughout their life. Dogs missing multiple teeth can still eat well, but they may need softened kibble or a wet-food diet.
What does it mean when my adult dog still has a baby tooth?
If a dog over 7 months old retains a deciduous tooth, it means the permanent tooth did not erupt in a position that triggered root resorption. This is most common with canine (fang) teeth in small breeds. The retained tooth should be evaluated by a veterinarian and typically extracted to prevent crowding, malocclusion, and early periodontal disease. The procedure is routine and has an excellent prognosis when performed before secondary complications develop.
How can I tell the difference between a baby tooth and an adult tooth?
Deciduous teeth are noticeably smaller, thinner, and sharper than permanent teeth. Baby canines look like tiny, pointed needles, while adult canines are broader and more robust. Baby premolars have a more delicate, translucent appearance. If you find a shed tooth, it will likely be a hollow crown with no root — the root was already resorbed before the tooth fell out.
Should I be worried if my puppy's teeth aren't falling out on schedule?
Minor variation (a few weeks early or late) is normal, especially in giant breeds. However, if your puppy is past 7 months with multiple retained baby teeth, or if you see adult teeth erupting behind or beside baby teeth (creating a "double row"), schedule a veterinary dental evaluation. Early intervention prevents more expensive orthodontic corrections later.
References & Further Reading
- Merck Veterinary Manual — Dental Anomalies in Dogs: Comprehensive reference on deciduous and permanent dentition, retained teeth, and breed predispositions.
- American Kennel Club — Puppy Teething: What You Need to Know: Practical owner guidance on teething timelines and management.
- American Veterinary Medical Association — Dog Owners: General dental health and preventive care resources for dog owners.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional veterinary advice. If you have concerns about your puppy's dental development, consult your veterinarian for a personalized assessment.
Aaron Whyte
All our authors care for dogs every day — read more of their work on the authors page.
