Dogs Lose Their Baby Teeth?
Learn exactly when dogs lose their baby teeth, the science behind puppy teething, what to expect week by week, and when retained teeth signal a vet visit.
Direct Answer: Puppies begin losing their baby teeth (deciduous teeth) at approximately 12 to 16 weeks of age (3 to 4 months). The process typically starts with the incisors, followed by the canines and premolars. Most puppies have lost all 28 deciduous teeth and gained their full set of 42 adult teeth by 6 to 7 months of age. Small and brachycephalic breeds often retain baby teeth longer than large breeds.
If you've found a tiny, sharp tooth on your puppy's favorite chew toy or noticed your 4-month-old gnawing everything in sight, you're witnessing one of the most predictable developmental milestones in canine biology. But the timeline isn't as uniform as many puppy guides suggest. Breed size, genetics, and even individual variation within a litter all influence when and how those needle-sharp deciduous teeth make way for a mature adult dentition.
This guide breaks down the physiological mechanism of tooth resorption, the evolutionary reasons puppies are born with temporary teeth, and the practical steps you need to take during each teething phase — including the warning signs that warrant a veterinary visit.
The Science of Deciduous Tooth Loss in Dogs
Dogs, like humans, are diphyodont — meaning they develop two successive sets of teeth during their lifetime. The first set, called deciduous or "baby" teeth, consists of 28 teeth. The permanent set comprises 42 teeth (in most breeds). This two-phase dental development is shared across nearly all mammals with a carnivorous or omnivorous evolutionary lineage, according to the Merck Veterinary Manual.
The physiological mechanism behind baby tooth loss is called root resorption. As the permanent tooth develops beneath the gumline within the jawbone, specialized cells called osteoclasts begin dissolving the root structure of the overlying deciduous tooth. This process weakens the baby tooth's anchor in the alveolar bone until it loosens and eventually falls out — often swallowed by the puppy during eating or play, which is completely harmless.
The permanent tooth then erupts through the gingiva (gum tissue) into the space vacated by the deciduous tooth. This coordinated sequence — resorption, shedding, eruption — is governed by signaling pathways including RANKL/OPG (Receptor Activator of Nuclear Factor Kappa-B Ligand / Osteoprotegerin), which regulate bone remodeling around the developing tooth. Research published in the Journal of Veterinary Dentistry has shown that disruptions in this signaling cascade are a primary cause of retained deciduous teeth, a condition particularly prevalent in toy breeds.
Deciduous vs. Permanent Dentition: By the Numbers
| Feature | Deciduous (Baby) Teeth | Permanent (Adult) Teeth |
|---|---|---|
| Total count | 28 | 42 |
| Incisors | 12 | 12 |
| Canines | 4 | 4 |
| Premolars | 12 | 16 |
| Molars | 0 | 10 |
| Eruption begins | 3–5 weeks of age | 12–16 weeks of age |
| Full set present by | 6–8 weeks | 6–7 months |
| Root structure | Thin, resorbs naturally | Thick, anchored permanently |
Week-by-Week Puppy Teething Timeline
The teething process follows a predictable sequence, though individual puppies may vary by 1–3 weeks depending on breed and developmental rate. Here's the typical progression:
Phase 1: Deciduous Tooth Eruption (3–8 Weeks)
- Weeks 3–4: Deciduous incisors erupt first — the tiny front teeth used for nibbling and grooming.
- Weeks 4–5: Deciduous canines (the fang-like teeth) emerge. This is when nursing puppies may begin to irritate the mother, triggering natural weaning behavior.
- Weeks 5–6: Deciduous premolars appear along the sides of the mouth.
- Weeks 6–8: Full set of 28 deciduous teeth is typically in place. No deciduous molars develop.
Phase 2: Deciduous Tooth Loss and Permanent Eruption (12–28 Weeks)
- 12–16 weeks: Deciduous incisors begin loosening and falling out. Permanent incisors erupt to replace them. This is when most owners first find tiny teeth around the house.
- 16–20 weeks: Deciduous premolars are resorbed and shed. Permanent premolars erupt. You may notice mild gum bleeding or increased drooling.
- 20–24 weeks: Deciduous canines fall out — often the most dramatic loss, as these are the longest baby teeth. Permanent canines erupt.
- 24–28 weeks (6–7 months): Permanent molars, which have no deciduous predecessors, erupt in the back of the mouth. The full adult set of 42 teeth should be in place.
🔍 Tip for tracking: Photograph your puppy's mouth at 4, 5, and 6 months. Comparing these images helps you confirm that deciduous teeth are being shed on schedule and that permanent teeth are erupting in correct alignment. Bring these photos to your puppy's wellness visits.
Evolutionary Context: Why Puppies Have Temporary Teeth
The deciduous dentition system in canids (wolves, foxes, domestic dogs) serves several evolutionary functions that date back millions of years:
- Early feeding capability: Wolf pups need functional teeth by 3–4 weeks to begin sampling regurgitated food from adults — a behavior called allofeeding. Deciduous teeth are sharp enough to process soft prey items and tear meat, but small enough not to damage the mother's teats during nursing.
- Jaw growth accommodation: A puppy's jaw is far too small to hold 42 adult teeth. Deciduous teeth act as space maintainers — they occupy the correct positions in the alveolar bone and guide permanent teeth into proper alignment as the jaw grows.
- Graduated bite force: Baby teeth have thinner enamel and narrower roots than adult teeth. This limits bite force during the juvenile period, reducing the risk of serious injury during play-fighting with littermates — a critical socialization behavior in pack species.
- Developmental signaling: The resorption process itself triggers bone remodeling in the jaw, stimulating the alveolar bone to thicken and strengthen in preparation for the larger, more deeply rooted permanent teeth.
In the ancestral wolf, pups that lost their deciduous teeth on schedule had a survival advantage: they could transition to solid food efficiently and develop the powerful adult dentition needed for hunting and carcass processing. Domestic dogs have retained this ancestral program almost entirely intact, though selective breeding — particularly for brachycephalic (short-faced) breeds — has introduced complications that never existed in wild canids.
Breed Variations in Teething Timelines
Not all puppies follow the textbook timeline. Breed size, skull shape, and genetic factors create meaningful variation:
| Breed Category | Typical Teething Completion | Retained Teeth Risk | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Giant breeds (Great Dane, Mastiff) | 5–6 months | Low | Faster eruption relative to body size; large jaws provide ample spacing |
| Large breeds (Labrador, GSD) | 6–7 months | Low–Moderate | Standard timeline; rarely retain teeth |
| Medium breeds (Beagle, Cocker Spaniel) | 6–7 months | Moderate | Occasional retained canines |
| Small breeds (Chihuahua, Yorkie) | 7–8 months | High | Very common to retain deciduous canines and incisors |
| Brachycephalic breeds (Bulldog, Pug, Shih Tzu) | 7–9 months | Very High | Compressed jaw anatomy crowds teeth; retained teeth often require surgical extraction |
The American Kennel Club notes that toy breeds such as the Yorkshire Terrier, Pomeranian, and Chihuahua have a particularly high incidence of persistent deciduous teeth — where the baby tooth fails to resorb and the adult tooth erupts alongside it, creating a double row. This occurs in an estimated 40–60% of toy breed puppies, according to veterinary dental surveys.
Practical Implications: What Teething Means for Daily Life
Understanding the teething timeline helps you prepare for the behavioral and physical changes your puppy will experience. Here's what to expect and how to manage it:
Increased Chewing Behavior (3–7 Months)
Teething causes gingival inflammation and pressure within the jaw as permanent teeth push through bone and gum tissue. Puppies instinctively chew to relieve this discomfort. Expect 3–5 months of intense chewing that targets furniture legs, shoes, baseboards, and hands.
Action steps:
- Provide 4–6 rotating chew options with different textures: rubber toys (Kong Classic, $12–$18), frozen washcloths (twist a damp cloth and freeze for 2 hours), nylon chews (Benebone Wishbone, $15–$22), and edible chews appropriate for puppy teeth (avoid hard antlers and weight-bearing bones, which can fracture developing teeth).
- Use positive reinforcement: when your puppy chews an appropriate item, mark the behavior with a verbal "yes" and offer a small treat. Redirect inappropriate chewing calmly — never punish, as this damages trust and doesn't address the underlying discomfort.
- Puppy-proof your home: use bitter apple spray ($8–$12) on furniture edges, install cord protectors ($10–$15 for a 6-pack), and restrict access to rooms with tempting chew targets using baby gates.
Mild Bleeding and Drooling
Small amounts of blood on chew toys or in your puppy's water bowl are normal during active eruption phases (particularly weeks 14–24). The gingiva is highly vascular, and erupting teeth create small wounds in the gum tissue.
When it's normal: Pink-tinged drool, small blood spots on toys, occasional bad breath during eruption weeks.
When to call the vet: Persistent bleeding that doesn't stop within a few minutes, large amounts of blood, refusal to eat, facial swelling, or signs of pain when the mouth is touched.
Appetite Changes
Some puppies eat less during peak teething discomfort (typically weeks 14–16 and again at weeks 20–22 when canines erupt). If your puppy skips one or two meals but remains active and hydrated, this is usually not concerning.
Action step: Soften kibble with warm water (not hot — test on your wrist) for 5–10 minutes before serving. Alternatively, offer a high-quality wet puppy food mixed with dry kibble during peak discomfort weeks.
Retained Deciduous Teeth: When to See the Vet
⚠️ When to Consult Your Veterinarian:
- A deciduous tooth remains in place more than 1–2 weeks after the permanent tooth has erupted alongside it
- You see a double row of teeth (baby and adult occupying the same space)
- Your puppy is over 7 months old and still has visible baby teeth
- Your puppy shows signs of oral pain: pawing at the mouth, dropping food, reluctance to chew, excessive drooling
- You notice facial swelling, abscess, or foul odor from the mouth
- A deciduous tooth is discolored (gray, brown, or black) — this may indicate pulp death
Always consult your veterinarian for dental concerns. Retained deciduous teeth will not resolve on their own once the permanent tooth has erupted.
Retained deciduous teeth are more than a cosmetic issue. When a baby tooth fails to shed, the permanent tooth is forced to erupt at an abnormal angle, leading to:
- Malocclusion: Misaligned bite that causes teeth to traumatize the opposing gums or palate
- Periodontal disease: Crowded teeth trap food and bacteria, accelerating plaque accumulation and early-onset gum disease — a problem that can begin as early as 1 year of age in affected dogs
- Tooth root abscess: Trapped bacteria can infect the tooth root, causing painful abscesses that may require extraction and antibiotic treatment
Surgical extraction of a retained deciduous tooth typically costs $150–$400 per tooth depending on the tooth's location, the need for dental radiographs, and your geographic region. Brachycephalic breeds often require multiple extractions, pushing total dental surgery costs to $800–$2,500 including anesthesia, monitoring, and post-operative care. Many veterinarians recommend scheduling extraction at the time of spay/neuter (typically 6 months) to avoid a second anesthesia event — a practical cost-saving strategy that the AVMA supports as part of comprehensive dental planning.
Common Misconceptions About Puppy Teething
| Myth | Fact |
|---|---|
| "Puppies swallow their baby teeth and it's dangerous." | Swallowing deciduous teeth is completely harmless. The teeth are small, partially resorbed (mostly calcium), and pass through the GI tract without issue. You'll rarely find shed teeth because puppies swallow them during eating or play. |
| "Teething causes diarrhea and fever." | While mild GI upset can occur if a puppy chews and swallows non-food items, teething itself does not cause clinically significant diarrhea or fever. If your puppy has a temperature above 103.5°F (39.7°C) or persistent diarrhea, consult your vet — this likely indicates an infection unrelated to teething. |
| "Hard bones and antlers help teeth come in faster." | Hard objects like antlers, hooves, and weight-bearing bones from large animals can fracture developing teeth. Puppy teeth have thinner enamel than adult teeth and are more susceptible to slab fractures. Stick to items that indent slightly when pressed with a thumbnail. |
| "If a baby tooth hasn't fallen out, just wait — it will eventually." | Once the permanent tooth has fully erupted alongside a retained deciduous tooth, the baby tooth will not fall out on its own. The window for natural resorption has closed. Delaying extraction worsens crowding and periodontal damage. |
| "Teething puppies need aspirin or human pain relievers." | Never give human NSAIDs (ibuprofen, aspirin, naproxen) to dogs — these are toxic and can cause fatal GI ulceration or kidney failure. If your puppy seems to be in significant pain, your veterinarian can prescribe dog-safe analgesics like meloxicam at appropriate doses. |
| "All dogs lose teeth at exactly the same age." | Teething timelines vary by breed size (see table above). A Great Dane may complete teething by 5 months, while a Chihuahua may not finish until 8 months. Both are within normal range for their respective breeds. |
How Canine Dental Development Differs From Humans
While both dogs and humans are diphyodont, several key differences exist in how the two species develop and lose deciduous teeth:
- Timeline compression: Humans take approximately 6–7 years to lose all deciduous teeth (ages 6–12). Dogs compress this entire process into roughly 4 months (weeks 12–28). This acceleration reflects the canine's faster overall maturation rate — dogs reach physical adulthood in 1–2 years versus 18+ years in humans.
- Tooth count disparity: Humans have 20 deciduous teeth and 32 permanent teeth (a difference of 12). Dogs have 28 deciduous teeth and 42 permanent teeth (a difference of 14). The extra permanent teeth in dogs are primarily molars and additional premolars adapted for shearing meat and crushing bone.
- No molars in baby set: Both humans and dogs lack deciduous molars, but the implications differ. In dogs, the permanent molars erupt directly through virgin gingiva without any deciduous predecessor to resorb — a process that can cause notable discomfort in the back of the mouth during months 5–7.
- Root resorption completeness: In humans, shed baby teeth often retain partial root fragments visible to the naked eye. In dogs, root resorption is typically more complete — the shed deciduous tooth is essentially a hollow enamel crown with little to no root structure remaining.
- Continuous vs. batch shedding: Human children tend to lose teeth in loose "batches" over years with long gaps between losses. Puppies lose teeth in a more continuous cascade over weeks, with multiple teeth shedding within days of each other during peak phases.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it normal for my puppy to bleed while teething?
Yes, mild bleeding is normal. As permanent teeth push through the gingiva, small blood vessels in the gum tissue rupture, causing pink-tinged saliva or small blood spots on chew toys. This is most common during weeks 14–24. However, if bleeding is heavy, persistent (lasting more than a few minutes), or accompanied by facial swelling, contact your veterinarian promptly.
What does it mean when my puppy is chewing everything in sight?
Excessive chewing during the 3–7 month window is a normal response to the discomfort of tooth eruption. Chewing applies counter-pressure to the gums and jawbone, which temporarily relieves the aching caused by teeth pushing through tissue. It also helps loosen deciduous teeth that are ready to shed. Provide appropriate outlets (rubber toys, frozen washcloths, puppy-safe chews) and manage the environment by restricting access to valuables.
Can dogs have problems if baby teeth don't fall out?
Yes. Retained deciduous teeth can cause malocclusion (misaligned bite), accelerated periodontal disease, tooth root abscesses, and even jaw fractures in severe cases where infection weakens the bone. Small and brachycephalic breeds are at highest risk. If a deciduous tooth remains after the permanent tooth has fully erupted, surgical extraction by a veterinarian is necessary — the tooth will not fall out on its own.
How do dogs process the discomfort of teething?
Puppies experience teething discomfort through the same inflammatory pathways that humans do: pressure from the erupting tooth activates nociceptors (pain-sensing nerve endings) in the gingiva and surrounding bone. The body releases prostaglandins, which amplify the pain signal and cause localized swelling. Puppies self-manage this by chewing (which stimulates endorphin release and applies counter-pressure), licking their gums, and sometimes eating less. The discomfort is episodic — it peaks during active eruption of each tooth group and subsides between phases.
Is it normal to never find my puppy's lost teeth?
Completely normal. Most puppies swallow their deciduous teeth while eating, playing, or grooming. The teeth are small (often just a few millimeters of enamel crown after root resorption) and pass through the digestive tract without causing any issues. Finding a shed tooth is actually the exception, not the rule. If you want to confirm that teeth are being lost on schedule, gently examine your puppy's mouth weekly or have your veterinarian check at routine wellness visits.
Why do dogs have baby teeth at all instead of just growing adult teeth?
Deciduous teeth serve as functional placeholders. A puppy's jaw is too small at birth to accommodate 42 full-sized adult teeth. Baby teeth allow the puppy to nurse, begin eating solid food by 3–4 weeks, and engage in play-biting (which develops bite inhibition — a critical social skill). They also maintain the correct spacing in the alveolar bone so that permanent teeth erupt in proper alignment as the jaw grows. Without deciduous teeth, puppies would face weeks of inability to process solid food during a critical growth period.
Related topics you may find helpful:
- Puppy vaccination schedule and when dental exams should be included
- How to brush your dog's teeth: a step-by-step guide for building the habit early
- Brachycephalic breed health guide: dental crowding and BOAS
- Best puppy chew toys for teething: texture and safety comparison
Tom Renshaw
All our authors care for dogs every day — read more of their work on the authors page.
