Updated
Baby teeth commonly start shedding around 12–16 weeks, and most adult teeth are present by about 6 months. Your veterinarian can check your puppy’s individual development.
In this guide
The broad timeline
At around 12–16 weeks, baby teeth may begin to shed. Adult teeth emerge over the following months; most puppies have their adult teeth by about six months. These are broad ranges, not deadlines. Ask your veterinarian to check development, particularly if a baby tooth remains alongside an adult one.
Source: American Kennel Club: puppy teething timeline.
Use age as a prompt, not a diagnosis
3–4 months: notice changes and prepare supervised chew choices.
4–6 months: keep checking toys for damage as your puppy grows.
Around 6 months: ask the vet to check any baby teeth still present.
Make redirection easier
Keep an appropriate puppy chew within reach in the rooms you spend time in together. When chewing begins on something unsuitable, calmly redirect to the permitted item and supervise. Ask your veterinary team about chews suitable for your puppy; remove items that become damaged or small enough to swallow.
Instead of buying a basket of toys at once, try a small selection and notice what your puppy uses comfortably. The useful purchase is the one that fits the puppy in front of you.
Keep a short note, not a complicated diary
A useful note might include the date, what changed and whether eating or behavior changed too. A clear photograph can help you describe a concern to the veterinary team, but do not force your puppy’s mouth open to take one.
Ask your vet about a baby tooth that remains alongside an adult tooth, difficulty eating, significant pain or anything else that worries you. Do not try to pull a tooth yourself.
Keep those notes with your care records. Our first-week starting point explains a simple way to organize important information from the beginning.
Set up one supervised chewing spot
- Choose a quiet place where you can stay nearby and see the whole toy.
- Offer a puppy-appropriate chew that your veterinarian considers suitable for your dog’s size and chewing style.
- Observe the first session. Remove the item if pieces break away or the toy becomes small enough to swallow.
- Put shoes, cables and loose fabric out of reach so redirection does not depend on catching every attempt.
- When your puppy stops engaging, put the chew away or follow its supervision instructions. Rest is part of the routine.
A toy labeled for puppies still needs an individual suitability check. One puppy may mouth it gently while another tears it apart. The photo illustrates supervised chewing; it does not recommend a particular brand or guarantee that the pictured shape suits your puppy.
Common questions to bring to the vet
Do I need to find every fallen tooth?
No tracking sheet needs a complete collection. Record what you notice and ask the vet to assess the mouth rather than trying to account for every tooth at home.
Should I pull a loose tooth?
No. Leave assessment and any necessary removal to your veterinarian. Do not tug on a tooth or force the mouth open.
What should I write down?
Keep a short dated note about appetite, chewing and any visible change. Describe whether your puppy avoids food or handling, and contact your vet about pain or difficulty eating instead of assuming it is just the teething stage.
View the saveable teething timeline
