Know all About The Puppy Teething Process

Puppies bring endless joy, but they also come with sharp little teeth and a strong urge to chew. As your puppy grows, their mouth goes through an important transformation: the teething process. Understanding the puppy teething timeline helps you support your pup through this stage while protecting your hands, shoes, and furniture.

This complete guide explains the puppy teething stages, when do puppies start losing their teeth, when do puppies stop teething, and practical ways to make the journey smoother. We’ll also explore how puppy classes in Austin can help your pup navigate teething and training at the same time.

What Age Do Puppies Start Teething?

Puppies are born without teeth, but that changes quickly. At about 3 weeks of age, puppies start teething as their baby teeth—also called deciduous teeth—begin to erupt. These tiny, needle-sharp teeth allow them to begin chewing solid food and exploring the world.

By 6 weeks old, most puppies have a full set of 28 baby teeth. This is often when new puppy parents notice the first signs of biting and chewing.

Puppy Teething Timeline: From Baby Teeth to Adult Teeth

The puppy teething process unfolds in several stages. Here’s a clear breakdown of the puppy teething stages and what to expect at each step.

Stage 1: Baby Teeth Eruption (3–6 weeks)

• Puppies get their 28 baby teeth.

• Biting and chewing increase as they test out their mouths.

• Nursing becomes uncomfortable for the mother, so pups transition to solid food.

  
  

Stage 2: Losing Baby Teeth (12–16 weeks)

• Around 3 to 4 months, puppies start losing their baby teeth.

• You may notice small teeth on the floor, in toys, or missing entirely.

• Gums may look red or swollen as adult teeth push through.

  
  

Stage 3: Adult Teeth Coming In (4–7 months)

• Puppies replace their baby teeth with 42 permanent adult teeth.

• This is when when do puppies start losing their teeth becomes most noticeable.

• Chewing intensifies—furniture, shoes, and even hands become tempting.

  
  

Stage 4: Teething Completion (6–7 months)

• By this stage, most dogs have their full set of adult teeth.

• Owners often ask, when do puppies stop teething? For most, it’s around 6 months, though some larger breeds take up to 7 or 8 months.

Common Signs of Puppy Teething

How do you know if your puppy is teething? Look for these common behaviors:

• Increased chewing on toys, furniture, or hands

• Drooling more than usual

• Red or slightly swollen gums

• Small spots of blood on chew toys

• Mild irritability or restlessness

How Long Do Puppies Teeth?

Many owners ask, how long do puppies teeth overall? The process usually lasts from 3 weeks to about 6 months of age. That means your puppy spends nearly half their first year teething.

The good news: once they have all their adult teeth, the chewing phase usually decreases—though many dogs keep chewing for mental stimulation.

How to Help Your Puppy Through Teething

Teething can be uncomfortable, but there are safe, effective ways to support your pup:

1. Provide Chew Toys

• Offer durable rubber toys designed for teething puppies.

• Freeze toys or wet washcloths for soothing relief on sore gums.

2. Use Teething Treats

• Frozen carrots, ice cubes, or vet-approved teething chews can ease discomfort.

• Always supervise to avoid choking hazards.

3. Train Gentle Mouth Behavior

• When biting occurs, redirect your puppy to a toy.

• Reward calm, gentle behavior to encourage good habits.

4. Maintain Routine Vet Visits

• Your vet can check for retained baby teeth, which may need removal.

• Regular exams keep the mouth healthy during this transition.

Common Puppy Teething Problems

While most puppies breeze through teething, some challenges can appear:

• Retained baby teeth: Baby teeth that don’t fall out can crowd adult teeth, causing alignment problems.

• Excessive chewing: Destructive chewing may signal boredom or lack of training.

• Gum irritation: Inflamed gums may cause temporary loss of appetite.

If issues persist, consult your veterinarian to rule out dental complications.

Puppy Classes in Austin and Teething Support

Austin is a city full of active, social puppies—whether it’s at Zilker Park, Lady Bird Lake, or dog-friendly patios downtown. But teething can make outings stressful if your puppy is nipping, chewing, or struggling to focus.

This is where puppy classes in Austin become especially valuable. In these structured sessions, you’ll learn how to:

• Redirect biting and chewing toward appropriate toys.

• Manage puppy energy and frustration during teething.

• Combine socialization with bite-inhibition training.

• Build focus and manners in stimulating environments like parks and cafés.

By blending teething support with early training, Austin puppy owners can enjoy both smoother development and stronger bonds with their pups.

Additional Tips for Puppy Parents

• Consistency matters: Respond to chewing and biting the same way every time.

• Rotate toys: Keeping things fresh maintains your puppy’s interest.

• Don’t punish: Teething is natural—focus on redirection, not scolding.

• Patience is key: The teething stage is temporary, but the lessons you teach last a lifetime.

Final Thoughts

The puppy teething process is a normal but sometimes challenging part of raising a dog. Knowing what age puppies start teething, when puppies lose teeth, and when puppies stop teething helps you prepare and respond with patience.

By offering safe chew toys, teaching gentle behavior, and considering puppy classes in Austin, you’ll guide your pup through this stage smoothly while building lifelong good habits.

At Venture Dog Training, we’re here to help you and your puppy through every milestone—from teething to training and beyond. With the right support, this stage can become less stressful and more rewarding for both of you.

FAQs About Puppy Teething

1. Can teething cause puppies to lose appetite?

Answer: Yes, teething can make gums sore, which sometimes discourages puppies from eating. Offering soft food, wet kibble, or small frozen treats can help them maintain a healthy appetite while easing discomfort.

2. How can I tell if a puppy has a retained baby tooth?

Answer: A retained tooth stays in the gum after the adult tooth emerges. Signs include overcrowding, misaligned teeth, or visible baby teeth alongside adult ones. A vet can examine your puppy and remove retained teeth if necessary.

3. Are all puppies more prone to chewing during teething?

Answer: Yes, chewing increases naturally during teething, but some breeds with higher energy or working backgrounds may chew more persistently. Providing plenty of chew toys and mental stimulation helps manage this behavior.

4. Can teething lead to behavior problems?

Answer: Excessive chewing, nipping, or irritability can appear during teething, but it’s usually temporary. Consistent redirection, training, and positive reinforcement prevent temporary discomfort from turning into long-term bad habits.

5. Are frozen treats safe for teething puppies?

Answer: Yes, frozen carrots, ice cubes, or vet-approved frozen chew toys are safe if supervised. They help soothe sore gums and reduce chewing on inappropriate objects. Avoid small or breakable items that could pose a choking hazard.

6. Should I start dental care during teething?

Answer: Absolutely. Begin brushing gently with a puppy-safe toothbrush and toothpaste. Early dental care helps your puppy get used to oral hygiene and prevents plaque buildup as adult teeth emerge. If you want to get all details and classes related to puppy teething and training, you can join our puppy classes Austin TX

7. Can teething cause excessive drooling?

Answer: Yes, drooling may increase during teething as gums become tender. This is normal but should decrease once adult teeth are in. If drooling is excessive or accompanied by swelling or bleeding, consult a vet.

8. How do teething toys help puppies?

Answer: Teething toys provide relief to sore gums, redirect chewing from hands or furniture, and stimulate the puppy’s mind. Varying textures and freezing some toys can make them even more effective during the teething phase.

9. Can teething affect my puppy’s sleep?

Answer: Yes, discomfort from teething can make puppies restless, waking frequently at night. Soft bedding, chew toys, and a calm routine can help them settle and get proper rest.

10. How can puppy classes in Austin help during teething?

Answer: Structured puppy classes in south Austin provide supervised socialization, teach bite inhibition, and guide owners in redirecting chewing. Combining training with teething support ensures puppies develop healthy habits while learning manners and confidence in real-world settings.