Just like human babies, all puppies go through the process of teething. As their puppy teeth fall out and their adult chompers come in, your teething puppy may be a bit more mouthy than usual — biting and chewing on toys, household objects, and maybe even you.
Facial sensation and taste are some of the first senses that puppies develop. It’s normal for puppies to explore the world around them with their mouths — especially during teething.
But when does teething start — and when do puppies stop teething? Here’s what you need to know about this puppy phase.
How Many Teeth Do Puppies Have?
Puppies are born without teeth, and spend the first weeks of their lives exclusively nursing. But even though they’re initially toothless, your puppy’s baby teeth and adult teeth are already developing within their jaws at birth.
Their puppy teeth, or deciduous teeth, start coming in when puppies are around 3 weeks old. This is also when puppies can start eating solid food, in addition to nursing.
Their incisors (the little teeth in the front of the mouth) and canines (the bigger, fang-like teeth) come in first. Their premolars (the teeth used for chewing) follow suit.
Your puppy’s teeth will continue to come in over a period of three to five weeks, until they’re about 6 to 8 weeks old. By this time, their mouth will be filled with 28 puppy teeth.
Side note: the added calcium and phosphorous in our Jinx puppy formulas help support the growth and development of your puppy’s bones and teeth, so they can keep their new pearly whites healthy and strong.
When Do Puppies Lose Their Baby Teeth?
Puppy teeth don’t last very long — most pups start to lose their baby teeth when they’re around 3-and-a-half months old (though some don’t start until 4 or 5 months). Typically, large breed dogs get their adult teeth sooner than small dogs.
Their puppy incisors fall out first, and their permanent, adult teeth push through the gums to take their place. During this phase, don’t be alarmed if you find a little, white tooth or two on your living room floor. This is completely normal. It’s also okay if you never find any puppy teeth around the house — they’re often swallowed (this might sound worrying, but we assure you it’s a harmless and safe process).
Puppies continue to lose their baby teeth until they’re about 6 months old. This makes way for their adult teeth to come in — incisors and canines at around 3 to 5 months old, and premolars at about 4 to 6 months old. Their adult molars come in last, at 5 to 7 months of age. Fun fact: while puppies only have 28 baby teeth, adult dogs have 42 teeth — your little pup’s mouth changes so much within their first 6 to 7 months of life!
- [insert an image of a puppy teething timeline]
Signs of A Teething Puppy
It’s normal for puppies to explore the world around them through chewing. This behavior is amplified when they’re teething, from 3 to 7 months old.
Teething pain may cause your puppy to become more mouthy (and possibly more destructive) at home, chewing on everything from their toys to the furniture. Remember, this is just a temporary period. Be sure to have lots of toys on hand to redirect your teething pup’s behavior to more appropriate targets than your shoes.
How To Soothe A Teething Puppy
No puppy parent ever wants to see their little buddy in pain. Here are a few ways to help soothe your puppy’s teething pain, so they can feel more comfortable.
Cold Teethers
Cold teethers are great for soothing your puppy’s gums and mouth. The best option for a cold teether is a freezable chew toy, which can help calm your puppy’s teething pain while also keeping them entertained. If you can’t track down a freezable chew toy, you can also give them a frozen carrot to chew on — they’re nature’s cold teethers!
Hard Teethers
Hard teethers can help push your puppy’s adult teeth through, making the teething process a bit easier on them. We recommend looking for a puppy teething toy that you can hide treats in, to also encourage mental stimulation. Our tasty Jinx beef and chicken training treats work great inside of rubber teething toys.
Edible Teethers
Edible teethers not only help soothe your puppy throughout the teething process, but provide them with a delicious treat. These treats are often called “dental chews,” and are a much safer option than giving your pup a bone to chew on (which you should never do, due to the potential splintering and choking hazard).
Make sure to get dental chews that are made from natural ingredients, as some of these treats can be very high in calories. Our Dental Chews are expertly formulated by food scientists to help fight tartar and plaque build-up. Just be sure to select the right size dental chew for your puppy, and always supervise your pup with any teether or toy.
What to Feed a Teething Puppy
Dry kibble is appropriate for most puppies — but if your pup’s mouth is sore from teething, try softening their dry food with a bit of warm water. Our puppy kibble is specially formulated to support your puppy’s growth and development — including strong teeth and bones — making it an excellent option for your teething puppy.
You may also consider feeding your puppy wet food, which has a texture that’s easier on their tender mouth and gums. Our range of wet dog food is soft and savory — and your puppy is sure to love the delicious beef, chicken, and salmon flavors.
Should I Brush My Dog's Teeth?
As 42 new, gleaming, adult dog teeth come in on your puppy, you’ll want to take care of them. Dental problems are among the most common (and costly) issues in dogs — so starting a teeth-brushing routine early on can help your pal avoid problems down the road.
Most dogs can be taught to tolerate — or even enjoy — having their teeth brushed. Here are a few tips for successfully brushing your dog’s pearly whites:
- Be sure to buy a toothbrush and toothpaste that are suitable for dogs (human toothpaste can make them sick).
- Start by just gently introducing the toothbrush and paste, allowing your pup to sniff and lick them. Don’t force it — gradually increase the frequency and amount of time you brush your pup’s teeth over time, as they get more used to the routine.
- If you need help, ask your veterinarian for advice on getting your dog used to this habit, and have them demonstrate brushing techniques for you.
Just like us humans, puppies not only lose their baby teeth to make way for permanent adult teeth, but they require regular care to keep their chompers healthy. Feeding your pup a diet to support strong, healthy teeth is one way to care for them. At Jinx, we're here to upgrade the way you care for your dog by providing holistic nutrition made with thoughtful formulation, real ingredients, and a whole lot of love.