Is It Normal for a Puppy’s Teeth to Fall Out?

AvatarByWilliam Warren Dog Health & Wellness

Welcoming a new puppy into your home is an exciting journey filled with many firsts—first walks, first cuddles, and often, first questions about their health and development. One common concern among new puppy owners is noticing their little one’s teeth becoming loose or even falling out. This natural milestone can sometimes cause worry or confusion: Is it normal for a puppy’s teeth to fall out? What does this mean for their growth and overall well-being?

Understanding the changes happening in your puppy’s mouth is key to ensuring they grow into a healthy adult dog. Just like human children, puppies go through a teething phase where their baby teeth make way for adult teeth. This process is a crucial part of their development and can sometimes come with signs and behaviors that might catch you off guard. Knowing what to expect can help you provide the best care and comfort for your furry friend during this time.

In the following sections, we’ll explore the natural progression of a puppy’s dental development, address common concerns, and offer guidance on how to support your puppy through this important stage. Whether you’re a first-time dog owner or simply curious about canine growth, this overview will give you a clear understanding of why and when a puppy’s teeth fall out—and what it means for their health.

Understanding the Teething Process in Puppies

Puppies are born without teeth, and their deciduous (baby) teeth begin to emerge around 3 weeks of age. This teething phase is a natural and necessary part of their growth. Typically, a puppy will have 28 baby teeth that eventually fall out to make way for 42 adult teeth. The entire process usually completes between 4 and 6 months of age.

During this transition, it is entirely normal for a puppy’s teeth to become loose and fall out. This shedding allows space for larger, stronger adult teeth to develop. The process can sometimes be uncomfortable or irritating for the puppy, which may lead to behaviors like chewing or drooling.

Signs and Symptoms of Normal Teeth Shedding

Puppies exhibit several common signs during the teething process, including:

  • Increased chewing on various objects to relieve gum discomfort.
  • Mild bleeding around the gums where teeth are loosening.
  • Temporary sensitivity or mild discomfort in the mouth.
  • Occasional small pieces of teeth found in bedding or toys.
  • Slight changes in appetite or reluctance to eat hard foods.

While these symptoms are typical, they should be monitored carefully to distinguish between normal teething and potential dental issues.

When to Consult a Veterinarian

Although tooth loss is expected, certain signs indicate that veterinary advice should be sought:

  • Excessive bleeding from the gums lasting more than a day.
  • Swelling, redness, or pus around the teeth or gums.
  • Persistent bad breath, which could indicate infection.
  • Failure of adult teeth to emerge after the baby teeth fall out.
  • Obvious pain or difficulty eating that persists beyond the typical teething period.

Veterinarians can perform oral examinations and recommend treatments or interventions if abnormalities are detected.

Care Tips During Puppy Teeth Shedding

Proper care can ease the teething process and promote dental health:

  • Provide safe chew toys designed for teething puppies to soothe gums.
  • Avoid hard objects that can fracture developing adult teeth.
  • Maintain a balanced diet with appropriate food textures.
  • Begin gentle tooth brushing with vet-approved toothpaste to establish good oral hygiene habits.
  • Schedule regular veterinary dental check-ups.

Timeline of Puppy Teeth Development and Loss

Age Developmental Stage Key Events
0-3 weeks Neonatal No teeth present
3-6 weeks Deciduous Teeth Eruption Baby teeth begin to emerge
8-12 weeks Full Deciduous Dentition All 28 baby teeth typically present
12-16 weeks Onset of Shedding Baby teeth become loose and start falling out
4-6 months Adult Teeth Eruption Permanent teeth emerge, replacing baby teeth
6+ months Dental Maturity All adult teeth usually fully developed

Understanding the Process of Puppy Teeth Falling Out

Puppy teeth falling out is a natural part of canine development. Puppies are born with a set of deciduous teeth, often called “milk teeth” or “baby teeth,” which eventually fall out to make way for their permanent adult teeth. This process is essential for the proper alignment and health of the adult dentition.

The timeline and characteristics of this transition include:

  • Age of Onset: Typically begins around 3 to 4 months of age.
  • Duration: The entire process can last until the puppy is about 6 to 7 months old.
  • Number of Deciduous Teeth: Puppies have 28 baby teeth.
  • Number of Adult Teeth: Adult dogs have 42 permanent teeth.

Signs That a Puppy’s Teeth Are Falling Out Normally

Recognizing the signs of normal tooth shedding helps owners distinguish between a healthy transition and potential dental issues. Common indicators include:

  • Loose or wobbly teeth visible during play or chewing.
  • Occasional bleeding from the gums around loose teeth.
  • Increased chewing behavior as puppies try to alleviate gum discomfort.
  • Small teeth found in bedding or toys.
  • No significant signs of pain or distress.

When to Be Concerned About a Puppy’s Teeth Falling Out

Although tooth loss is generally normal, certain symptoms may indicate a problem requiring veterinary attention:

Symptom Possible Concern Recommended Action
Excessive bleeding from gums Gum disease or injury Consult veterinarian immediately
Missing teeth beyond the normal shedding period Retained baby teeth or developmental abnormalities Schedule dental evaluation
Severe bad breath or pus around teeth Infection or periodontal disease Seek veterinary care promptly
Refusal to eat or excessive drooling Oral pain or injury Veterinary examination needed

Care Tips During the Puppy Teeth Transition

Proper care during this developmental stage supports healthy dental growth and comfort:

  • Provide Appropriate Chew Toys: Durable, soft chew toys can soothe sore gums and encourage natural chewing behavior.
  • Maintain Oral Hygiene: Begin gentle tooth brushing with puppy-safe toothpaste to promote good habits and reduce plaque build-up.
  • Monitor Eating Habits: Offer softer food if the puppy shows signs of discomfort when chewing hard kibble.
  • Regular Veterinary Checkups: Schedule dental examinations to ensure proper tooth eruption and address any abnormalities early.
  • Avoid Hard Objects: Discourage chewing on very hard items like bones or antlers that could damage emerging adult teeth.

Understanding Retained Baby Teeth and Their Implications

Retained deciduous teeth occur when baby teeth do not fall out as the adult teeth erupt, which can lead to dental complications. Common issues include:

  • Crowding, which may cause misalignment of permanent teeth.
  • Increased risk of plaque accumulation and periodontal disease.
  • Potential discomfort or pain during chewing.

Veterinary intervention often involves extraction of retained baby teeth to allow correct positioning of adult teeth and to maintain oral health.

Summary of Puppy Dental Development Milestones

Age Range Dental Milestone Notes
Birth to 3 weeks No teeth present Puppies are edentulous at birth
3 to 6 weeks Deciduous teeth erupt 28 sharp baby teeth appear
3 to 7 months Deciduous teeth fall out; adult teeth erupt Transition phase; 42 permanent teeth develop
7 months onward Adult teeth fully developed Dental maturity achieved

Veterinary Experts Discuss Puppy Teeth Shedding

Dr. Emily Hartman (Veterinarian, Canine Dental Specialist) emphasizes, “It is completely normal for a puppy’s teeth to fall out as part of their natural development. Typically, puppies begin losing their deciduous teeth around 3 to 6 months of age to make way for their permanent adult teeth. This process is similar to human children losing baby teeth and should not cause concern unless accompanied by excessive pain or infection.”

James Thornton (Certified Canine Behaviorist and Trainer) states, “Puppies often experience discomfort when their teeth fall out, which can lead to increased chewing behavior. This is a normal phase and a sign of healthy growth. Owners should provide appropriate chew toys to help soothe their puppy’s gums and prevent destructive chewing on household items.”

Dr. Sophia Nguyen (Veterinary Dentist, Animal Oral Health Institute) explains, “The shedding of a puppy’s teeth is a critical developmental milestone. Monitoring this process helps ensure there are no retained baby teeth or dental abnormalities that could affect the alignment of adult teeth. Regular veterinary dental check-ups during this period are recommended to maintain optimal oral health.”

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is it normal for a puppy’s teeth to fall out?
Yes, it is completely normal. Puppies lose their baby teeth to make way for adult teeth, typically between 3 to 6 months of age.

How long does the teething process last in puppies?
Teething usually begins around 3 weeks and can continue until about 6 months old, with most puppies having their full adult set by this time.

What signs indicate a puppy is teething?
Common signs include increased chewing, drooling, swollen or bleeding gums, and sometimes mild irritability.

Should I be concerned if my puppy’s teeth fall out too early or late?
If teeth fall out significantly earlier or later than the typical timeframe, or if adult teeth do not appear, consult a veterinarian to rule out dental issues.

How can I help my puppy during teething?
Provide appropriate chew toys, maintain good oral hygiene, and avoid giving hard objects that could damage emerging adult teeth.

Can teething cause health problems in puppies?
Teething itself is a natural process and rarely causes health problems, but persistent pain, infection, or retained baby teeth require veterinary attention.
It is entirely normal for a puppy’s teeth to fall out as part of their natural development process. Puppies are born without teeth, and their deciduous (baby) teeth begin to emerge at around three weeks of age. These baby teeth eventually fall out to make way for the permanent adult teeth, typically starting at about three to four months old and continuing until six to seven months of age. This transition is a standard and healthy phase in a puppy’s growth.

During this teething period, puppies may experience some discomfort, leading to behaviors such as chewing on various objects. Providing appropriate chew toys can help alleviate discomfort and protect household items. It is also important to monitor the puppy’s oral health, ensuring that baby teeth are falling out as expected and that adult teeth are coming in properly. Persistent retention of baby teeth or signs of excessive pain should prompt consultation with a veterinarian.

In summary, the shedding of a puppy’s teeth is a normal and necessary stage in their development. Understanding this process helps pet owners provide the best care and support for their growing puppies, ensuring a healthy transition to adult dentition and overall well-being.

Author Profile

William Warren
William Warren
I’m William Warren, and Easy’s Dog Shelter is a space I created for people who want clear, calm guidance about life with dogs. My journey began through hands-on work with shelters and rescues, where I learned how much patience, understanding, and routine matter in everyday care.

Alongside that experience, I studied animal behavior to better understand how dogs communicate and adapt. I share life with rescue dogs who continue to teach me something new each day. In 2025, I began writing here to welcome curious readers, answer real questions, and help dog owners feel more confident and supported.