When do dogs get their adult teeth?

Puppy teeth and the change to adult teeth matter to anyone who cares for a dog. Knowing when teeth come in and fall out helps you spot pain before it becomes behavior problems, plan safe chews and training exercises, and make the right vet call if something goes off the usual schedule. I typically recommend owners learn a basic timeline early so they can protect a growing mouth and keep teething from turning into destructive chewing or long-term dental trouble.

What Your Puppy’s Teething Means for Their Health and Happiness

When puppies are teething you’ll see more chewing, more mouthing of people and objects, and sometimes more fussiness. That behavior commonly reflects discomfort in the gums, not naughtiness, so being prepared makes training easier. A predictable timeline also helps you plan first dental checks, decide when to introduce toothbrushing, and choose chews that soothe without damaging emerging adult teeth. Finally, knowing normal timing reduces unnecessary worry and makes it easier to recognize when something truly needs veterinary attention.

When Puppies Get Their Adult Teeth — A Month-by-Month Snapshot

Most puppies start losing baby (deciduous) teeth around 3 months and have most of their adult teeth by about 6 to 7 months. In general terms, puppies are born without visible teeth, develop about 28 baby teeth, and then these are replaced by a full adult set of around 42 permanent teeth. Incisors are usually the first to be replaced (often around 3–4 months), canines follow (around 4–6 months), premolars erupt as baby premolars are shed (roughly 4–6 months), and molars—permanent molars that have no deciduous predecessors—tend to appear later, commonly between 5–7 months. Small breeds may finish a little earlier; large breeds can finish a bit later. That said, individual puppies vary and a few weeks’ difference from these ranges is common and often not worrisome.

How and Why Puppies Lose Their Baby Teeth

Puppies lose baby teeth because a larger set of adult teeth needs to take their place as the jaw grows. The roots of baby teeth are progressively resorbed as the adult tooth develops beneath them; that process weakens the deciduous tooth and allows it to fall out while the permanent tooth moves into position. In addition to accommodating bigger teeth, this transition improves chewing function as the dog moves from soft weaning foods to more substantial adult diets. This natural replacement process also helps establish proper bite alignment—when it proceeds normally, the adult teeth tend to sit in a way that supports healthy chewing and oral hygiene later in life.

Timing Differences: Breed, Size and Individual Variation

Timing of tooth eruption varies by breed, size, and individual development. Small-breed puppies often complete the switch earlier than large-breed puppies, and it is common to see a several-week difference between siblings. Genetic factors play a role—some lines may be more prone to retained baby teeth or slightly delayed eruption. External factors such as poor nutrition, early trauma to the jaw, or infections may shift the schedule. Also important is that different tooth types follow different rhythms: incisors tend to be first, canines next, premolars after that, and molars last. It’s not unusual for one premolar or canine to lag behind its counterpart by a few weeks without indicating a problem.

When To Be Concerned: Signs of Teething Complications

• Retained baby teeth that do not fall out after the corresponding adult tooth appears—these can cause crowding and abnormal bite alignment and may suggest a need for extraction.
• Marked swelling, a draining tract, pus, or ongoing bleeding around a tooth—these signs may suggest infection and should prompt prompt veterinary evaluation.
• Persistent inability or refusal to eat, excessive drooling, or obvious pain when you touch the mouth—this may indicate a broken tooth, an impacted adult tooth, or significant discomfort needing treatment.
• Broken or fractured teeth, or a tooth that is loose when it should be stable—damage to a permanent tooth can lead to chronic pain and infection if left untreated.
• Chronic bad breath that appears suddenly or is accompanied by facial swelling—this may point to dental disease or retained roots.

A Practical Owner’s Checklist for the Teething Period

Make a habit of briefly inspecting your puppy’s mouth once or twice a week so you become familiar with what’s normal for that animal. Look for missing baby teeth, erupting adult teeth, redness or swelling, and anything that smells or looks abnormal. Offer a rotation of soothing, safe chews to help with discomfort, but watch for choking or pieces that break off. Start introducing dental care gently—rub the gumline with a soft cloth or canine dental wipe a few times a week, then progress to a small, soft toothbrush and pet-safe toothpaste when the puppy tolerates it. If you notice retained baby teeth after six months, persistent pain, or any of the warning signs above, schedule a veterinary dental check so the problem can be assessed and treated. In many cases retained teeth are removed under a routine anesthetic to prevent long-term crowding or periodontal disease.

Managing Chewing and Behavior: Training Tips and Safe Alternatives

From a behavior perspective, redirecting chewing toward approved items is the most effective approach. When a puppy starts to mouth hands or furniture, calmly replace the object with an approved chew and praise the puppy for using it. Use positive reinforcement to teach bite inhibition—withdraw attention briefly when mouthing is too hard so the puppy learns that gentle interaction keeps play going. Supervised access to chew toys reduces the chance of inappropriate chewing; rotate toys so the puppy finds them novel, and remove items that are being destroyed into small pieces. Time-outs can be useful when gentle redirection fails, but avoid punishment that can increase fear or aggression. Consistency and short, frequent training sessions work best during this developmentally intense period.

Safe-Teething Gear: Toys and Aids Vets Recommend

• Refrigerated or frozen soft chew toys—coolness can numb sore gums; choose toys designed to stay soft when chilled rather than items that become brittle.
• Soft, durable rubber teethers and Kong-style toys that can be filled with kibble or wet food to increase interest without promoting chewing that chips teeth.
• Vet-approved dental chews made for puppies or young dogs; follow size and age recommendations and supervise chewing to prevent choking.
• Avoid cooked bones, very hard natural items like antlers that can fracture teeth, small parts that become choking hazards, and rawhide that can separate into pieces likely to be swallowed.

Who To Ask: Finding Trusted Veterinary and Dental Advice

Your general practice veterinarian is the first and best resource for routine teething checks and straightforward extractions if needed. If a puppy has complex dental issues—severe crowding, fractured roots, or suspected developmental abnormalities—a veterinary dentist can provide specialized imaging and surgical care. Breed clubs and respected breeders are often helpful about breed-specific timing and common dental quirks for particular lines. For independent reading and trustworthy recommendations, look to veterinary teaching hospitals at universities; their dentistry services typically publish practical owner guidance and are a good place for referrals.

References and Further Reading

• Merck Veterinary Manual: “Deciduous and Permanent Teeth in the Dog”
• American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA): “Dental Care Guidelines for Dogs and Cats”
• American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA): “Pet Dental Health” resources
• Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine: Dentistry and Oral Surgery client information
• University of California, Davis Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital: Dentistry Service information