how long do dogs teeth for?
Dogs typically teeth from approximately 3 weeks of age until 6-7 months of age, a process involving the eruption of 28 deciduous teeth followed by the replacement with 42 permanent adult teeth.
- 1Puppies begin teething with the eruption of deciduous (baby) teeth around 3 weeks of age.
- 2All 28 deciduous teeth are usually present by 6-8 weeks of age.
- 3The process of losing deciduous teeth and erupting permanent teeth starts around 12 weeks (3 months) of age.
- 4The entire teething process, including the eruption of all 42 permanent adult teeth, is generally complete by 6-7 months of age.
Detailed Answer
The teething process in dogs spans several months, beginning shortly after birth. Puppies first develop 28 deciduous, or 'milk,' teeth, which typically start erupting around 3 weeks of age. By 6-8 weeks, all these baby teeth are usually present.
Around 12 weeks (3 months) of age, puppies begin to lose their deciduous teeth, which are then replaced by 42 permanent adult teeth. This phase is characterized by increased chewing, mild discomfort, and sometimes minor bleeding from the gums. The molars, which are part of the permanent dentition, are the last to emerge. The entire transition, from the first deciduous tooth eruption to the full set of permanent adult teeth, is generally completed by 6-7 months of age.
Warning: Provide appropriate, safe chew toys during this period to alleviate discomfort and redirect destructive chewing. Monitor your puppy for any retained deciduous teeth (when a baby tooth doesn't fall out as the adult tooth emerges), as these can lead to dental problems and may require veterinary extraction.
Published: July 4, 2026