Teeth Eruption in Dogs: When Baby Teeth Fall Out & What to Expect

What is teething in dogs?

Tooth replacement (dentition change) is the physiological process by which the 28 primary teeth (deciduous teeth) are replaced by the 42 permanent teeth (permanent dentition) between the third and seventh months of life. Baby teeth are smaller, whiter, and more pointed than permanent teeth; they serve the puppy during the rearing and socialization phase until the permanent dentition is fully developed.

In healthy dogs, this process usually goes unnoticed—individual baby teeth are swallowed or fall out without anyone noticing. Problems arise when baby teeth do not fall out on time (persistence), permanent teeth erupt in the wrong place, or the transition is accompanied by significant behavioral changes.

Background + Scientific Context

Wiggs and Lobprise (1997, *Veterinary Dentistry: Principles and Practice*) describe the timeline and sequence of tooth replacement in dogs: incisors are the first to be replaced (3–5 months), followed by canines (5–6 months), with premolars and molars completing the dentition (5–7 months). The full set of permanent teeth is fully erupted by about 7 months of age. Small breeds may experience a slight delay in tooth replacement, while large breeds may experience it slightly earlier.

Gorrel (2008, *Veterinary Dentistry for the General Practitioner*) describes retained deciduous teeth as a common clinical complication: the permanent tooth is supposed to displace the deciduous tooth by applying mechanical pressure to the root of the deciduous tooth (resorption). If the deciduous tooth remains in place despite the eruption of the permanent tooth, two teeth develop side by side—leading to crowding, plaque retention, malocclusion, and premature periodontitis. Small and toy breeds are disproportionately affected.

Reiter and Gracis (2018, BSAVA Manual of Canine and Feline Dentistry) describe the procedure for retained deciduous teeth: Extraction of the retained deciduous tooth is indicated as soon as the corresponding permanent tooth is in direct contact with it. Timing: as early as possible, ideally as soon as it is detected—to avoid hindering the development of the permanent tooth. This is often performed at the same time as spaying or neutering to avoid a second anesthesia.

Vitomalia-Position

Teeth replacement is a normal biological process and often goes unnoticed in healthy puppies. The risk lies in failing to address retained baby teeth—many owners are unaware that a retained baby tooth can lead to misaligned teeth and early periodontitis within weeks. A checkup during a veterinary examination while the puppy is young is essential.

When does tooth replacement become relevant?

• Puppies aged 3–7 months (active teething phase)
• Increased chewing, pain, or traces of blood when chewing
• A baby tooth that is still visible next to an erupting permanent tooth
• Noticeable misalignment or crowding of the teeth
• Eating-related clenching or protective posture when biting
• A checkup at the vet is recommended at 4, 5, and 7 months

Practical application

Timeline for a dog's teething:

What is normal during the transition to permanent teeth: - Individual baby teeth are found or swallowed (harmless) - Gum irritation and slight bleeding when chewing - Increased urge to chew → Increase chewing options during this phase - Choose softer chews for a short time (chewing is painful)

What indicates a need for action: - Baby tooth is right next to the permanent tooth (no space) — Veterinarian - Full set of teeth not yet complete at 8 months — checkup - A permanent tooth is erupting in the wrong position — orthodontic treatment is an option - Dog suddenly refuses Eat at all — pain management is necessary

Common Mistakes & Myths

• “Baby teeth fall out on their own—no action is needed.” In most cases, that’s true. But not when a baby tooth persists: A baby tooth that remains next to a permanent tooth will no longer resorb and must be extracted.
• “Persistent baby teeth are a cosmetic issue.” Persistent baby teeth cause crowding, hinder the eruption of permanent teeth, and increase the risk of early gum disease. This is not a cosmetic issue, but a medical one.
• “I’m supposed to help the dog wiggle its teeth and pull them out.” Baby teeth have long roots—teeth that appear loose are actually still firmly anchored. Attempting to pull them out yourself can cause the root to break off, leading to infection.

Current State of Research (2026)

Tooth replacement and the persistence of deciduous teeth are well documented in veterinary dentistry. The AVDC and EVD recommend regular dental checkups during the growth phase (3–8 months). Standard treatment for persistence: extraction under anesthesia, with complete removal of the tooth root to prevent fistula formation. Orthodontic interventions for severe malocclusion are well-established in veterinary dentistry.

Frequently Asked Questions

When do a dog's baby teeth fall out?

Teeth begin to come in around 3 months of age—the incisors first, the molars last. By about 7 months, the permanent set of teeth should have fully erupted. There may be differences between small and large breeds.

What does it mean if my dog still has baby teeth at 6 months?

If a baby tooth is still present alongside a visible permanent tooth, this is known as retained baby teeth. Consult a veterinarian—extraction of the baby tooth is usually recommended before permanent damage occurs.

Is it normal for children to chew more frequently when they're losing their baby teeth?

Yes — Gum irritation and pain during teething increase the urge to chew. Provide suitable, soft chew toys. Teething and increased biting of hands or furniture often occur at the same time — guiding chewing behavior in a structured way can help.

Related terms

• Puppy Development in Dogs
• Dental Care for Dogs
• Gum inflammation in dogs
• A Dog's Teeth
• Puppies & Young Dogs

Sources & Further Reading

1. Wiggs, R. B., & Lobprise, H. B. (1997). Veterinary Dentistry: Principles and Practice. Lippincott-Raven. ISBN 9780781709248.

2. Gorrel, C. (2008). Veterinary Dentistry for the General Practitioner. Elsevier. ISBN 9780702028748.

3. Reiter, A. M., & Gracis, M. (Eds.) (2018). BSAVA Manual of Canine and Feline Dentistry and Oral Surgery (4th ed.). BSAVA. ISBN 9781905319756.