How Do I Tell That My Puppy's Adult Teeth Have Come In?

Puppies go through a teething cycle that involves them losing their first set of teeth as their adult, permanent teeth cut through the gums. This stage in a puppy's life can be a time of painful gums, and it can result in your puppy chewing on whatever it can get its teeth on, from chew toys to your shoes. But there are ways for "pet parents" to tell if their puppies are losing their first set of teeth. When you notice it occurring, help your puppy get through the painful process by giving it chew toys to massage the sore gums.

Things You'll Need

  • Chew toys
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Instructions

    • 1

      Figure out your puppy's exact age. Most canine breeds begin showing all of their permanent teeth between 6 and 7 months of age, according to Pet Place.com. Puppies receive their adult teeth in different stages. The canines typically come in around 6 months of age, while the molars erupt at about 5 to 7 months.

    • 2

      Examine your puppy's teeth. A puppy's first teeth are smaller, sharp and more razor-like than the adult teeth. If you visually inspect the teeth and see larger canines that have a duller point at the tip, it is most likely that these are your puppy's adult teeth.

    • 3

      Look for drops of blood. You might notice some blood on your puppy's chew toys or on the floor. This is normal for puppies who are shedding their first set of teeth.

    • 4

      Look for small teeth around the house. Many puppies swallow their first set of teeth as they fall out, but you might occasionally find a puppy tooth here or there.

    • 5

      Note if there's an increase in chewing. Your puppy may be inclined to chew more even after the adult teeth have come in. Chewing relieves some of the pain from the gums that were cut when the adult teeth came through.