Teething: Understanding Your Cavalier Puppy's Teeth

Teething is a normal and important part of growing up. Your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppy is born without visible teeth. During puppyhood, those first sharp little baby teeth emerge, and then, within a relatively short period, they are gradually replaced by a complete set of adult teeth.

For many owners, teething is also the stage when a previously well-behaved puppy suddenly seems determined to chew everything. Shoes, furniture, toys, blankets, fingers and anything else within reach can become a target.

While chewing is a normal part of puppy development, teething is also an important time to establish good dental-care habits and monitor your puppy's mouth as the adult teeth develop. Understanding what is happening can help you guide your puppy through this stage safely and protect their dental health for life.

What is teething?

Teething is the process by which a puppy's temporary baby teeth are replaced by permanent adult teeth. Puppies develop 28 deciduous teeth, commonly called baby, milk or primary teeth.

Adult dogs normally have 42 permanent teeth. The permanent teeth gradually develop beneath the baby teeth. As they erupt, the roots of the baby teeth are resorbed, allowing the baby teeth to loosen and fall out. You may find a tiny tooth on the floor, in your puppy's bedding or attached to a toy. But don't be surprised if you never find any. Puppies commonly swallow their baby teeth while eating or chewing, and this is generally harmless.

When does teething begin?

There are actually two stages to a puppy's dental development.

Baby teeth

Baby teeth begin erupting at approximately three weeks of age and are generally fully erupted by around six weeks.

By the time a puppy goes to their new home, they will normally already have their complete set of baby teeth.

Adult teeth

The replacement process generally begins at around three to four months of age.

The adult teeth then gradually erupt as the baby teeth fall out.

By approximately six months of age, most puppies have their permanent teeth, although the precise timing can vary between individuals.

Some puppies may continue teething for a little longer.

Why does my puppy chew everything?

Chewing is normal puppy behaviour. Puppies explore their environment with their mouths, and chewing can become particularly pronounced during the teething period.

The process of losing baby teeth and developing adult teeth can also cause tender or uncomfortable gums, which may contribute to an increased desire to chew. This means your puppy isn't necessarily trying to be destructive. They are being a puppy. Your job is to teach them what they can chew.

Your puppy's teeth are not disposable

It can be tempting to think that because baby teeth are eventually going to fall out, they don't matter. They do.

Healthy baby teeth play an important role while your puppy is developing, and problems involving baby teeth can affect the developing adult dentition. This is why regularly checking your puppy's mouth is worthwhile.

It also provides an opportunity to teach your puppy that having their mouth examined is a normal part of life.

How to help a teething puppy

The best approach is to provide appropriate opportunities for chewing while preventing access to things that could damage your puppy or your belongings.

Provide suitable puppy-safe chew toys

Offer a selection of toys specifically designed for puppies.

Your puppy may develop preferences for:

• Rubber toys

• Soft chew toys

• Puppy-specific dental toys

• Food-stuffed toys

• Other veterinarian-approved puppy chews

RSPCA Australia recommends providing puppies with suitable chew toys and healthy chewable treats during teething.

Choose chews carefully

Not every chew marketed for dogs is appropriate for a teething puppy. Some extremely hard products can fracture teeth.

Veterinary dental guidance cautions against very hard items such as bones, antlers, hooves and some hard nylon products because of the risk of dental fractures.

WSAVA also recommends avoiding excessively hard chews and treats, including antlers and hooves, as well as cooked and raw bones because of potential health risks.

A useful rule

If a chew is extremely hard and does not have any give, don't assume it is good for your puppy's teeth simply because it is sold as a dog chew.

Ask your veterinarian which products are appropriate for your individual puppy.

Avoid bones as teething toys

Bones are sometimes promoted as natural dental chews. However, they are not risk-free.

Bones can cause:

• Broken teeth

• Mouth injuries

• Choking

• Gastrointestinal obstruction

• Intestinal injury

WSAVA specifically advises against both cooked and raw bones because they can cause significant harm if chewed or swallowed. For a teething puppy, there are safer alternatives available.

Be careful with frozen treats and toys

Cold items are sometimes suggested as a way of soothing teething gums.

However, avoid giving your puppy extremely hard frozen objects such as ice cubes, which can damage teeth.

If you want to use chilled or frozen enrichment, choose an appropriate puppy-safe product and discuss suitable options with your veterinarian.

Redirect chewing rather than simply stopping it

Your puppy needs to chew. Instead of repeatedly saying:

"No!" try teaching: "Chew this instead."

For example, if your puppy picks up your shoe:

1. Calmly remove the shoe.

2. Offer an appropriate chew toy.

3. Praise your puppy when they take the toy.

4. Allow them to enjoy it.

Over time, your puppy learns which objects are appropriate to chew.

RSPCA Australia recommends understanding why a dog is chewing and redirecting the behaviour rather than simply punishing the dog.

Puppy-proof your home

During the teething stage, assume that anything within your puppy's reach could become a chew toy.

Keep away:

• Shoes

• Children's toys

• Socks

• Electrical cables

• Remote controls

• Books

• Glasses

• Bags

• Clothing

• Furniture that can be damaged

• Small objects that could be swallowed

Electrical cords deserve particular attention because chewing them can result in serious injury.

Puppy-proofing is much easier than repeatedly trying to teach a young puppy not to chew every tempting object in the house.

What about biting people?

Many owners notice an increase in nipping and biting during puppyhood. Puppies naturally investigate and play with their mouths. Sharp baby teeth can make this particularly uncomfortable for humans.

If your puppy bites your hands during play:

• Stop the game calmly.

• Avoid rough hand-based play.

• Redirect your puppy to an appropriate toy.

• Reward calm interaction.

• Give your puppy an opportunity to rest if they become overexcited.

Everyone in the household should respond consistently. Young children should never be expected to manage puppy biting themselves.

Teething isn't an excuse for rough handling

A puppy who is chewing and nipping can be frustrating, particularly when you are tired. However, physical punishment is not an appropriate way to address normal puppy behaviour.

Avoid:

• Hitting

• Smacking

• Holding the mouth shut

• Yelling

• Pinning the puppy down

• Pulling objects aggressively from the puppy's mouth

Instead, use management, redirection and reward-based training. This helps your puppy learn without damaging the trust you are building.

What does normal teething look like?

You may notice:

• Increased chewing

• Increased interest in chew toys

• Mildly tender or swollen gums

• Drooling

• A small amount of blood on a toy

• Baby teeth appearing loose

• Baby teeth disappearing

• Slight changes in appetite

• "Puppy breath"

A small amount of bleeding can occur as baby teeth fall out and is generally not concerning. However, significant bleeding, severe pain or other concerning symptoms should always be discussed with your veterinarian.

Is puppy breath normal?

That distinctive puppy smell from your puppy's mouth can be particularly noticeable during teething. A characteristic odour can occur while puppies are teething. However, don't assume that every unpleasant mouth odour is simply "puppy breath."

Persistent or particularly foul-smelling breath can indicate an oral health problem and should be checked by your veterinarian.

What if my puppy doesn't want to eat?

Some puppies may be reluctant to eat as their mouth becomes tender during teething.

If your puppy seems uncomfortable eating, speak with your veterinarian about whether temporary changes to food texture or other adjustments are appropriate.

However, don't automatically assume that refusal to eat is simply teething.

A puppy that refuses food, particularly if accompanied by lethargy, vomiting, diarrhoea, pain or other signs of illness, should receive veterinary advice. Young puppies can become unwell quickly.

You may not find your puppy's teeth

Don't panic if you never find a single baby tooth. Many puppies simply swallow them while eating or chewing. This is common and generally harmless. You may, however, occasionally discover a tiny tooth on the floor or in a toy.

It can be a lovely little reminder that your puppy is growing up.

Retained baby teeth

One of the most important things to watch for during teething is a retained deciduous tooth. This occurs when a baby tooth remains in place while the corresponding adult tooth is erupting. You may see what appears to be: Two teeth occupying the same position.

This is particularly important because the retained tooth can crowd the adult tooth and interfere with its normal position.

Food and debris can also become trapped between the teeth, increasing the risk of dental disease. Abnormal tooth positioning can sometimes cause painful contact with other teeth or the soft tissues of the mouth.

What should you do if you see two teeth?

Contact your veterinarian.

Don't pull the baby tooth out yourself.

Persistent deciduous teeth often require veterinary extraction, and timely treatment can help prevent or reduce problems with the developing adult teeth.

The most commonly retained teeth are the canine teeth, although other teeth can also be affected.

Why are retained teeth important?

A retained baby tooth can contribute to:

• Crowding

• Abnormal tooth positioning

• Abnormal bite

• Food accumulation

• Plaque accumulation

• Gingivitis

• Periodontal disease

• Painful contact with the palate or other oral tissues

• Damage to neighbouring teeth

This is why puppy dental checks are important.

Don't wait until your puppy is an adult before noticing that something isn't quite right.

Check your puppy's mouth regularly

Get your puppy accustomed to having their mouth examined while they are young. Once or twice a week, when your puppy is relaxed, gently lift their lips and look at the teeth.

You are looking for:

• Missing teeth

• Loose baby teeth

• Adult teeth erupting

• Two teeth in the same position

• Unusual tooth positioning

• Swollen gums

• Excessive redness

• Bleeding

• Broken teeth

• Anything that looks unusual

VCA recommends checking a puppy's mouth regularly during the teething period, particularly through approximately seven to eight months of age. If something concerns you, have your veterinarian examine it.

Teething is the perfect time to start toothbrushing

Don't wait until your Cavalier is an adult before introducing dental care. Instead, teach your puppy from a young age that having their mouth handled is normal.

Start gradually.

Step 1: Touch the face

Gently touch your puppy's cheeks and lips.

Reward calm behaviour.

Step 2: Lift the lip

Briefly lift your puppy's lip and look at the teeth.

Reward.

Step 3: Touch the gums

Once your puppy is comfortable, gently touch the gums.

Reward.

Step 4: Introduce the toothbrush

Allow your puppy to sniff and investigate a toothbrush designed for dogs.

Reward.

Step 5: Introduce dog toothpaste

Use toothpaste specifically formulated for dogs.

Never use human toothpaste unless your veterinarian specifically tells you it is safe.

Some human toothpaste products contain ingredients that can be harmful to dogs. VCA recommends using toothpaste formulated for dogs.

Step 6: Begin brushing

Keep the first sessions extremely short.

You may only brush a few teeth initially.

Gradually build up the duration.

The objective is to make dental care a normal part of your Cavalier's routine rather than something they have to tolerate suddenly as an adult.

Don't force toothbrushing

If your puppy becomes frightened or struggles, go back a step. The aim is to build a positive association.

For example:

Toothbrush appears → treat.

Lip lifted → treat.

Toothbrush touches teeth → treat.

Over time, your puppy can learn that toothbrushing predicts something positive. Your veterinarian can demonstrate an appropriate brushing technique and recommend suitable dental products.

Dental care is particularly important for Cavaliers

Good dental care should be part of every Cavalier's lifelong health routine. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels can be prone to dental problems, making early attention to oral hygiene particularly worthwhile.

The puppy stage is therefore an ideal time to establish habits that can continue throughout adulthood. Regular home dental care does not replace veterinary dental examinations.

When should you contact your veterinarian?

Contact your veterinarian if you notice:

• Significant or persistent bleeding

• Severe mouth pain

• Difficulty eating

• Refusal to eat

• Excessive drooling

• Pawing repeatedly at the mouth

• Facial swelling

• A broken tooth

• A tooth that appears discoloured

• A retained baby tooth

• Two teeth occupying the same position

• An abnormal bite

• A tooth contacting the roof of the mouth

• Persistent bad breath

• Swollen or severely inflamed gums

• Any behaviour suggesting your puppy is experiencing significant pain

Dogs can sometimes hide dental pain, so changes in eating or behaviour shouldn't be dismissed. Dental pain can manifest as difficulty eating, dropping food, pawing at the mouth, excessive drooling or other changes.

Broken teeth are not normal

If your puppy breaks a tooth while chewing, have it assessed by your veterinarian. A fractured tooth can expose sensitive internal structures and may require treatment.

Hard objects are a significant risk factor for tooth fractures, which is another reason to be cautious about bones, antlers, hooves and other very hard chews. Don't assume that because your puppy is young, a damaged tooth doesn't matter.

What should I give my puppy to chew?

There is no single chew that is appropriate for every puppy.

Look for products that are:

• Designed specifically for puppies

• Appropriate for your puppy's size

• Not excessively hard

• Used under supervision

• Suitable for your puppy's diet and health

Your veterinarian can help you choose appropriate products.

The RSPCA notes that puppy-specific chew toys and appropriate chewable treats can help redirect chewing during teething.

Supervise chewing

Even a product marketed as a puppy chew is not automatically risk-free.

Puppies can:

• Break pieces off

• Swallow large pieces

• Choke

• Damage their teeth

• Become tangled

• Destroy toys rapidly

VCA notes that no chew toy is completely safe and recommends supervising puppies while they chew. Inspect toys regularly and discard anything that has become damaged or is breaking apart.

A simple Teething Survival Kit

It can be useful to have several appropriate options available.

At home

☐ Puppy-safe chew toys
☐ Soft toys appropriate for supervised use
☐ Food-stuffable enrichment toy
☐ Dog toothbrush
☐ Dog-specific toothpaste
☐ Puppy-safe treats
☐ Puppy-proofed living area

Things to keep out of reach

☐ Shoes
☐ Socks
☐ Children's toys
☐ Electrical cords
☐ Remote controls
☐ Small objects
☐ Plastic items
☐ Bones
☐ Antlers
☐ Hooves
☐ Other excessively hard chews

Teething Checklist

As your Cavalier progresses through teething:

☐ Check your puppy's mouth regularly
☐ Provide appropriate chewing opportunities
☐ Redirect inappropriate chewing
☐ Puppy-proof the home
☐ Avoid excessively hard chews
☐ Avoid bones and other high-risk items
☐ Supervise chewing
☐ Look for retained baby teeth
☐ Introduce toothbrushing gradually
☐ Use toothpaste formulated for dogs
☐ Have your veterinarian check anything unusual
☐ Continue dental care after the adult teeth have erupted

A Note for Cavalier Puppy Owners

Your Cavalier's tiny teeth may seem insignificant when they are a puppy. But the habits you establish now can influence their relationship with dental care for years to come.

Teach your puppy that:

• Hands in their mouth are normal.

• Having their teeth examined is normal.

• Brushing their teeth is normal.

• Appropriate chewing is rewarding.

• Veterinary dental examinations are nothing to fear.

These simple lessons can make lifelong dental care considerably easier.

In Conclusion…

Teething is a temporary stage, but it is an important one. Your puppy is losing their baby teeth, developing their permanent adult teeth and learning how to use their mouth to explore the world. Chewing is normal. Your role is to provide appropriate outlets for that behaviour while protecting your puppy's developing teeth.

Monitor the mouth regularly, avoid excessively hard chews, redirect inappropriate chewing and introduce toothbrushing gradually. Most importantly, watch for retained baby teeth and other abnormalities. Those tiny puppy teeth won't be there forever, the adult teeth that replace them need to last your Cavalier a lifetime.

• Puppies have 28 baby teeth and adult dogs normally have 42 permanent teeth.

• Baby teeth generally begin being replaced at around 3–4 months.

• Most puppies have their adult teeth by approximately 6 months, although individual timing varies.

• Increased chewing is normal during puppyhood and teething.

• Provide appropriate puppy-safe chewing opportunities.

• Avoid excessively hard chews, bones, antlers and hooves because of the risk of dental injury.

• Supervise your puppy when chewing.

• Never punish normal chewing behaviour; redirect it instead.

• Check your puppy's mouth regularly.

• Look particularly for retained baby teeth.

• Never attempt to remove a retained tooth yourself.

• Begin introducing toothbrushing while your puppy is young.

• Use toothpaste formulated specifically for dogs.

• Have broken, painful or unusually positioned teeth assessed by your veterinarian.

• Establish good dental habits during puppyhood and continue them throughout your Cavalier's life.

Disclaimer

The information provided in the Cavalier Knowledge Centre is intended for general educational purposes only and is not a substitute for veterinary advice, diagnosis or treatment.