Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!
Become a member today!
Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
Already a member? Sign in
Become a credit card member today!
Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
when you use Petco Pay!
APPLY NOW
Learn More About Petco Pay Benefits

Puppy's 6-month baby canine teeth: will they fall out or need removal?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Male | neutered | 6 months and 12 days old | 9.4 lbs

Good morning! My 6 month maltipoo still has his canine teeth, as per the vet yesterday she said they’ll need to be taken out, is this true or is there a possibility they will come out on their own?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA

Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer

Published on February 19th, 2018

At six months of age, there is a chance that the baby canine teeth might still fall out on their own. I usually tell my clients that if they're still there by the time the dog is a year old, they definitely need to be removed.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA
Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer
Published on April 10th, 2017
Normally, the baby canine teeth should fall out as the adult teeth come in, at around 6 months of age. But it's fairly common for them to not fall out normally in many toy breed dogs - leading to "double canine teeth", where the baby tooth is retained just behind the adult tooth.

If Teddy is fully grown, it's unlikely that the baby teeth will fall out on their own at this point. They do need to be removed by your vet sometime soon, as otherwise they will trap tartar and bacteria and contribute to problems with the adult teeth - this is usually a fairly quick and easy procedure that can be done at the same time as a neuter or other anesthetic procedure if needed.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Related Questions

Why does my dog have extra lower canine teeth? Are they baby teeth?

Hi there. The "extra" lower canine teeth are her baby teeth, which haven't fallen out yet. If she's only six months old, they may still come out on their own sometime over the next few months. If they're still there by the time she's a year old, then I would recommend having them removed by your veterinarian, since they can cause problems with the adult teeth if they stay in longer than that.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My puppy's baby canine tooth didn't fall out, adult tooth behind it?

This can be a common issue in young dogs, especially of small breeds. If the canine tooth doesn't fall out by the time the adult tooth has grown in, we normally recommend removal of this tooth at the pet's spay or neuter. The tooth can be a site that easily gets infected or is easily broken, and this is the reason we recommend removal,though we do see dogs who live with the baby tooth and don't have problems with them. They are also an area where tartar quickly accumulates as they age.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My puppy's baby tooth is loose. When will it finally fall out?

The roots of the baby teeth begin to resorb between 2and 3 months of age. This results in loosening teeth that start to fall out shortly after. Once a tooth is loose, it can take several days to fall out or be knocked out (during play or eating). By 6-8 months of age, all the baby teeth should definitely be out, replaced by adult teeth.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My 6-month-old puppy has double teeth. Do they need to be pulled?

If you are planning on having Samuel neutered your vet may recommend having any remaining baby teeth extracted at that time. If not, your vet will likely want to remove them at the time of Samuel’s first yearly dental cleaning, as retained baby teeth can lead to increased gum and dental disease. It is a good idea to start brushing his teeth daily with an enzymatic pet toothpaste to help prevent /reduce gum disease. Small breed or toy dogs are prone to retained teeth and dental disease and should be treated with daily tooth brushing at home and at least yearly dental cleanings at the vet to help prevent pain from dental disease.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My puppy's baby teeth aren't falling out. Do they need to be pulled?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Labs very rarely have retained by teeth so give it another few weeks and they are likely to fall right out. If there are still baby teeth at about a year of age, they can be removed. Best wishes to you and Shiner!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My puppy's adult teeth are coming in, but baby canines won't budge.

If the deciduous (baby) teeth are still in after the adult teeth have fully erupted, then they will need to be extracted by your veterinarian. Left in, they can push the adult teeth out of alignment, catch food and debris and promote infection. The teeth can be extracted while Turbo is anesthetized if he is to be neutered soon. This is common in smaller breeds but eaisly remedied and should cause no further issues once the baby teeth are out.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Why is my puppy losing teeth so fast? When do fangs fall out?

By the time Panda is six months old, all of his baby teeth should have fallen out, but it can take up to seven months for them all to come out. At his age, it's normal for his canines (fangs) to start falling out now :-)

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Share