Learn why a one-year-old dog may still chew, when retained baby teeth or dental pain may be involved, and what owners should ask their veterinarian.
Key Takeaways
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Most dogs should have adult teeth by around 6 to 8 months, so true teething at one year is not the usual pattern.
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Chewing at one year may be adolescent behavior, habit, boredom, anxiety, dental discomfort, or a retained baby tooth issue.
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Retained deciduous teeth can crowd adult teeth and contribute to bite or dental problems.
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A dental exam is wise if you see double teeth, mouth pain, bleeding, bad breath, broken teeth, or trouble chewing.
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Safe chew choices and training matter, but they should not replace veterinary dental care when signs look abnormal.
Is a one-year-old dog still teething?
By one year, most dogs are no longer going through normal puppy tooth eruption. If a dog is chewing heavily at this age, it may be adolescent habit, excess energy, lack of appropriate chew outlets, stress, or a dental problem rather than true teething.
That distinction matters because training and safe chews help behavior, while retained teeth, fractured teeth, gum disease, or mouth pain need veterinary attention.
Retained baby teeth and “double fangs”
A retained baby tooth is a puppy tooth that stays after the adult tooth comes in. Owners often notice a slim sharp tooth sitting beside a thicker adult canine, sometimes called “double fangs.” This can crowd the mouth and trap debris.
If you see double teeth, schedule a dental exam. Retained teeth can contribute to misalignment and future dental disease, and they are not something to pull at home.
| Clue | Likely next step |
|---|---|
| Double tooth visible | Schedule a dental exam. |
| Chews furniture when bored | Increase management and appropriate outlets. |
| Bad breath or bleeding | Ask about dental disease or injury. |
| Sudden chewing change | Check for pain, stress, or new routine changes. |
Chewing that is behavior, not teeth
Some one-year-old dogs chew because adolescence brought more independence and testing. Others chew because they are under-exercised, overtired, anxious, or rewarded by attention. In those cases, the plan is management plus training.
Use appropriate chews, rotate options, block access to tempting items, and reinforce calm choices. Our adolescent dog chewing guide can help if the teeth look normal but the behavior is still frustrating.
Dental warning signs
Call your veterinarian if your dog paws at the mouth, drops food, chews on one side, has bad breath, bleeds from the mouth, resists face handling, has visible double teeth, or suddenly avoids toys. These signs can point to pain rather than mischief.
A dog may keep eating despite dental discomfort, so appetite alone does not prove everything is fine. Watch chewing style, mood, and how the mouth looks.
Safe chew setup
Choose chews that match your dog’s size, chewing style, and dental condition. Avoid objects that are too hard, too small, splintering, or easy to swallow whole. Supervise new chews and remove them when they become unsafe.
Chew plans are best when paired with exercise, sniffing, training, and rest. A dog who is mentally tired and physically settled is less likely to rehearse destructive chewing.
Practical Owner Notes
Dog Teething at 1 Year: note teething first. Dog Teething at 1 Year: add year and practical before deciding. Dog Teething at 1 Year: keep the plan simple enough to test.
Dog Teething at 1 Year: compare teething, year, and practical. Dog Teething at 1 Year: keep the choice tied to baseline comfort. Dog Teething at 1 Year: adjust after the dog responds.
Sources Used
Dog Teething at 1 Year: start with sources, then check teething. Dog Teething at 1 Year: separate normal routine from a new pattern. Dog Teething at 1 Year: choose one clear next step.
Final Thoughts
Chewing at one year is often behavior or discomfort rather than normal teething, so look at both training setup and dental health.
FAQ
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Dog Teething at 1 Year: start with frequently, then check teething. Dog Teething at 1 Year: separate normal routine from a new pattern. Dog Teething at 1 Year: choose one clear next step.
Is teething at one year normal?
True puppy teething is usually finished before one year, so ongoing chewing may have another cause.
What are retained baby teeth?
They are puppy teeth that remain after adult teeth come in, often causing crowding or dental problems.
Can I pull a retained tooth myself?
No. Retained teeth should be evaluated and handled by a veterinarian.
Why is my one-year-old dog chewing again?
Adolescence, boredom, anxiety, habits, or dental discomfort can all contribute.
What chews are safest?
Choose size-appropriate, non-splintering chews and supervise your dog, especially with new options.
