The Ultimate Guide to Puppy Teething: Survival Tips for New Owners.
If you’ve recently welcomed a puppy into your home, you’ve probably already discovered that those adorable little teeth can cause some serious discomfort – for both you and your new furry friend. Puppy teething is one of the most challenging phases of puppyhood, but understanding what’s happening and how to help can make this period much more manageable for everyone involved.
Puppy teething is one of the most challenging phases of puppyhood, but understanding what’s happening and how to help can make this period much more manageable for everyone involved.
Understanding the Puppy Teething Timeline
Puppy teething follows a predictable pattern, though individual puppies may vary slightly in their timing. Understanding this timeline can help you prepare for what’s coming and recognise when your puppy’s behaviour changes are related to teething discomfort.
Birth to 2 Weeks: The Toothless Phase
Puppies are born without teeth, relying entirely on their mother’s milk for nutrition. During this period, their gums are soft and pink, and they spend most of their time sleeping and nursing. This toothless phase allows for comfortable nursing without causing discomfort to the mother.
2 to 4 Weeks: First Teeth Emerge
Around 2-3 weeks of age, puppies begin developing their first set of teeth, starting with the incisors (front teeth). These needle-sharp baby teeth, also called deciduous teeth, are designed to help puppies transition from nursing to eating solid food. By 4 weeks, most puppies have their front teeth and are beginning to develop their canine teeth.
4 to 6 Weeks: Full Set of Baby Teeth
Between 4-6 weeks, puppies develop their full set of 28 baby teeth, including incisors, canines, and premolars. These teeth are incredibly sharp – much sharper than adult teeth – which serves an important purpose in teaching bite inhibition. When puppies bite their littermates or mother too hard with these needle-like teeth, they receive immediate feedback in the form of yelps or corrections.
3 to 4 Months: The Teething Phase Begins
Around 12-16 weeks of age, puppies begin losing their baby teeth to make room for their adult teeth. This is when the real teething discomfort begins. You might find tiny teeth around your house, though many puppies swallow their baby teeth, which is completely normal and harmless.
4 to 6 Months: Peak Teething Period
This is typically the most ‘challenging’ period for both puppies and their owners. During this time, puppies are actively losing baby teeth while adult teeth are erupting through their gums. The discomfort can be significant, leading to increased chewing, biting, and general fussiness. Your puppy may experience swollen, red, or bleeding gums during this period.
6 to 8 Months: Adult Teeth Complete
By 6-8 months of age, most puppies have their full set of 42 adult teeth. The teething process is complete, and the intense urge to chew should begin to subside. However, some large breed dogs may continue teething until they’re 8-10 months old
Signs Your Puppy is Teething
Recognising the signs of teething can help you respond appropriately to your puppy’s needs and distinguish between normal teething behaviour and other issues that might require veterinary attention.
Physical Signs
The most obvious signs of teething are physical changes in your puppy’s mouth. You may notice red, swollen, or tender gums, particularly around areas where new teeth are emerging. Some puppies experience minor bleeding where baby teeth have fallen out, which is normal unless it’s excessive.
You might also find small, sharp baby teeth around your house, though as mentioned earlier, many puppies swallow these teeth. Don’t be alarmed if you don’t find any teeth – this doesn’t mean the teething process isn’t happening.
Behavioural Changes
Teething puppies often exhibit significant behavioural changes as they seek relief from their discomfort. Increased chewing is the most common sign, with puppies targeting everything from furniture legs to shoes to electrical cords. This indiscriminate chewing is your puppy’s attempt to relieve the pressure and pain in their gums.
Increased chewing is the most common sign, with puppies targeting everything from furniture legs to shoes to electrical cords.
Many teething puppies also show increased biting and mouthing behaviour. They may bite harder than usual during play or seem to target hands and feet more frequently. This isn’t aggression – it’s simply your puppy seeking relief from their discomfort.
Changes in Eating Habits
Some puppies experience changes in their eating habits during intense teething periods. They may eat more slowly, show reluctance to eat hard kibble, or prefer softer foods. This is because chewing can be uncomfortable when their gums are sore and inflamed.
Conversely, some puppies may seem hungrier than usual and want to chew constantly. This increased oral activity is their way of managing the discomfort and pressure in their mouths.
Sleep and Mood Changes
Just like human babies, teething puppies may experience disrupted sleep patterns and mood changes. Your normally cheerful puppy might seem more irritable, restless, or clingy during peak teething periods. They may wake up more frequently at night or have difficulty settling down for naps.
Some puppies also show decreased interest in play or training during particularly uncomfortable teething phases. This is temporary and should resolve as the acute discomfort passes.
The Best Chew Toys for Teething Puppies
Providing appropriate chew toys is one of the most important things you can do to help your teething puppy. The right toys can provide relief from discomfort while protecting your belongings and teaching your puppy what’s appropriate to chew.
Rubber Toys
High-quality rubber toys are excellent for teething puppies because they provide the right amount of give to massage sore gums without being too hard or too soft. Kong toys are particularly popular because they can be stuffed with treats or frozen for additional relief.
Look for rubber toys specifically designed for puppies, as these are typically softer than those made for adult dogs. Avoid toys that are too hard, as these can damage developing teeth, or too soft, as these may be easily destroyed and pose a choking hazard.
The Puppy KONG dog toy is customised for a growing puppy's baby teeth. Designed to meet the needs of a puppy's 28-baby teeth, it helps teach appropriate chewing behaviour while offering enrichment and satisfying a younger pup's instinctual needs while the erratic bounce make it ideal for those pups that just want to play. A stuffed Puppy KONG occupies busy little ones while allowing pet parents the freedom to attend to their unique needs.
Rope Toys
Rope toys provide a different texture that many teething puppies find satisfying. The fibers can help clean teeth and massage gums as your puppy chews. However, supervise your puppy with rope toys and replace them when they become frayed or if your puppy starts ingesting the fibers.
Rope toys provide a different texture that many teething puppies find satisfying. Choose rope toys made from natural fibers when possible, and ensure they’re appropriately sized for your puppy. Toys that are too small can pose a choking hazard, while those that are too large may be difficult for your puppy to manipulate effectively.
Frozen Toys and Treats
Cold temperatures can provide significant relief for sore, inflamed gums. Freeze rubber toys, wet washcloths, or special teething toys designed to be frozen. You can also freeze treats inside Kong toys or ice cube trays for a longer-lasting chewing experience.
Some puppies enjoy frozen carrots or other safe vegetables, though these should be given in moderation and under supervision. Always ensure that frozen items are appropriately sized to prevent choking.
Puzzle Toys
Mental stimulation can help distract your puppy from teething discomfort while providing appropriate chewing opportunities. Puzzle toys that dispense treats or require manipulation to access food can keep your puppy engaged and provide relief from boredom-induced destructive chewing.
Look for puzzle toys with different difficulty levels so you can adjust the challenge as your puppy grows and learns. These toys also help slow down fast eaters and provide mental exercise that can tire your puppy out.
DIY Teething Solutions
While commercial teething toys are convenient and effective, there are also several safe, homemade solutions you can try to help your teething puppy.
Frozen Washcloths
Wet a clean washcloth, wring out excess water, and freeze it for a few hours. The cold, textured surface provides excellent relief for sore gums. You can tie knots in the washcloth to create different textures and make it more interesting for your puppy.
Supervise your puppy with frozen washcloths and replace them when they become too frayed or if your puppy starts ingesting fibers. Some puppies prefer slightly damp washcloths that aren’t completely frozen.
Ice Cubes and Frozen Treats
Plain ice cubes can provide relief for some puppies, though others may find them too cold or hard. You can also freeze low-sodium chicken broth in ice cube trays for a more appealing option. Always supervise your puppy with ice to prevent choking.
Frozen fruits like blueberries or small pieces of banana can also provide relief, though these should be given in moderation due to their sugar content. Avoid grapes, which are toxic to dogs, and always check that any fruit you offer is safe for canine consumption.
Frozen Kong Stuffing
Stuff a Kong toy with your puppy’s regular food, plain yogurt, or peanut butter (ensure it’s xylitol-free), and freeze it overnight. This creates a long-lasting chewing experience that provides both mental stimulation and teething relief.
You can vary the stuffing to keep your puppy interested – try mashed banana, pumpkin puree, or even frozen wet food. Start with easier-to-extract fillings and gradually increase the difficulty as your puppy becomes more skilled.
How to Soothe Your Puppy’s Sore Gums
Beyond providing appropriate chew toys, there are several ways you can help soothe your puppy’s teething discomfort and make this challenging phase more manageable.
Gentle Gum Massage
If your puppy will allow it, gentle gum massage can provide significant relief. Use a clean finger or a soft cloth to gently massage your puppy’s gums in circular motions. This can help reduce inflammation and provide comfort.
Start slowly and let your puppy get used to having their mouth handled. Some puppies love gum massage, while others may be too sensitive during peak teething periods. Never force this if your puppy shows signs of discomfort or resistance.
Cold Compresses
A cold, damp cloth applied to the outside of your puppy’s muzzle can help reduce inflammation and provide relief. Don’t apply ice directly to the skin, and limit cold compress sessions to a few minutes at a time.
Some puppies find this soothing, while others may not tolerate it well. Pay attention to your puppy’s body language and stop if they seem stressed or uncomfortable.
Appropriate Pain Relief
While you should never give human pain medications to your puppy, your veterinarian may recommend safe pain relief options for severe teething discomfort. Never administer any medication without veterinary guidance, as many human medications are toxic to dogs.
Some veterinarians may recommend puppy-safe teething gels or other topical treatments. Always follow your vet’s instructions carefully and monitor your puppy for any adverse reactions.
Maintaining Routine
Keeping your puppy’s routine as consistent as possible can help them cope with teething stress. Regular meal times, exercise, and sleep schedules provide stability during this uncomfortable period.
However, be flexible when your puppy is experiencing particularly intense discomfort. They may need more rest or shorter training sessions during peak teething periods.
Teething vs. Aggressive Biting: How to Tell the Difference
One of the biggest concerns for new puppy owners is distinguishing between normal teething behaviour and signs of aggression. Understanding the difference is crucial for responding appropriately and ensuring your puppy develops into a well-adjusted adult dog.
Normal Teething Behaviour
Teething-related biting typically occurs during play or when your puppy is seeking relief from discomfort. The biting is usually accompanied by playful body language – loose, wiggly movements, play bows, and a generally relaxed demeanor.
Teething puppies may bite harder than usual, but they typically respond well to redirection and don’t show signs of resource guarding or territorial behaviour. The biting is often indiscriminate – they’ll chew on anything available, not just targeting specific people or situations.
Warning Signs of Problematic Behaviour
Aggressive biting is typically accompanied by stiff body language, growling, raised hackles, or a fixed stare. This type of biting is often context-specific – occurring around food, toys, or when the puppy is cornered or feels threatened.
If your puppy’s biting is accompanied by these warning signs, or if the intensity seems to be increasing rather than decreasing with age, consult with a professional dog trainer or veterinary behaviourist immediately.
The Importance of Bite Inhibition
Regardless of whether biting is teething-related or not, teaching bite inhibition is crucial. This is the ability to control the force of their bite, and it’s one of the most important skills your puppy can learn.
Puppies typically learn bite inhibition from their littermates and mother, but this learning continues in their new home. When your puppy bites too hard, respond with a verbal cue like “ouch” and redirect them to an appropriate toy. Consistency is key in teaching this vital skill.
Managing Destructive Chewing
Teething puppies have an overwhelming urge to chew, and without proper management, this can result in significant damage to your belongings. The key is to be proactive in providing appropriate outlets while protecting your valuables.
Puppy-Proofing Your Home
Before your puppy’s teething intensifies, take time to puppy-proof your home thoroughly. Remove or secure anything you don’t want chewed, including shoes, electrical cords, remote controls, and children’s toys.
Use baby gates to restrict access to certain areas, and consider crate training to provide a safe space when you can’t supervise directly. Remember that teething puppies can be incredibly creative in finding things to chew, so err on the side of caution.
Providing Adequate Alternatives
Ensure your puppy always has access to appropriate chew toys. Rotate toys regularly to maintain interest, and have different types available to satisfy various chewing needs. Some puppies prefer soft toys, while others need harder surfaces to really satisfy their urge to chew.
Keep chew toys in every room where your puppy spends time, and always redirect inappropriate chewing to an acceptable alternative immediately. Praise enthusiastically when your puppy chooses appropriate items to chew.
Supervision and Management
During peak teething periods, increased supervision is essential. When you can’t watch your puppy directly, use confinement tools like crates, exercise pens, or baby gates to prevent destructive behaviour.
This isn’t punishment – it’s management that sets your puppy up for success while protecting your belongings. As your puppy learns what’s appropriate to chew and the teething phase passes, you can gradually increase their freedom.
When to Consult Your Veterinarian
While teething is a normal process, there are times when veterinary consultation is warranted to ensure your puppy’s health and comfort.
Signs of Complications
Contact your veterinarian if you notice excessive bleeding from your puppy’s mouth, signs of infection (such as foul odor or pus), or if your puppy seems to be in severe pain that interferes with eating or sleeping.
Also consult your vet if baby teeth don’t fall out on schedule, as retained baby teeth can cause problems with adult tooth alignment and may require extraction.
Persistent Problems
If your puppy’s teething seems to be lasting longer than expected, or if destructive chewing continues well beyond the typical teething period, discuss this with your veterinarian. They can rule out medical issues and provide guidance on behaviour modification if needed.
Some puppies may benefit from professional training help during the teething period, especially if the behaviour is causing significant stress for the family or safety concerns.
Dental Health Monitoring
Regular veterinary check-ups during the teething period allow your vet to monitor your puppy’s dental development and catch any potential issues early. They can also provide guidance on dental care and answer any questions about your puppy’s specific situation.
The Light at the End of the Tunnel
Remember that puppy teething, while challenging, is a temporary phase. Most puppies complete the teething process by 6-8 months of age, and the intense urge to chew typically subsides significantly once their adult teeth are fully erupted.
The patience and consistency you show during this period will pay dividends in the long run. Puppies who are provided with appropriate outlets for their teething needs and taught what’s acceptable to chew are much less likely to develop destructive chewing habits as adults.
Every puppy is different, and some may have an easier time with teething than others. Don’t compare your puppy’s experience to others – focus on providing the support and guidance your individual puppy needs.
With proper management, appropriate chew toys, and lots of patience, you and your puppy will successfully navigate this challenging but temporary phase. The well-behaved, gentle companion you’re working toward is worth every effort you put in during these early months.
The key is to stay consistent, be patient with both yourself and your puppy, and remember that this too shall pass. Before you know it, you’ll have a well-adjusted adult dog with excellent chewing habits and a strong bond with you built through positive guidance during their most vulnerable developmental period.
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