Puppy teething is a natural developmental stage that all young dogs go through. Just like human babies, puppies experience discomfort as their baby teeth fall out and adult teeth come in. This process typically begins around 3 to 4 weeks of age and continues until they are about 6 months old.
During this time, puppies may experience sore gums, excessive drooling, and an intense urge to chew on anything they can find—including furniture, shoes, and even your hands! As a pet owner, understanding this phase and providing the right solutions can make a huge difference in your puppy’s comfort and behavior.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about puppy teething, including:
✔️ The stages and symptoms of teething
✔️ Effective ways to soothe your puppy’s sore gums
✔️ How to prevent destructive chewing
✔️ Common mistakes to avoid
✔️ When to seek veterinary advice
Understanding Puppy Teething: Stages and Symptoms
Puppy teething is a critical developmental phase that affects a puppy’s behavior, chewing habits, and overall comfort. Knowing what to expect can help you provide the right care and prevent unwanted chewing behavior.
📅 Teething Timeline: When Does It Start and End?
Puppies go through two main teething stages as they grow:
Baby Teeth Eruption (2-6 Weeks Old)
- Puppies are born without teeth.
- Around 2-3 weeks old, their deciduous (baby) teeth start emerging.
- By 6 weeks old, most puppies have a full set of 28 baby teeth.
Adult Teeth Development (3-6 Months Old)
- At 3-4 months old, baby teeth begin falling out.
- Adult teeth start coming in, leading to gum soreness and heavy chewing.
- By 6 months old, most puppies will have their 42 permanent teeth.
🦷 Common Symptoms of Puppy Teething
During teething, puppies experience discomfort and may show the following signs:
- Excessive Chewing – Puppies will chew on anything they can find to relieve gum pain.
- Drooling – Increased saliva production is common due to gum irritation.
- Red or Swollen Gums – Mild inflammation as new teeth push through.
- Whining or Fussiness – Teething pain can make puppies irritable and restless.
- Loss of Appetite – Sore gums may cause a temporary decrease in eating.
- Small Blood Spots on Toys – Baby teeth may fall out while chewing.
🐶 How Teething Affects Puppy Behavior
- Puppies bite and mouth hands more during teething, which can seem like aggression.
- Some may experience mild sleep disturbances due to discomfort.
- Increased chewing on furniture, shoes, and household objects if not provided with proper chew toys.
🚨 When to Be Concerned: Signs of Abnormal Teething
While teething is a normal process, some issues may require veterinary attention:
- Retained Baby Teeth – If baby teeth don’t fall out, they can cause overcrowding and misalignment.
- Severe Bleeding or Infection – Excessive gum bleeding, pus, or foul odor may indicate an issue.
- Difficulty Eating or Weight Loss – Persistent refusal to eat may require medical intervention.
Understanding these stages and symptoms will help you recognize what’s normal and when extra care is needed. Up next, we’ll discuss the best ways to soothe your puppy’s sore gums and keep them comfortable!
Best Ways to Soothe Your Puppy’s Sore Gums
Teething can be an uncomfortable experience for puppies, but as a pet owner, you can provide relief with safe and effective remedies. Here are some of the best ways to soothe your puppy’s sore gums and make the teething process easier for both of you.
🦴 1. Provide Teething Toys and Chews
Chewing helps puppies relieve gum discomfort and strengthen their growing teeth. Offer a variety of safe, durable toys designed for teething:
- Rubber Chew Toys – KONG Puppy Toys and Nylabones are great for soothing gums.
- Textured Teething Rings – Specially designed puppy teething rings massage sore gums.
- Rope Toys – Helps clean teeth while providing a satisfying chew experience.
- Edible Teething Treats – Natural chews like bully sticks or dental sticks can provide relief.
💡 Tip: Rotate different toys to keep your puppy interested and engaged!
❄️ 2. Offer Cold and Frozen Treats
Cold temperatures help numb sore gums and reduce inflammation. Try these cooling options:
- Frozen Carrots – A nutritious and crunchy snack that soothes sore gums.
- Frozen Wet Washcloth – Soak a washcloth in water (or chamomile tea), freeze it, and let your puppy chew on it.
- Ice Cubes or Crushed Ice – Some puppies enjoy licking or chewing on ice for relief.
- Frozen Puppy KONG – Fill a KONG with peanut butter, yogurt, or mashed banana, then freeze it for a long-lasting treat.
💡 Tip: Always supervise your puppy with frozen items to prevent choking hazards.
🖐️ 3. Give Gentle Gum Massages
Massaging your puppy’s gums can help ease discomfort by increasing circulation and soothing sore areas.
- Use a clean finger or a soft, damp cloth to gently rub their gums.
- Apply light pressure in circular motions for a few seconds at a time.
- Try using dog-safe teething gels (approved by vets) for extra relief.
💡 Tip: Start introducing toothbrushing at this stage to get your puppy comfortable with dental care!
🌿 4. Use Safe and Natural Remedies
If you prefer holistic solutions, these natural remedies can help ease teething discomfort:
- Chamomile Tea Ice Cubes – Chamomile has natural calming properties that reduce inflammation.
- Coconut Oil – A small dab on the gums may help with mild irritation.
- Aloe Vera Gel (Dog-Safe) – Provides a cooling effect when applied in small amounts.
💡 Caution: Always check with your vet before using any home remedy to ensure it's safe for your puppy.
By using these safe and effective methods, you can help your puppy through the teething phase with less pain and fewer destructive chewing behaviors. Next, let’s talk about how to prevent unwanted chewing while your puppy is teething!
How to Prevent Destructive Chewing During Teething
Teething puppies have a strong urge to chew, and if they don’t have appropriate outlets, they may turn to furniture, shoes, or household items to relieve their discomfort. Here’s how to redirect their chewing behavior and protect your belongings while keeping your puppy happy and safe.
🦴 1. Provide Plenty of Chew-Friendly Alternatives
The best way to stop destructive chewing is to offer appropriate chew toys that satisfy their urge to chew. Choose:
- Durable Rubber Toys – KONG Puppy, Nylabone, or Goughnuts toys are great options.
- Edible Chews – Puppy-friendly dental sticks or natural chews like bully sticks.
- Frozen Teething Treats – Frozen carrots, wet washcloths, or frozen KONGs filled with peanut butter.
- Textured Chew Toys – Toys with different surfaces that massage sore gums.
💡 Tip: Rotate chew toys regularly to keep your puppy engaged and prevent boredom.
🚫 2. Puppy-Proof Your Home
Prevent bad chewing habits by making sure your puppy can’t access inappropriate objects:
- Keep shoes, clothing, and bags off the floor.
- Use cord protectors to prevent chewing on electrical wires.
- Remove small objects that could be swallowed.
- Block access to wooden furniture legs or use protective covers.
💡 Tip: If your puppy keeps targeting a specific area, use a baby gate to restrict access.
🧴 3. Use Safe Anti-Chew Sprays
Bitter-tasting deterrents can discourage puppies from chewing on inappropriate items. Some effective options include:
- Bitter Apple Spray – A common, non-toxic deterrent.
- Citrus or Vinegar-Based Sprays – Dogs dislike the taste and smell.
- Commercial Anti-Chew Sprays – Vet-approved options available at pet stores.
💡 Tip: Always test a small area before applying a spray to furniture or fabric.
🐶 4. Redirect and Reward Good Behavior
Instead of punishing your puppy for chewing the wrong item, redirect them to something appropriate:
- Say “No” Firmly – In a calm but firm voice.
- Replace the Item – Give them an approved chew toy instead.
- Praise and Reward – Use positive reinforcement when they chew the right toy.
💡 Tip: Puppies learn best through positive reinforcement! Offer treats, praise, or playtime when they make the right choice.
⏳ 5. Supervise and Manage Their Chewing Time
- Monitor your puppy closely while they explore and chew.
- If you can’t supervise, place them in a puppy-safe playpen or crate with chew toys.
- Provide mental stimulation with food puzzles and interactive toys to keep them occupied.
By puppy-proofing your home, offering safe chew options, and using positive reinforcement, you can successfully prevent destructive chewing during the teething phase. Up next, let’s discuss common mistakes to avoid while managing puppy teething!
Common Mistakes Puppy Owners Make During Teething
Puppy teething can be a challenging phase, and many owners unknowingly make mistakes that can lead to bad habits, prolonged discomfort, or behavioral issues. Avoid these common pitfalls to ensure your puppy’s teething journey is smooth and stress-free.
🚫 1. Not Providing Enough Chew Toys
One of the biggest mistakes owners make is not giving their puppy enough appropriate chew options. Without proper chew toys, puppies will seek out furniture, shoes, or other household items to relieve their discomfort.
✅ Solution: Offer a variety of teething-friendly toys, such as rubber chew toys, frozen treats, and edible chews. Rotate them regularly to keep your puppy engaged.
😬 2. Punishing Instead of Redirecting
Scolding or punishing a teething puppy for chewing the wrong things doesn’t teach them what to do instead—it only creates fear and confusion.
✅ Solution: Instead of yelling, calmly remove the inappropriate item and replace it with an approved chew toy. Praise your puppy when they chew on the right things.
❄️ 3. Ignoring the Benefits of Cold Therapy
Some owners don’t realize how effective cold items can be for soothing sore gums. Puppies love frozen textures because they help numb discomfort and reduce swelling.
✅ Solution: Offer frozen KONGs, ice cubes, frozen carrots, or a wet washcloth placed in the freezer. These can provide instant relief for sore gums.
🦷 4. Delaying Dental Care Training
Many owners wait too long to introduce dental hygiene because they assume their puppy doesn’t need it yet. However, early exposure to toothbrushing and mouth handling prevents future dental issues.
✅ Solution: Start gently massaging your puppy’s gums and introducing a soft puppy toothbrush as soon as possible. This will help them get comfortable with oral care.
⏳ 5. Expecting Teething to Stop Destructive Chewing
Teething is not the only reason puppies chew—they also do it out of boredom, anxiety, or excess energy. If chewing persists even after teething, the real issue may be a lack of mental stimulation or exercise.
✅ Solution: Provide interactive toys, mental enrichment, and daily exercise to keep your puppy engaged and prevent destructive chewing habits.
By avoiding these common mistakes and using the right techniques, you can help your puppy through the teething phase while encouraging good habits that last a lifetime!
When to Seek Veterinary Help for Puppy Teething Issues
While puppy teething is a natural process, there are times when complications arise that require veterinary attention. If you notice any of the following issues, it’s best to consult a vet to ensure your puppy’s oral health is on track.
🦷 1. Retained Baby Teeth
Normally, a puppy’s baby teeth fall out as their adult teeth come in. However, in some cases, baby teeth don’t shed properly, leading to overcrowding and misalignment.
✅ Signs to Watch For:
- Baby teeth still in place while adult teeth are growing in
- Double rows of teeth
- Difficulty chewing food
💡 Solution: Your vet may need to extract retained baby teeth to prevent dental issues.
🤕 2. Excessive Bleeding or Swollen Gums
Mild gum bleeding is normal, but excessive or prolonged bleeding could signal a problem like gum disease or an infection.
✅ Signs to Watch For:
- Gums appear bright red, swollen, or bleeding excessively
- Bad breath (a possible sign of infection)
- Reluctance to eat due to gum pain
💡 Solution: A vet can check for infections and recommend safe pain relief options.
🐶 3. Refusal to Eat or Extreme Discomfort
Teething can make chewing uncomfortable, but if your puppy refuses to eat or drink, it could indicate severe pain or an underlying dental issue.
✅ Signs to Watch For:
- Avoiding food, even soft or wet varieties
- Crying or whining when trying to eat
- Pawing at their mouth frequently
💡 Solution: Your vet may suggest special soft food, pain relief, or check for oral injuries.
😧 4. Unusual Growths or Deformities
If you notice lumps, swelling, or an abnormal jaw alignment, your puppy might have a congenital dental issue or an infection. Early detection is key to preventing long-term problems.
✅ Signs to Watch For:
- A visible lump inside the mouth
- Jaw misalignment or difficulty closing the mouth
- Pus or discharge from the gums
💡 Solution: Your vet will assess whether corrective treatment or surgery is needed.
🦠 5. Signs of an Oral Infection
Bacteria can build up in a puppy’s mouth, leading to infections that may affect their teeth, gums, or even overall health if left untreated.
✅ Signs to Watch For:
- Persistent bad breath (beyond normal puppy breath)
- Yellow or green pus around the gums
- A sudden change in behavior (irritability, excessive drooling)
💡 Solution: A vet may prescribe antibiotics or recommend a dental cleaning.
Teething discomfort is normal, but severe pain, infections, or retained baby teeth require professional care. If you notice persistent issues beyond normal teething, don’t hesitate to consult your vet. Proper dental care now ensures your puppy grows up with a healthy, happy smile!
Final Thoughts
Puppy teething is a natural but sometimes challenging phase for both puppies and their owners. By understanding the teething process, providing safe and effective chew toys, and avoiding common mistakes, you can help your puppy navigate this stage comfortably.
While mild discomfort is normal, persistent pain, excessive bleeding, or retained baby teeth may require a vet visit. Keeping an eye on your puppy’s oral health ensures they develop strong, healthy teeth for a lifetime.
With patience, the right tools, and proper care, you’ll guide your puppy through teething smoothly—setting them up for happy, healthy chewing habits in the future!
