If your once-calm puppy has suddenly started chewing on shoes, furniture, fingers, and anything else within reach, you are probably wondering what changed. The most likely answer is simple: your puppy is teething. Just like human babies, puppies go through a stage where baby teeth fall out and adult teeth come in. It can be uncomfortable for them, but it is a normal part of growing up.
Teething does not mean your puppy has become naughty. Chewing is how a puppy explores the world and eases sore gums. Once you understand what is happening and how to help, this phase becomes much easier for both of you.
What Is Puppy Teething?
Puppy teething is the process where a puppy loses its baby teeth, also called milk teeth, and grows a full set of adult teeth. Puppies are born without teeth. Their baby teeth appear when they are just a few weeks old, and by the time they go to their new homes, they usually have a full set of 28 tiny, sharp teeth.
As the puppy grows, those baby teeth need to make room for stronger adult teeth. The adult teeth push up from below, the baby teeth loosen, and they eventually fall out. Most adult dogs end up with 42 teeth, so it is no surprise that the process can cause some soreness.
You may find a tiny tooth on the floor or in a toy. Many puppies swallow their baby teeth without any problem, so do not worry if you never find them. In most cases, teething runs its course on its own, and your job is simply to keep your puppy comfortable and guide their chewing toward safe choices.
Puppy Teething Timeline
Every puppy is a little different, but most follow a fairly predictable timeline.
Puppies usually get their baby teeth between two and four weeks of age. By about six to eight weeks, all 28 baby teeth are normally in place, which is why new owners often notice the sharp little teeth right away.
Puppies lose their baby teeth roughly between 12 and 16 weeks of age. This is when teething often becomes most noticeable, with more chewing, more drooling, and occasional spots of blood on a chew toy. A small amount of blood from a loose tooth is usually nothing to worry about.
By about six months of age, most puppies have their full set of adult teeth. Some breeds take a little longer. If your puppy is past six months and you still see baby teeth alongside adult teeth, mention it to your vet at the next visit.
It helps to check your puppy’s mouth gently once a week during this stage. Lift the lips and look for loose, missing, or crowded teeth. This also gets your puppy used to having their mouth handled, which makes vet visits and tooth brushing easier later.
Signs Your Puppy Is Teething
Not every puppy shows obvious signs, but many do. Here are the most common ones to look for:
Chewing everything in sight. This is the classic sign. A teething puppy chews to relieve pressure and soreness in the gums. Shoes, table legs, remote controls, and hands can all become targets. Chewing is not misbehaviour during teething, but it does need to be redirected to safe toys.
Drooling more than usual. Extra drool is common when gums are sore. You may notice wet patches on bedding or a slightly damp chin. Mild drooling on its own is usually not a cause for concern.
Mild gum soreness and redness. The gums may look a little red or puffy where a new tooth is coming through. Your puppy may flinch slightly if you touch that spot, or may prefer softer food for a day or two.
Loose teeth or small gaps. You might spot a wobbly tooth or a gap where a tooth has just fallen out. Sometimes you will find the tooth itself, and sometimes you will not. Both are normal.
Changes in appetite or mood. Some puppies eat a little less, prefer softer food, or seem more restless or clingy than usual. If your puppy is suddenly struggling to sleep through the night, teething discomfort could be one possible reason, along with needing a toilet break or adjusting to a new routine.
Mouthing and nipping. Teething puppies often mouth hands more than usual. This is exploratory and soothing behaviour, but it still needs gentle, consistent guidance so your puppy learns what is okay to chew.
If the signs are mild and your puppy is still eating, drinking, and playing normally, teething is the likely explanation. If something seems more serious, check the “When to See a Vet” section below.
How to Soothe a Teething Puppy
You cannot stop teething. What you can do is make your puppy more comfortable and protect your home at the same time.
Offer Safe Chew Toys
Safe, puppy-sized chew toys are your best friend during teething. Look for toys made for puppies, in a size that cannot be swallowed or broken into small pieces. Rubber toys, rope toys, and teething rings are all good starting points. Rotate a few toys so your puppy does not get bored.
Always supervise your puppy with a new toy at first. If a toy starts to break apart, take it away and replace it, as small pieces can be a choking risk. Avoid very hard items such as bones and antlers for young puppies, as these can damage new adult teeth. When your puppy chews something they should not, stay calm, gently swap it for a chew toy, and praise them for chewing the toy.
Try Chilled Toys and Frozen Carrots
Cooling can help soothe sore gums. Chill a rubber toy in the fridge for a short time, or wet a clean cloth, twist it, freeze it, and let your puppy chew it under supervision. The key word is chilled, not frozen-hard. A rock-hard toy from the freezer can hurt new teeth and gums, so let it soften for a few minutes first.
Frozen carrots are another popular option. A whole, washed carrot, frozen for a short time and given under supervision, gives your puppy something cool and crunchy to gnaw on. For serving sizes and safety, see this guide to carrots for dogs. Remove the carrot once it becomes small enough to swallow whole.
Use Gentle Gum Massage
A gentle gum massage can bring quick relief. Wash your hands, then use a clean finger to rub your puppy’s gums softly in small circles. Many puppies enjoy this where new teeth are coming through. If your puppy pulls away or seems in pain, stop and try again another time. A soft finger toothbrush can work in a similar way, and it builds a good habit for tooth brushing later.
Keep a Routine and Stay Patient
Teething puppies may be more restless, especially in the evening. Keeping meal times, play times, walks, and bedtime fairly regular can help them feel secure. Short play sessions and plenty of rest help, while rough play can make mouthing worse. Puppy-proofing helps too: move shoes, cables, and valuables out of reach, and give your puppy plenty of approved things to chew instead.
Guide Mouthing on Walks Too
Teething does not pause when you leave the house. Some puppies grab and chew the leash on walks, especially when their gums are sore. If this happens, stay calm, stop for a moment, and redirect your puppy to a toy or treat. This guide on how to stop a puppy from biting the leash on walks explains calm, practical ways to break the habit. Every family member should respond in the same gentle way, so your puppy gets a clear message.
What NOT to Do
When your puppy is uncomfortable, it is tempting to try anything that might help. Some common mistakes can do more harm than good.
Never give human painkillers. Medicines made for people, including ibuprofen and paracetamol, can be very dangerous for dogs, even in small amounts. Never give your puppy a human painkiller, and never guess a dose of any medicine. If you think your puppy is in real pain, call your vet for advice instead.
Do not pull out loose teeth yourself. It can be tempting to wiggle a wobbly tooth, but pulling it can cause pain, bleeding, or infection. Let baby teeth fall out on their own. If a tooth looks stuck or painful, a vet can check it safely.
Do not punish chewing. Scolding, shouting, or hitting a teething puppy will not stop the soreness, and it can damage trust. Chewing is a normal need during this stage. Redirect it, do not punish it.
Do not offer unsafe chew items. Cooked bones can splinter, very hard chews can crack teeth, and small toys can be swallowed. Stick to puppy-safe toys and foods, and always supervise chewing sessions.
Do not ignore a sudden change. Mild soreness is normal, but a puppy who suddenly stops eating, has heavy bleeding, or seems very unwell is not just teething. When in doubt, contact your vet.
When to See a Vet
Most teething passes without any vet treatment, but there are times when professional advice is needed. Contact your vet if you notice any of the following:
- Retained baby teeth. A baby tooth that is still in place after the adult tooth has come through beside it. This is more common in small breeds, and the extra tooth may need to be removed so the adult teeth can line up properly.
- Bleeding that will not stop. A tiny spot of blood on a toy is normal. Bleeding that keeps going, or large amounts of blood, is not.
- Refusal to eat or drink. A puppy who skips a meal or two but still drinks water may just have a sore mouth. A puppy who refuses food and water, or who seems weak and lethargic, needs to be checked promptly.
- Swollen, very red, or painful gums. Some redness is expected, but gums that are very swollen, hot, or clearly painful, or a bad smell from the mouth, could be a sign of infection or another problem.
- Broken teeth. If an adult tooth cracks or breaks on a hard object, it can be painful and may need treatment.
- Vomiting, diarrhoea, or fever. These are not normal teething signs. They may point to a separate illness, so do not assume they are caused by teething.
Your vet can check your puppy’s teeth during routine visits, usually around vaccination appointments. That is a good time to ask about any teeth you are unsure about.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does puppy teething last?
Teething usually starts in earnest around 12 weeks and is mostly finished by about six months. The most intense chewing often happens between three and five months, then gradually eases.
Is it normal for a teething puppy to bleed a little?
Yes, a small amount of blood is common when a baby tooth falls out. You might see a pink spot on a toy. This should stop quickly on its own. If bleeding continues or is heavy, contact your vet.
Should I change my puppy’s food while teething?
Most puppies can keep eating their normal food. If your puppy seems sore, soften dry food with a little warm water for a few days. If your puppy refuses food altogether, speak to your vet rather than changing the diet on your own.
Can I give my puppy ice cubes for teething?
A small ice cube or chilled toy can help some puppies, but use them with care. Very hard, frozen items can damage new teeth. A chilled, slightly softened toy or frozen carrot given under supervision is usually safer. Always watch your puppy and remove anything that breaks into small pieces.
What if my puppy still has baby teeth at seven months?
A baby tooth that remains after the adult tooth has grown in is called a retained tooth. It should be checked by a vet, as it can crowd the mouth, trap food, and lead to dental problems later.
Conclusion
Teething is a short but busy chapter in your puppy’s life. There will be chewed shoes, extra drool, and days when your puppy seems a little grumpy. There will also be moments when you watch them happily gnawing on a safe toy and realise they are growing up fast.
With safe chew toys, a little cooling relief, gentle gum care, and calm, consistent redirection, you can get through this stage without losing your furniture or your patience. Keep an eye on your puppy’s mouth, watch for the warning signs above, and ask your vet if something worries you. Before long, those sharp baby teeth will be gone, replaced by a strong adult smile, and the gentle guidance you give now will help your puppy grow into a confident dog who knows what is okay to chew.