How to Soothe Your Teething Puppy: A Complete Guide
Puppy teething is a normal but sometimes uncomfortable phase in your dog's development. As their baby teeth fall out and adult teeth come in, puppies may experience sore gums, irritability, and a strong urge to chew. This guide explains how to help your teething puppy feel better while protecting your home and their health.
Understanding Puppy Teething
Puppies are born toothless and begin developing their baby teeth (deciduous teeth) around 3 weeks of age. By 6–8 weeks, they will have 28 baby teeth. Between 12 to 16 weeks, these start falling out, making way for the 42 permanent adult teeth by around 6 to 7 months of age. This teething transition can be uncomfortable, prompting observed behaviors like:
- Excessive chewing
- Drooling
- Mild gum bleeding
- Irritability or restlessness
- Biting or nipping during play
- Loss of appetite
- Swollen, tender gums
How to Soothe a Teething Puppy
You can make your puppy more comfortable with a few simple and effective strategies:
1. Offer Safe Chew Toys
- Soft rubber toys – Gentle on gums and safe for teething mouths.
- Freezable chew toys – Cold helps numb sore gums.
- Edible chews – Frozen carrots or puppy dental treats can be soothing and safe.
Supervise all chewing to prevent choking or ingestion of harmful materials. Avoid items like antlers, bones, rawhide, or overly hard toys that can damage developing teeth.
2. Start Dental Hygiene Early
- Use a dog-safe toothbrush and toothpaste.
- Gently rub teeth and gums during positive, quiet moments.
- Build a routine to support long-term oral health.
3. Monitor for Problems
It's important to watch for signs of dental issues, such as:
- Excessive or ongoing bleeding
- Persistent drooling or trouble eating
- Unusual swelling or foul breath
- Loose adult teeth
- Misaligned teeth or jaw (malocclusion)
If any of these signs appear, consult a veterinarian promptly. Retained baby teeth should be removed to prevent future complications.
4. Address Nipping and Biting
- Teach bite inhibition by making a high-pitched noise or stopping play when bitten.
- Discourage nipping by redirecting to a toy.
- Ensure regular play and exercise to reduce boredom-driven biting.
Development Milestones to Expect
- Birth to 2 weeks: No teeth present, nursing stage.
- 3 to 4 weeks: Baby incisors and canines erupt.
- 5 to 8 weeks: Full set of 28 baby teeth appears.
- 12 to 16 weeks: Baby teeth start falling out as adult teeth emerge.
- 5 to 7 months: Complete eruption of 42 permanent teeth expected.
Long-Term Tips
While peak teething ends around 6–7 months, chewing may continue depending on breed and behavior. Set the stage for healthy habits early:
- Provide a rotating variety of safe chew items.
- Create consistent daily routines that include oral care and training.
- Limit access to dangerous items—wires, household shoes, children’s toys.
- Plan regular dental check-ups starting in puppyhood.
In conclusion, teething is a crucial part of growing up for puppies. While temporary discomfort is normal, proactive care—like soothing toys, dental hygiene, and behavioral training—can ease the process. Monitor for any signs of dental trouble and consult a vet when needed to ensure your puppy grows into a healthy, happy adult dog.
