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Bringing home a new puppy is an exciting milestone, but it also comes with challenges—one of which is teething. If you’ve noticed your puppy chewing on everything in sight, you’re not alone. Puppy teething is a natural but sometimes frustrating phase that every dog owner faces. Understanding the teething timeline and knowing how to help your puppy through it can make the process much smoother for both of you.
🩺 Vet Recommendations
Puppy teething begins when your puppy’s baby teeth start to erupt and continues until their adult teeth are fully in place. Just like with human babies, this process can cause discomfort and lead to some behavioral changes. Here’s a quick breakdown of the key stages:
- Weeks 2–4: Baby teeth start coming in (deciduous teeth).
- Weeks 5–6: All baby teeth are usually in place.
- Weeks 12–16: Baby teeth begin to fall out as adult teeth emerge.
- Months 6–8: Adult teeth are fully developed, and teething ends.
By the end of this process, your puppy will have 42 adult teeth, compared to the 28 baby teeth they started with. While teething is natural, it can sometimes lead to concerns like excessive chewing, drooling, or even gum irritation.
📋 Care Tips
To help your puppy during teething, focus on providing comfort, managing their chewing, and protecting your belongings. Here are some practical tips:
- Offer appropriate chew toys: Choose durable toys designed for teething puppies. These can help soothe sore gums and redirect chewing behavior.
- Use frozen treats: Chilled carrots or frozen dog-safe treats can provide relief to inflamed gums.
- Supervise chewing: Avoid giving your puppy items that could splinter, like cooked bones or hard antlers, which could damage their teeth.
- Puppy-proof your home: Remove items like shoes, cords, and furniture within reach to avoid accidents or destruction.
If your puppy seems especially uncomfortable, you can also speak with your vet about safe pain relief options.
✅ Do’s and Don’ts
Here’s a quick guide to what you should—and shouldn’t—do during your puppy’s teething journey:
- Do: Provide plenty of safe chew options and positive reinforcement for good behavior.
- Do: Keep up with regular dental check-ups to monitor oral health.
- Don’t: Punish your puppy for chewing—redirect them instead.
- Don’t: Allow access to dangerous items like electrical cords or toxic plants.
Patience is key during this phase. Puppies don’t chew out of spite; it’s simply a way to relieve discomfort and explore their environment.
💡 Expert Advice
While most puppies sail through teething without major issues, some might experience complications. Keep an eye out for persistent baby teeth (retained deciduous teeth), which can crowd adult teeth and lead to dental problems later. If you notice this, consult your vet about extraction options.
Additionally, if your puppy shows signs of extreme discomfort, bleeding gums, or refuses to eat, it’s worth reaching out to your vet for guidance. These symptoms are uncommon but may indicate an underlying issue.
Teething can feel overwhelming, but remember that it’s temporary. By providing the right support and care, you’re setting your puppy up for a lifetime of good oral health and happy chewing habits.
FAQs
Q: When do puppies start teething?
A: Puppies typically begin teething around 2–4 weeks of age when their baby teeth start to emerge. The process continues until they’re 6–8 months old, when all their adult teeth are in place.
Q: How can I stop my puppy from chewing on furniture?
A: Offer your puppy appropriate chew toys and use positive reinforcement to redirect their chewing behavior. You can also puppy-proof your home and use deterrent sprays on furniture to discourage chewing.
Q: Is it normal for my puppy to lose teeth?
A: Yes, it’s completely normal. Puppies lose their baby teeth between 12–16 weeks as their adult teeth come in. You may even find tiny teeth around your home.
Book a $49 online vet consultation at https://www.dialavet.com for fast, expert advice.
