Bringing home a new puppy is an exciting experience, but it also comes with challenges—one of the biggest being teething. Just like human babies, puppies go through a teething phase that can cause discomfort and lead to destructive chewing. Understanding the teething process and how to help your pup through it will make this stage much easier for both of you!
When Do Puppies Start Teething?
Puppies start teething as early as 3 weeks old when their baby teeth (also called deciduous teeth) begin to emerge. By the time they are about 6 weeks old, they should have all 28 baby teeth. However, these teeth don’t last long, as they begin falling out around 12 to 16 weeks to make room for the adult set. By the time your puppy reaches 6 months of age, they should have all 42 of their adult teeth.
Signs of Teething in Puppies
Puppy teething can be a difficult time for both you and your furry friend. Some common signs include excessive chewing and biting, drooling, red or swollen gums, whining or irritability, loss of baby teeth, slight bleeding from the gums, and a decreased appetite due to sore gums.
How to Help Your Teething Puppy
Soothe your puppy’s teething discomfort with safe chew toys, frozen washcloths, or chilled treats like carrots and ice cubes. Prevent destructive chewing by keeping tempting items out of reach, using bitter apple spray, and redirecting them to appropriate toys. Massaging their gums and starting early dental care with dog-safe toothpaste, dental chews, and vet checkups will also help.
When to See a Vet
While teething is a natural process, sometimes issues arise. Contact your vet if you notice persistent bleeding or severe swelling, retained baby teeth that don’t fall out, a foul odor from the mouth, or difficulty eating or extreme discomfort.
Puppy teething is a temporary but essential stage in your dog’s development. By providing the right teething relief and training, you can help your pup grow into a well-behaved adult with strong, healthy teeth. Be patient, stock up on chew toys, and before you know it, this phase will be over! Do you have a teething puppy? Share your experiences in the comments! 🐶💬