Puppy teething is a normal – but challenging! – stage of early development. During this time, your puppy’s baby teeth are falling out and adult teeth are coming in, which can lead to chewing, drooling, and increased mouth sensitivity.

At Vets to Pets, we often help families navigate this stage by offering practical, in-home guidance to reduce discomfort and prevent unwanted chewing habits from forming early on.

When Does Puppy Teething Start?

Teething typically begins around 3 to 4 months of age and continues until about 6 to 7 months.

The process happens in stages:

  • 3–4 weeks: Baby teeth erupt
  • 3–4 months: Baby teeth start falling out
  • 4–6 months: Adult teeth come in
  • 6–7 months: Most puppies have a full set of adult teeth

During this time, your puppy may experience mild discomfort or irritation in the gums.

Common Signs of Teething

You may notice:

  • Increased chewing on objects
  • Drooling more than usual
  • Red or slightly swollen gums
  • Mild irritability or restlessness
  • Reluctance to eat hard food at times
  • Finding tiny baby teeth around the home (not always noticeable)

Why Puppies Chew More During Teething

Chewing helps relieve pressure and discomfort in the gums. It also helps loosen baby teeth so adult teeth can come in properly.

Without appropriate outlets, puppies may chew on:

  • Furniture
  • Shoes
  • Electrical cords
  • Hands and clothing

This is normal behavior, but it needs to be redirected early.

1. Safe Chew Toys Are Essential

Providing appropriate chew options is the most effective way to manage teething behavior.

Good choices include:

  • Soft rubber chew toys designed for puppies
  • Freezable toys for gum relief
  • Rope toys (used under supervision)
  • Teething-specific dental toys

Rotating toys regularly helps keep your puppy interested and engaged.

2. Freezing Toys for Gum Relief

Cold objects can help soothe sore gums.

Try:

  • Freezing a damp washcloth
  • Using freezer-safe chew toys
  • Chilling rubber toys in the refrigerator

Always supervise your puppy to ensure safety during chewing.

3. Redirecting Inappropriate Chewing

If your puppy starts chewing something they shouldn’t:

  • Calmly interrupt the behavior
  • Offer an approved chew toy immediately
  • Praise them when they switch to the correct item

Consistency is key; puppies learn what is acceptable through repetition.

4. Gentle Training During Teething

Teething can make puppies more sensitive, so training should stay positive and low-pressure.

Focus on:

  • Short training sessions (5–10 minutes)
  • Reward-based reinforcement
  • Teaching “leave it” and “drop it” early
  • Avoiding punishment, which can increase anxiety

This is also a great time to build good habits that last into adulthood.

5. Protecting Your Home

Because chewing is expected, prevention helps avoid frustration:

  • Keep shoes and cords out of reach
  • Use baby gates or playpens when unsupervised
  • Provide multiple chew options in different areas
  • Rotate access to certain rooms if needed

Management helps puppies succeed while they learn.

6. When to Be Concerned

Most teething is normal, but you should contact a veterinarian if you notice:

  • Severe swelling or bleeding in the gums
  • Loss of appetite or difficulty eating for more than a day
  • Broken or retained baby teeth (adult tooth erupting but baby tooth still present)
  • Signs of pain that seem excessive or persistent

A quick exam can help ensure teeth are developing properly.

7. The Importance of Early Dental Habits

Teething is the perfect time to start building lifelong dental care habits.

You can begin:

  • Gentle mouth handling and inspection
  • Brushing with puppy-safe toothpaste
  • Positive association with oral care routines

Starting early makes future dental care much easier.

Final Thoughts

Puppy teething is a temporary phase, but the habits formed during it can last a lifetime. With the right support, redirection, and patience, most puppies move through this stage smoothly.

At Vets to Pets, we help families understand what’s normal, what’s not, and how to guide puppies through early development in a calm, low-stress way –  right in the comfort of your own home.

If you’re navigating puppy teething, small adjustments and consistent routines can make a big difference for both you and your puppy.