Puppy Teething: Soothe Sore Gums and Save Furniture
A survival guide for the chewing phase (and why it actually ends).
The Teething Timeline
Puppies are born without teeth. Baby teeth emerge at 3-4 weeks, and adult teeth start pushing through at around 12-16 weeks. The teething phase typically ends by 6-7 months.
Signs Your Puppy Is Teething
- Increased chewing on everything
- Occasional spots of blood on chew toys
- Decreased appetite (sore gums make eating uncomfortable)
- Finding tiny teeth on the floor (they're often swallowed — this is normal)
Soothing Strategies
Frozen carrot sticks are excellent natural chew toys. The cold numbs sore gums while the texture satisfies the urge to gnaw. Commercial rubber teething rings can also be chilled in the freezer.
Protecting Your Belongings
Puppy-proof by removing accessible items. Bitter apple spray on furniture legs creates an aversive taste. Most importantly — redirect, never punish. Your puppy isn't being naughty; they're in genuine discomfort.
When to Call the Vet
Retained baby teeth (where the adult tooth comes in but the baby tooth doesn't fall out) need professional extraction. Signs include double rows of teeth or obvious discomfort when eating.
Jonas Cole
All our authors care for dogs every day — read more of their work on the authors page.
