Puppy Teething: Soothe Pain, Save Furniture

Understanding the Puppy Teething Timeline

Puppies begin losing their baby teeth around 12 weeks of age, and the process continues until about 6 months. During this period, teething pain drives the irresistible urge to chew — and your furniture, shoes, and hands are all fair game unless you redirect that energy.

Signs Your Puppy Is Teething

• Increased chewing on inappropriate objects
• Small blood spots on chew toys
• Drooling more than usual
• Reduced appetite due to sore gums
• Finding tiny baby teeth around the house (they are often swallowed)

Safe Chewing Solutions

Provide a variety of appropriate chew items to redirect the urge:

1. Frozen washcloth: Soak a clean washcloth in water, twist, and freeze. The cold numbs sore gums.
2. Rubber teething toys: Kong Classic or Nylabone designed for puppies
3. Frozen carrots: Natural, healthy, and soothing for gums
4. Rope toys: The fibers act like floss, cleaning teeth while they chew

What to Avoid

Never give puppies hard bones, antlers, or ice cubes — these can crack developing teeth. Avoid rawhide due to choking and blockage risks. Do not use human teething gels containing benzocaine, which is toxic to dogs.

Puppy-Proofing Your Home

During the teething phase, assume everything on the floor is a chew toy. Use baby gates to restrict access, keep shoes in closed closets, and provide electrical cord covers. The investment in puppy-proofing now saves hundreds in replacement costs later.

Timeline: By 7-8 months, all 42 adult teeth should be in place. If baby teeth persist alongside adult teeth, consult your vet — retained baby teeth can cause dental problems.