Hello~ Everyone, Today I have some useful information about puppy teething for you guys~ Shall we find out right away? 🐶
Getting a new puppy is one of life's greatest joys. Those adorable eyes, the playful energy, and those tiny little paws can melt anyone's heart. But there's one phase every puppy parent dreads – teething.
If you've recently welcomed a furry friend into your home, you might be wondering why your cute little bundle of joy has suddenly turned into a tiny destroyer of shoes, furniture, and fingers!
Don't worry though! The teething phase is completely normal and temporary. In this blog post, I'll share everything you need to know about puppy teething and how you can help your little friend get through this challenging time.
| Puppy Age | Teething Stage |
| 2-3 weeks | Baby teeth start to emerge |
| 5-6 weeks | All baby teeth usually present |
| 12-16 weeks | Baby teeth begin falling out |
| 6-8 months | Adult teeth completely in |
Just like human babies, puppies go through a teething process. It's actually quite an orderly process, though it might not feel like it when your favorite shoes are being demolished! 😅
Puppies are born without teeth. Around 2-3 weeks of age, their baby teeth (also called deciduous or milk teeth) start to emerge. By the time they're 5-6 weeks old, they usually have all 28 of their baby teeth.
The real challenge begins around 12-16 weeks when those baby teeth start falling out to make room for adult teeth. This process can continue until your puppy is about 6-8 months old, when all 42 adult teeth should be in place.
During this time, your puppy might experience discomfort and the natural urge to chew on things to relieve the pressure they feel in their gums. This is when your patience will really be tested!
How do you know if your puppy is going through the teething phase? Here are some common signs to look out for:
Increased chewing behavior is the most obvious sign. If your puppy suddenly seems determined to chew everything in sight, teething might be the culprit. 🧦
You might also notice drooling more than usual, as teething can stimulate saliva production. Some puppies may also have slightly swollen or red gums, and you might occasionally find tiny teeth around your home (though puppies often swallow their baby teeth).
Your puppy might also show signs of discomfort by being reluctant to eat their dry food or whining while chewing. They might paw at their mouth or seem more irritable than usual. Remember, they're not trying to be naughty – they're just uncomfortable!
One of the best ways to help your teething puppy is to provide appropriate toys designed specifically for this purpose. The right toys can soothe their gums and redirect their chewing instincts away from your belongings. 🛋️
Frozen toys can be particularly helpful because the cold numbs the gums and reduces inflammation. Try soaking a rope toy in water, then freezing it for a few hours before giving it to your puppy.
Rubber toys with textured surfaces are great for massaging sore gums. Many puppies love KONG toys filled with frozen wet food or peanut butter (make sure it doesn't contain xylitol, which is toxic to dogs).
Specially designed puppy teething rings and toys made of appropriate materials can provide relief. Look for toys that are made of durable rubber but still have some give to them.
| Toy Types | Benefits | Recommendations |
| Frozen Toys | Numbs gums, reduces inflammation | Frozen rope toys, cold chew rings |
| Rubber Toys | Massages gums, durable | KONG Classic, Nylabone |
| Edible Chews | Satisfies chewing urge, tasty | Bully sticks, dental chews |
| Puzzle Toys | Mental stimulation, physical relief | Treat-dispensing balls, freeze-able toys |
During the teething phase, your puppy will be determined to chew anything they can get their paws on. Taking the time to properly puppy-proof your home can save you a lot of frustration (and potentially save your valuable belongings too!). 🛒
Start by identifying valuable or dangerous items that need to be completely out of reach. Electrical cords, toxic plants, shoes, children's toys, and anything small enough to be swallowed should be stored away securely.
Consider using pet gates to restrict your puppy to safe areas when you can't supervise them directly. Many puppy parents find it helpful to use a playpen or crate when they need to step away, even briefly.
Anti-chew sprays can be applied to furniture legs and other items that can't be moved out of reach. These sprays have a bitter taste that most puppies find unpleasant, discouraging them from chewing those items.
Remember that consistency is key. Every time you catch your puppy chewing something inappropriate, calmly redirect them to one of their appropriate chew toys.
| Is my puppy in pain while teething? | Teething can be uncomfortable for puppies, similar to how it is for human babies. They may experience soreness and irritation in their gums, which is why they seek relief through chewing. However, it's usually not severely painful, just uncomfortable. |
| Should I worry if I don't find any of my puppy's baby teeth? | Not at all! Puppies often swallow their baby teeth as they fall out. It's completely normal not to find any teeth around your home during the teething process. As long as your puppy is eating normally and their adult teeth are coming in, there's no cause for concern. |
| When should I contact a vet about teething issues? | While teething is a normal process, you should consult your veterinarian if you notice excessive bleeding from the gums, extreme difficulty eating, severely swollen gums, or if you see adult teeth coming in but the baby teeth aren't falling out (retained deciduous teeth). |
Remember that the teething phase is temporary, and with the right approach, both you and your puppy can survive it with minimal stress. Be patient, provide appropriate outlets for chewing, and before you know it, your puppy will have a beautiful set of adult teeth! 🐕
Consistency and patience are your best friends during this challenging time. Your puppy isn't being deliberately destructive – they're just following their natural instincts and trying to relieve their discomfort.
See you next time with another helpful topic about puppy care! 🐾 Bye Bye~
