Puppy Teething & Chewing: What to Expect and How to Help

Bringing a new puppy home is an exciting time—but it often comes with one common (and sometimes frustrating) challenge: chewing.

If your puppy seems to be chewing everything in sight—your shoes, furniture, or even your hands—you’re not alone. Chewing is a completely normal part of puppy development, especially during the teething phase.

Let’s break down what’s happening, what to expect, and how you can help your puppy through it.

When Do Puppies Start Teething?

Puppies go through two key teething phases:

  • 3–4 weeks: Baby teeth (milk teeth) begin to emerge
  • 12–16 weeks (3–4 months): Teething begins as adult teeth start pushing through
  • 6–7 months: Most puppies have their full set of adult teeth

The most intense chewing phase typically happens between 3 and 6 months of age.

Why Do Puppies Chew So Much?

Chewing isn’t bad behaviour—it’s actually essential for your puppy. It helps to:

  • Relieve discomfort from teething
  • Explore the world around them
  • Strengthen jaw muscles
  • Prevent boredom and release energy

The goal isn’t to stop chewing—it’s to redirect it to appropriate items.

Signs Your Puppy Is Teething

You may notice:

  • Increased chewing (on everything!)
  • Red or slightly swollen gums
  • Drooling more than usual
  • Small spots of blood on toys
  • Missing teeth (you may even find one on the floor!)

Practical Tips to Manage Chewing

1. Provide the Right Chew Toys

Offer a variety of safe chew options and rotate them to keep things interesting.

Good options include:

  • Rubber chew toys (like KONG-type toys)
  • Rope toys
  • Puppy-safe nylon chews

Avoid anything too hard (like bones or antlers) as these can damage developing teeth.

2. Use the “Swap Method”

If your puppy grabs something they shouldn’t have, calmly swap it for a toy.

Avoid chasing or scolding—this can turn it into a game.

3. Puppy-Proof Your Home

Set your puppy up for success by removing temptation:

  • Keep shoes out of reach
  • Tidy cables and cords
  • Limit access to certain rooms if needed

4. Encourage Calm Play

Overtired puppies tend to chew more. Make sure your puppy is getting:

  • Enough naps
  • Structured playtime
  • Gentle mental stimulation

Easy Ways to Soothe Teething Pain

Here are some simple, effective ways to give your puppy relief:

❄️ Frozen Treats

  • Freeze a damp washcloth (supervised use only)
  • Frozen carrot sticks
  • Stuff a KONG with puppy-safe food and freeze it

Cold helps numb sore gums and provides comfort.

🧸 Soft Chew Toys

Some puppies prefer softer textures when their gums are sensitive—having a mix of textures is key.

🖐️ Gentle Gum Massage

If your puppy is comfortable, gently rubbing their gums can provide relief and build trust.

What Not to Do

  • Don’t punish chewing—it’s natural and necessary
  • Don’t offer old shoes or household items (this creates confusion)
  • Avoid very hard chews that could crack teeth

When to Be Concerned

While teething is normal, contact your vet if you notice:

  • Persistent bleeding
  • Bad breath beyond normal puppy smell
  • Adult teeth growing alongside baby teeth (retained teeth)

Final Thoughts

Teething can be a challenging phase, but it’s temporary—and with the right guidance, your puppy will come through it happily and healthily.

At FurBuddies, we always encourage owners to see this stage as an opportunity to build good habits early. Teaching your puppy what to chew (rather than what not to) sets the foundation for a well-behaved adult dog.

If you need help with chewing, biting, or general puppy behaviour, our training sessions are designed to guide you every step of the way.

Disclaimer: This article is not a substitute for professional puppy care. Please consult your vet at all times.