Puppy Teething: Soothing Sore Gums the Right Way

If your puppy has suddenly turned into a tiny shark, congratulations, you’ve entered teething season. Between three and six months, puppies lose baby teeth and grow 42 adult teeth, and the process hurts. Understanding what’s happening helps you soothe sore gums and save your furniture.

The Puppy Teething Timeline

Puppies are born toothless, with baby teeth erupting around three weeks. Those 28 baby teeth start falling out around twelve to sixteen weeks, replaced by adult teeth through about six months. By seven months, most puppies have their full adult set. During the peak, gums are inflamed, and chewing is your puppy’s natural pain relief.

Signs Your Puppy Is Teething

• Increased chewing on everything within reach
• Drooling more than usual
• Small spots of blood on toys
• Red, swollen gums
• Occasional fussiness or reduced appetite

Finding a tiny baby tooth on the floor is normal, puppies often swallow them, which is harmless.

Safe Ways to Soothe Sore Gums

Cold is the best natural painkiller:

• Freeze a wet washcloth and let your puppy gnaw on it
• Chill rubber teething toys in the fridge before offering
• Freeze a stuffed toy or carrot for supervised chewing
• Offer size-appropriate rubber chews with some flex

Avoid ice cubes as a habit, they can crack teeth, and steer clear of toys hard enough that you can’t indent them with a fingernail.

Protect Your Home During Teething

Management beats correction. Confine your puppy to a puppy-proofed space with plenty of approved chew options. Spray bitter deterrents on baseboards and furniture legs. Supervise free-roam time until the chewing storm passes, usually by seven months.

When to See the Vet

Teething is uncomfortable but shouldn’t cause fever, vomiting, or refusal to eat for more than a day. If a baby tooth persists next to an erupting adult tooth, your vet may need to extract it to prevent misalignment. Puppy dental checkups during this window are a smart investment.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does puppy teething last?

The intense phase runs roughly from three to six months, with most puppies finished by seven months. The worst weeks usually land between four and five months.

Can I give my puppy ice cubes for teething?

Occasional ice cubes are usually fine, but they can chip teeth and some dogs gulp them. Frozen washcloths and chilled rubber toys are safer daily options.

Why is my puppy biting my hands during play?

Mouthing is how puppies explore and self-soothe. Redirect to a toy every time, end play briefly when teeth touch skin, and the habit fades as adult teeth arrive.

Surviving the Shark Phase

Teething passes, but the chewing habit you build now lasts a lifetime. Stock up on safe chews and keep the good stuff coming. Browse the shop for teething-friendly toys, and see our puppy care guide for more essentials.