Managing the Teething Phase: Protecting Your Home and Your Puppy

If you’ve recently brought home a puppy, you’re likely experiencing the joys of puppy kisses, playful antics, and adorable naps. You may also be discovering the less charming side of puppyhood: needle-sharp teeth and an apparently insatiable need to chew on everything—from furniture legs to your favorite shoes and even your hands and ankles!

Rest assured, this challenging phase is both normal and temporary. Understanding the teething process and implementing effective strategies will help both you and your puppy navigate this developmental stage with minimal stress and damage.

Understanding the Puppy Teething Timeline

Puppies, like human babies, are born without teeth. Their dental development follows a predictable pattern:

2-4 Weeks: Deciduous (Baby) Teeth Begin Erupting

First teeth to emerge are usually the incisors (front teeth)
Followed by canines (the “fangs”)
Premolars come in last
By 6-8 weeks, puppies typically have all 28 baby teeth

12-16 Weeks: Teething Phase Begins

Baby teeth start loosening and falling out
Permanent teeth begin pushing through the gums
Discomfort and increased chewing behavior becomes evident
Mild gum bleeding may occur

16-24 Weeks: Peak Teething Period

Most intense discomfort occurs during this time
Many baby teeth fall out (you may or may not find them)
Adult teeth continue erupting
Chewing becomes a significant need

6-7 Months: Teething Completion

All 42 adult teeth should be present
Discomfort subsides
Intense chewing drive diminishes (though natural chewing behavior continues)

Signs Your Puppy Is Teething

Not all puppies show obvious signs of teething discomfort, but most will display some of these behaviors:

Physical Signs

Red, swollen gums
Drooling more than usual
Small spots of blood on toys
Visible gaps where teeth have fallen out
Bad breath
Reluctance to eat hard food or chew toys
Pawing at the mouth
Mild temperature elevation (but a true fever is not normal)

Behavioral Signs

Increased mouthing of your hands
Intensified chewing on objects
Whining or irritability
Changes in eating habits
Slight lethargy or increased sleep
Seeking cold items to chew

Essential Supplies for the Teething Phase

Being prepared with the right supplies makes managing this phase much easier:

Appropriate Chew Toys (Variety is Key)

Rubber toys with various textures (like Kong or Nylabone products)
Rope toys for gentle tug and teeth cleaning
Soft rubber toys with multiple textures
Freezable teething toys for cooling relief
Dental chews specifically designed for puppies (age-appropriate)

Home Protection Supplies

Bitter apple spray or other taste deterrents
Pet gates to restrict access to vulnerable areas
Cord protectors for electrical wires
Furniture corner protectors
Storage solutions for shoes, children’s toys, and other tempting items

Dental Care Supplies

Puppy-specific toothpaste (never use human toothpaste)
Soft-bristled toothbrush or finger brush
Dental wipes for quick cleaning
Water additives to support dental health (vet-approved)

Soothing Remedies for Teething Discomfort

These safe methods can provide relief for your teething puppy:

Cold Therapy

Freeze damp washcloths and give them to your puppy (supervise to ensure they don’t tear and swallow pieces)
Freeze broth ice cubes in an appropriately sized Kong toy
Refrigerate (don’t freeze) rubber teething toys
Frozen blended vegetables like carrots in a Kong (if your vet approves)

Massage Therapy

Gentle gum massage with a clean finger
Cold finger massage (wash hands, hold an ice cube briefly, then massage gums)
Light pressure on the jaw and cheeks

Safe Herbal and Commercial Options

Chamomile-soaked washcloths (cooled in refrigerator)
Puppy-specific teething gels (vet-approved only)
Frozen plain yogurt in moderation (if dairy is tolerated)

Creating a Chew-Friendly Environment

Rather than constantly saying “no,” set your puppy up for success with an environment that meets their chewing needs appropriately:

Toy Rotation System

Keep 3-4 toys available at a time
Rotate different toys every few days to maintain interest
Store “resting” toys out of sight
Reintroduce toys with excitement to increase value

Chew Zones

Create designated areas where chewing is encouraged
Keep a variety of appropriate items in these zones
Reward your puppy for using these areas
Gradually increase freedom as appropriate chewing habits develop

Environmental Management

Use baby gates to restrict access to high-risk areas
Implement a strict “pick up” policy for shoes, clothing, children’s toys
Cover furniture corners or restrict access to valuable pieces
Use exercise pens for supervision during peak chewing periods
Consider crate training for times when you cannot supervise

Teaching Appropriate Chewing Behavior

While managing the environment is crucial, teaching your puppy what they can and cannot chew is equally important:

Redirection Technique

When you catch your puppy chewing something inappropriate, interrupt with a neutral sound (not scary)
Immediately offer an appropriate chew toy
Praise lavishly when they accept and chew the appropriate item
Be consistent—every family member should follow the same protocol

The Exchange Game

Offer a treat in exchange for whatever inappropriate item your puppy has
Say “drop it” or “give” as you present the treat
Take the item calmly while they take the treat
Offer an appropriate substitute for chewing
This builds a positive association with surrendering items

Appropriate Play Techniques

Never encourage chewing on hands or clothing, even in play
Provide clear, consistent boundaries about appropriate mouthing
End play sessions immediately if teeth touch skin
Resume play only when calm behavior returns

Addressing Common Teething Challenges

Excessive Mouthing/Biting People

This natural behavior requires consistent management:

Yelp or say “ouch” in a high-pitched voice if teeth touch skin
If the puppy continues, stand up and briefly withdraw attention
Return and redirect to an appropriate toy
For persistent cases, offer a “time out” in a boring (but safe) location for 30-60 seconds
Never physically punish for mouthing—this can increase anxiety and aggression

Fixation on Furniture or Home Items

Apply taste deterrents like bitter apple spray (test on a small area first)
Cover favorite chewing targets with aluminum foil or double-sided tape
Provide appropriate alternatives with similar textures
Increase exercise and mental stimulation to reduce boredom-based chewing
Consider anxiety-based chewing if it occurs primarily when alone (consult a professional)

Finding Blood on Toys

A small amount of blood from losing teeth is normal:

Check your puppy’s mouth gently if concerned
Clean toys regularly with pet-safe cleaning methods
Monitor for excessive bleeding or signs of pain
Contact your veterinarian if bleeding seems excessive or prolonged

Swallowed Baby Teeth

This is actually quite common and rarely causes problems
Adult teeth will still come in normally
No intervention is typically needed

Dental Care Beginnings

The teething phase is the perfect time to begin lifelong dental care habits:

Starting Toothbrushing

Begin with allowing your puppy to taste pet-specific toothpaste (never use human toothpaste)
Progress to letting them lick toothpaste from your finger
Gently rub your finger along their gums and teeth
Introduce a finger brush or soft puppy toothbrush
Focus on just a few teeth at first, then gradually increase
Keep sessions positive and brief (30 seconds initially)
Aim for daily brushing, but even 2-3 times weekly helps

Dental Chew Benefits

Help clean teeth through mechanical action
Massage gums during teething
Strengthen jaw muscles
Provide appropriate outlet for chewing needs
May contain dental-supporting ingredients

Signs of Dental Problems

Call your veterinarian if you notice:

Severely swollen or bleeding gums
Extreme bad breath
Difficulty eating
Misaligned adult teeth
Retained baby teeth (adult teeth coming in but baby teeth not falling out)
Excessive drooling or pawing at the mouth

When to Consult a Professional

While teething is normal, sometimes professional guidance is needed:

Veterinary Consultation

Seek veterinary attention if:

Your puppy seems to be in significant pain
Isn’t eating properly due to mouth discomfort
Has adult teeth coming in but baby teeth not falling out
Shows signs of infection (swelling, discharge, fever)
Has broken teeth from aggressive chewing

Trainer or Behaviorist Consultation

Consider professional behavioral help if:

Mouthing/biting is severe and not improving with consistent redirection
Destructive chewing persists despite proper management
Your puppy seems anxious rather than just teething
Family members are struggling to implement consistent protocols

Life After Teething: Setting Up for Long-term Success

The habits you establish during the teething phase will influence your dog’s behavior for years to come:

Transitioning to Adult Chewing Habits

Gradually introduce more durable chew toys as adult teeth establish
Maintain the rotation system to keep interest in appropriate items
Continue providing daily chewing opportunities
Upgrade to adult dental chews when recommended by your veterinarian

Ongoing Dental Care

Continue regular toothbrushing
Schedule professional dental checkups with your veterinarian
Be aware of breed-specific dental issues that may develop
Monitor for tartar buildup and address early

Maintaining Good Chewing Habits

Continue to provide appropriate chew outlets
Don’t leave valuable items accessible, even with a well-behaved adult dog
Remember that stress and anxiety can trigger destructive chewing even in adult dogs

Conclusion: The Light at the End of the Tunnel

The intense teething phase typically lasts about 2-3 months, though individual puppies may experience it differently. With consistent management, appropriate chew toys, and patient training, both you and your puppy will survive this challenging but temporary stage.

Remember that your puppy isn’t being destructive out of spite or disobedience—they’re responding to a physical need and discomfort. Your understanding and proper guidance during this time will help develop a well-mannered adult dog who knows what is and isn’t appropriate to chew.

The investment you make now in managing this developmental stage appropriately will pay dividends in preserving both your possessions and your positive relationship with your canine companion for years to come.