Puppy Teething Timeline and Soothing Tips

 

Welcoming a new puppy is equal parts joy and sleepless nights. One of the first big milestones you will face together is teething, when those tiny needle-like milk teeth erupt and, a few months later, fall out to make room for sturdy adult teeth. Understanding the puppy teething timeline helps you stay a step ahead of the chewing frenzy, protect your belongings, and keep your pup comfortable and healthy.

Why Teething Matters

Puppies are born without teeth. Between 3 and 6 weeks of age, 28 deciduous (baby) teeth push through the gums. These teeth begin falling out around 12 weeks, replaced by 42 permanent adult teeth by the time your dog is 6-8 months old. During both eruption and shedding, gum tissue feels sore and itchy. Chewing relieves the irritation and helps loosen wobbly baby teeth -which is why that brand-new leather shoe suddenly looks irresistible.

Teething is a natural process, but without the right guidance it can lead to destructive chewing habits, oral injuries, or retained baby teeth that crowd the mouth. Being proactive spares you costly dental work later and sets your puppy up for a lifetime of good oral hygiene.

Complete Puppy Teething Timeline (At a Glance)

Common Teething Symptoms

Most puppies sail through teething with only minor discomfort, but knowing what is normal - and what is not - lets you intervene before problems snowball.

• Excessive chewing and mouthing of hands, furniture, or leashes.
• Mild gum bleeding, usually seen as light pink smears on toys.
• Drooling more than usual.
• Decreased appetite or slow eating on days when large teeth erupt.
• Whining or irritability when gums are touched.
• Low-grade fever (below 39.5 °C) can occur briefly.

Red flags that warrant a vet visit:

• Persistent bad breath (may indicate infection).
• Large amounts of blood on toys or bedding.
• Swollen face or refusal to eat for more than 24 hours.
• Baby teeth still firmly in place after 7 months (retained teeth increase the risk of misalignment and tartar build-up).

8 Vet-Approved Ways to Soothe Sore Puppy Gums

The goal is to satisfy your puppy’s innate urge to chew while protecting their developing mouth and your household items.

1. Offer cold relief
2. Refrigerate a damp clean washcloth and let your pup gnaw for 5-10 minutes.
3. Freeze baby carrots or cucumber sticks for a natural, low-calorie snack that massages gums.
4. Rotate safe chew toys
5. Soft rubber rings, pliable nylon bones, and plush toys with reinforced seams are ideal until adult molars appear.
6. Check toys daily for wear; discard if any piece can be swallowed.
7. Use puppy-specific dental chews
8. Look for chews labelled “for puppies” or “for dogs under 9 months” to ensure appropriate softness and calories.
9. Apply vet-formulated gel
10. Gum-soothing gels containing chamomile or aloe can reduce inflammation. Avoid products with lidocaine or xylitol.
11. Schedule short, interactive play sessions
12. Tug games with a soft rope toy redirect energy and build bite control. Pupr’s Dog Tug Toy is gentle on growing teeth and machine-washable.
13. Teach basic bite inhibition
14. Yelp softly and withdraw attention when sharp teeth touch skin. Consistency now prevents painful nips later.
15. Maintain oral hygiene early
16. Introduce tooth-brushing with a finger brush and dog-safe toothpaste to familiarise your puppy with mouth handling.
17. Provide a comfortable rest area
18. A supportive dog bed, such as Pupr’s memory-foam Alex Lounger, reduces overall stress and helps puppies sleep through gum discomfort.

Choosing the Right Chew Toys: 4 Factors That Matter

Not all toys that advertise “teething” are created equal. Here is what veterinarians and canine dental experts suggest you look for.

Home Environment Hacks to Save Your Sanity

• Puppy-proof like a toddler: Keep shoes, remotes, charger cables, and children’s toys out of reach until the teething window closes.
• Use bitter spray: Apply a veterinarian-approved deterrent to furniture legs or skirting boards to discourage gnawing.
• Create a chew zone: Place an easy-clean dog blanket and a basket of toys in the living room so your puppy has a default location to satisfy chewing urges.
• Stick to a feeding schedule: Hungry puppies chew more. Scheduled meals maintain stable blood sugar and reduce oral fixation.

Nutrition Tips for Strong Adult Teeth

According to the World Small Animal Veterinary Association, calcium and phosphorus must be in the right ratio (around 1.2 : 1) for proper tooth and bone development. Most reputable puppy foods sold in India meet these guidelines, but homemade diets often fall short. Speak with your veterinarian before adding raw bones or supplements, and limit extra treats to 10 percent of daily calories to avoid imbalances.

When to Visit the Veterinarian

• 16 weeks: First comprehensive oral exam to ensure incisors are erupting normally.
• 24 weeks: Check that baby canines have fallen out; retained canines are the most common culprit behind malocclusion.
• 32 weeks: Final teething check and professional cleaning discussion. If any baby tooth remains, extraction prevents double rows or infection.

Delaying professional assessment can lead to crowding, causing plaque traps and an increased risk of periodontal disease later in life. Early vet visits save both discomfort and long-term dental bills.

Integrating Teething Care With Broader Puppy Routines

Teething does not happen in isolation. Pair gum care with other early-life essentials for a calm, confident companion.

• Socialisation: Combine chew breaks with positive new experiences. Introduce different floor textures (grass, tile) while your puppy gnaws a toy, reinforcing curiosity.
• Grooming: Touch your pup’s ears, paws and tail between bites to desensitise them before full grooming sessions..
• Crate training: Place safe chews inside the crate so your puppy associates confinement with comfort, not frustration.

Ready to Gear Up for the Teething Phase?

Pupr makes surviving puppy teething a breeze with premium chew toys, machine-washable blankets, and supportive dog beds designed in India for Indian climates. Browse our Dog Toys and Comfort Essentials collections at Pupr and get free shipping to your doorstep, so your furry baby can chew happily and grow healthy.