Surviving Puppy Teething: Complete Guide 🦷

Teething is a natural but challenging phase for puppies. Here's how to help them (and your furniture) survive it.

📅 Teething Timeline

When It Happens

3-4 weeks: Baby teeth start appearing
6-8 weeks: All 28 baby teeth present
12-16 weeks: Baby teeth start falling out
6-8 months: All 42 adult teeth in place

Teething Stages

Pre-teething (2-3 months): Gums become sensitive
Active teething (3-6 months): Teeth falling out, new ones emerging
Post-teething (6-8 months): All adult teeth settled

🎯 Symptoms of Teething

Common Signs

Increased chewing on everything
Drooling more than usual
Pawing at mouth
Reluctance to eat hard food
Irritability or whining
Slight bleeding on toys
Missing teeth you might find on the floor

What's Normal vs. Concerning

Normal Symptoms ✅

Mild drooling
Increased chewing
Slight gum bleeding
Temporary appetite changes

Concerning Signs ⚠️

Excessive bleeding
Refusal to eat for more than a day
Swollen, red gums
Bad breath
Crying when eating

🧸 Best Teething Toys

Safe Chew Options

Frozen Kong toys stuffed with treats
Rope toys (supervised only)
Rubber chew toys designed for teething
Frozen washcloths (wet, then freeze)
Carrots (large, supervised)
Ice cubes (for larger puppies)

Toys to Avoid

Hard bones (can break teeth)
Small items that can be swallowed
Rawhide (choking hazard)
Stuffed toys with plastic parts

🏠 Protecting Your Home

Puppy-Proofing Strategies

Electrical cords: Use cord protectors
Furniture legs: Apply bitter apple spray
Shoes: Keep in closed closets
Remote controls: Store out of reach
Baseboards: Use deterrent sprays

Deterrent Sprays (DIY)

1 part white vinegar
1 part water
Few drops of citrus essential oil

🍽️ Feeding During Teething

Food Modifications

Soften kibble with warm water
Offer softer foods temporarily
Frozen treats soothe gums
Smaller kibble size if available

Teething-Friendly Foods

Frozen yogurt (plain, small amounts)
Frozen banana slices
Ice cubes made from broth
Soft-cooked vegetables

💊 Pain Relief Options

Natural Remedies

Cold compresses: Apply to cheeks briefly
Frozen toys: Natural numbing effect
Gentle gum massage: With clean fingers
Chamomile tea: Frozen in ice cube trays

When to See a Vet

Severe pain signs
Refusal to eat for more than 24 hours
Excessive bleeding
Swollen gums
Retained baby teeth (two rows of teeth)

📊 Teething Survival Kit

Must-Have Items

[ ] Multiple chew toys (rotate weekly)
[ ] Frozen treats
[ ] Bitter apple spray
[ ] Puppy-safe ice cubes
[ ] Soft food options
[ ] Vet's phone number

Weekly Rotation Schedule

Week 1: Rubber toys + frozen treats
Week 2: Rope toys + carrots
Week 3: Kong toys + ice cubes
Week 4: New textures + frozen washcloths

🎓 Training During Teething

Managing Nipping

Redirect: Offer appropriate chew toy
"No bite" command: Consistent training
Time outs: For persistent biting
Positive reinforcement: Reward gentle play

Socialization Considerations

Monitor interactions with other dogs
Avoid rough play during peak teething
Inform dog walkers about teething phase
Consider daycare breaks if needed

🏆 Success Tips

What Works Best

Consistency in redirecting chewing
Variety of appropriate chew items
Patience during this temporary phase
Supervision to prevent destructive chewing

Timeline Expectations

Peak chewing: 4-6 months
Improvement: 6-8 months
Complete: 8-10 months

Remember: Teething is temporary! With proper management, you'll both get through this phase with your sanity and furniture intact. 🐾

Surviving Puppy Teething: Complete Guide