Introduction

If your puppy is suddenly chewing furniture, biting your hands, or gnawing on shoes nonstop, teething is likely the reason. Just like human babies, puppies go through a teething phase that can be uncomfortable, frustrating, and sometimes painful.

Understanding the best puppy teething remedies can help you protect your belongings while keeping your puppy comfortable and healthy during this important stage of development.

In this complete guide, you will learn:

When puppies start teething
Common teething symptoms
Safe chewing solutions
What to avoid
Training tips for biting behavior
Veterinary warning signs
Best toys and home remedies

Whether you are a first-time dog owner or raising another puppy, this article will help you survive the teething stage with less stress and fewer destroyed shoes.

What Is Puppy Teething?

Puppy teething is the natural process where baby teeth fall out and adult teeth grow in.

Puppies are born without visible teeth, but their baby teeth begin appearing around 2 to 4 weeks of age. Later, those baby teeth are replaced by permanent adult teeth.

This transition can cause:

Gum discomfort
Increased chewing
Mild irritability
Biting behavior

Teething is completely normal and temporary.

Puppy Teething Timeline

Understanding the timeline helps you know what to expect.

2–4 Weeks Old

Baby teeth begin emerging.

6–8 Weeks Old

Most puppies have a full set of baby teeth.

3–4 Months Old

Baby teeth begin falling out.

4–6 Months Old

Adult teeth replace baby teeth.

Around 7 Months Old

Most dogs have all 42 adult teeth.

Large breeds may teethe slightly later than small breeds.

Common Puppy Teething Symptoms

Every puppy experiences teething differently, but these signs are very common.

Increased Chewing

Puppies chew to relieve gum pressure.

They may target:

Furniture
Shoes
Table legs
Clothing
Electrical cords

Excessive Biting or Nipping

Teething puppies often bite hands during play because chewing relieves discomfort.

Red or Swollen Gums

Mild gum inflammation is normal during teething.

Drooling

Some puppies drool more than usual during active teething periods.

Missing Teeth

You may occasionally find tiny baby teeth on the floor — or your puppy may swallow them harmlessly.

Mild Irritability

Some puppies become temporarily more restless or moody.

Best Puppy Teething Remedies

If you are searching for effective puppy teething remedies, these are the safest and most recommended options.

1. Frozen Chew Toys

Cold temperatures help numb sore gums.

Best Options

Frozen puppy-safe chew toys
Frozen washcloths
Chilled rubber toys

Avoid toys that become rock-hard when frozen.

2. Puppy Teething Toys

Special teething toys are designed to soothe gums safely.

Look For:

Soft rubber materials
Textured surfaces
Durable but flexible construction

Avoid overly hard bones that may damage teeth.

3. Frozen Carrots

Frozen carrots can provide relief and are low-calorie treats for many puppies.

Always supervise chewing to prevent choking.

4. Rotate Toys Frequently

Puppies get bored quickly.

Rotating toys every few days keeps them mentally stimulated and reduces destructive chewing.

5. Redirect Biting Immediately

When your puppy bites your hands:

Stop play briefly
Redirect to a chew toy
Reward appropriate chewing

Consistency is critical.

6. Use Positive Reinforcement

Praise your puppy when they chew acceptable items instead of furniture or hands.

Reward-based training works far better than punishment.

What NOT to Give a Teething Puppy

Some items can damage teeth or create choking hazards.

Avoid:

Cooked bones
Ice cubes
Hard antlers
Sharp plastic toys
Old shoes
Rawhide from questionable sources

If a toy is harder than your fingernail, it may be too hard for puppy teeth.

How to Stop Puppy Biting During Teething

Teething and biting often happen together.

Step-by-Step Training Method

1. Stay Calm

Do not yell or hit your puppy.

2. Stop Interaction Briefly

If biting becomes excessive, pause play for 10–20 seconds.

3. Redirect to Toys

Always offer an approved chew item.

4. Reward Gentle Play

Praise calm behavior immediately.

5. Be Consistent

Everyone in the household should follow the same rules.

Puppies learn through repetition.

Best Types of Toys for Teething Puppies

Choosing the right toys can save your furniture.

Rubber Chew Toys

Durable and soothing for gums.

Rope Toys

Helpful for supervised chewing and tug games.

Puzzle Toys

Provide mental stimulation alongside chewing relief.

Treat-Dispensing Toys

Keep puppies occupied longer.

Signs of Problematic Teething

While teething is normal, certain symptoms require veterinary attention.

Contact Your Vet If You Notice:

Severe bleeding
Refusal to eat
Broken teeth
Swollen face
Persistent bad breath
Adult teeth growing beside baby teeth
Extreme pain or crying

Retained baby teeth sometimes need veterinary removal.

How Long Does Puppy Teething Last?

Most puppies finish teething around 6–7 months old.

However:

Chewing habits may continue longer
Adolescent dogs still need mental stimulation
Training remains important

Patience is key during this phase.

How to Protect Your Home During Puppy Teething

Teething puppies are curious and destructive if unsupervised.

Puppy-Proofing Tips

Remove Dangerous Items

Keep shoes, chargers, and cords out of reach.

Use Baby Gates

Restrict access to unsafe areas.

Supervise Closely

Especially during active teething months.

Provide Enough Exercise

Tired puppies chew less destructively.

Crate Train Properly

A safe resting space prevents accidents.

Mental Stimulation Helps Reduce Chewing

Many owners underestimate the importance of mental exercise.

Great Mental Enrichment Activities

Snuffle mats
Basic obedience training
Food puzzles
Scent games
Short training sessions

Mental fatigue often calms destructive behaviors.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

At what age do puppies start teething?

Most puppies begin teething around 3 to 4 months old.

Is puppy biting normal during teething?

Yes. Puppies naturally bite and chew to relieve gum discomfort.

Can puppies lose appetite while teething?

Some puppies may eat slightly less temporarily due to gum soreness.

Are frozen treats safe for teething puppies?

Yes, as long as they are puppy-safe and appropriately sized.

When should puppy biting stop?

Most puppies improve significantly by 6–7 months with consistent training.

Can teething make puppies aggressive?

Teething itself does not cause aggression, but discomfort may make puppies more irritable.

Final Thoughts

Teething is one of the most challenging stages of puppyhood, but it is also temporary. By using safe puppy teething remedies, proper training, and consistent supervision, you can guide your puppy through this phase successfully.

Remember:

Chewing is normal
Redirection works better than punishment
Mental stimulation matters
Patience and consistency are essential

With the right approach, your puppy will grow into a happy, healthy, well-behaved adult dog.

Written by Julietta John

I have grown up around pets & I just don't know how to even live otherwise. Moving here was challenging because we had to leave our babies with our family, this has definitely been the most difficult thing we had to do. I miss them like crazy. I want to fill that void up by being around your pets, help us out so that we can spend some quality time with your babies. I miss our babies so much that I literally dream about them every night. I joined Petsity to be around pets & my experience helps me to be skilled at handling any emergency. I understand their language & your pet deserves the best!