Puppy Teething Symptoms: What to Expect and How to Help Your Pup Through It

Bringing a puppy home is one of life’s great joys, but it also comes with a few growing pains — sometimes quite literally. If your little one has been chewing everything in sight, drooling more than usual, or seeming a bit fussier than normal, teething is likely the culprit. Understanding what to expect during this stage can make the process much easier for both of you.

Common Causes

Puppy teething is a completely natural developmental process, but it helps to understand exactly what’s happening inside your pup’s mouth to make sense of the symptoms you’re seeing. Puppies are born without teeth, and by around three to four weeks of age, their baby teeth — also called deciduous teeth — begin to emerge. By six to eight weeks, most puppies have a full set of 28 baby teeth.

The more significant teething phase begins around three to four months of age, when those baby teeth start falling out to make room for 42 permanent adult teeth. This process typically continues until your puppy is around six to seven months old. During this time, the pressure of new teeth pushing through sensitive gum tissue is what drives most of the symptoms you’ll notice.

Common reasons your puppy may be experiencing discomfort during this phase include:

• Erupting adult teeth pushing through the gumline, which causes soreness and inflammation
• Loose baby teeth that haven’t fallen out yet, creating pressure and sensitivity
• Inflamed or swollen gums as a natural response to the teething process
• The natural urge to chew, which helps relieve discomfort and encourages loose teeth to fall out
• Retained deciduous teeth, which occur when baby teeth don’t fall out on schedule and can cause crowding or misalignment

Symptoms to Watch For

Every puppy experiences teething a little differently, but there are several telltale signs that your pup is going through this stage. Some puppies sail through it with barely a whimper, while others are clearly uncomfortable for weeks at a time. Knowing what’s normal can help you respond with confidence.

Here are the most common puppy teething symptoms to keep an eye on:

• Excessive chewing on furniture, shoes, toys, and anything else within reach
• Drooling more than usual, which is caused by increased saliva production during gum irritation
• Red, swollen, or bleeding gums, particularly around emerging teeth
• Whimpering or crying, especially when chewing or eating
• Reduced appetite or reluctance to eat, since sore gums can make mealtime uncomfortable
• Visible loose or missing teeth, which is perfectly normal as baby teeth fall out
• Mild bleeding from the gums, which may leave small spots of blood on toys or chews
• Pawing at the mouth or rubbing their face along the carpet or furniture
• Slight fever, which can sometimes accompany the inflammation of teething

It’s worth noting that finding a tiny tooth on the floor or in your puppy’s bedding is completely normal — and many puppies actually swallow their baby teeth without any issue. A small amount of blood on a chew toy is also typical and nothing to panic about.

What You Can Do at Home

The good news is that there’s quite a bit you can do to help your puppy feel more comfortable during this stage. A little preparation and the right tools can go a long way toward reducing both your pup’s discomfort and the number of shoes lost to enthusiastic chewing.

Offer appropriate chew toys. Durable rubber toys, nylon chews, and rope toys give your puppy a safe and satisfying outlet for their chewing instincts. Look for toys specifically designed for teething puppies, as these are typically the right size and firmness to soothe sore gums without causing damage.

Try chilled or frozen chews. One of the most effective home remedies for teething discomfort is cold. You can refrigerate or lightly freeze a rubber chew toy, a damp washcloth, or even a puppy-safe frozen treat to help numb sore gums and reduce inflammation. Avoid giving your puppy ice cubes, as these can be a choking hazard and may be too hard for sensitive teeth.

Puppy-proof your home. Teething puppies are relentless chewers, so protecting your belongings is just as important as protecting your puppy. Keep shoes, electrical cords, and valuable items out of reach, and use bitter apple spray on furniture legs to deter chewing.

Maintain a consistent feeding routine. If your puppy is reluctant to eat dry kibble due to sore gums, try softening it with a little warm water or offering wet food temporarily. Keeping nutrition on track during this period supports healthy tooth and gum development.

Be patient and gentle. Your puppy isn’t misbehaving — they’re uncomfortable and doing their best to cope. Redirecting chewing behavior calmly and consistently, rather than scolding, will help your pup learn appropriate habits while you both get through this stage.

When to See a Vet

While teething is a normal process, there are certain signs that warrant a call or visit to your veterinarian. Knowing when to seek professional guidance ensures that any complications are caught early.

Schedule a vet appointment if you notice any of the following:

• Retained baby teeth that haven’t fallen out by the time the adult tooth has fully emerged — this can cause overcrowding and misalignment
• Excessive or prolonged bleeding from the gums that doesn’t resolve quickly
• Severe swelling of the gums, jaw, or face
• High fever or signs of significant illness accompanying teething symptoms
• Refusal to eat for more than 24 hours, which can lead to nutritional deficiencies in a growing puppy
• Broken or fractured teeth, which can become infected if left untreated
• Signs of pain that seem extreme or are not improving over time

Your vet can also perform a routine oral exam during scheduled puppy visits to monitor how the teething process is progressing and address any concerns before they become bigger problems.

How Pet Insurance Can Help

Teething is typically a straightforward process, but puppies have a remarkable talent for turning minor issues into unexpected vet visits — whether it’s a fractured tooth, a retained baby tooth requiring extraction, or an infection from chewing something they shouldn’t have. Having a pet insurance plan in place from an early age means you can make decisions based on what’s best for your puppy rather than what fits the budget.

Protective Care: Get a free pet insurance quote and protect your dog today

For times when you need immediate guidance from a licensed veterinarian without leaving home, telehealth services can be a lifesaver.

For more clinical details on canine health, you can refer to the professional guidelines from the Merck Veterinary Manual.

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Puppy teething is a temporary phase, and with a little patience and the right support, both you and your pup will come out the other side with smiles on your faces — your puppy’s now full of beautiful, healthy adult teeth. Stay attentive, keep plenty of chew toys on hand, and never hesitate to reach out to your veterinarian if something doesn’t feel right. You’re doing a wonderful job caring for your new family member.