Puppy chewing: teething, safe chew toys and what to do

When do puppies teethe?

Puppies teethe twice, really: baby teeth come in at a few weeks old, and adult teeth replace them between about 4 and 7 months. The Merck Veterinary Manual says most dogs have 28 baby teeth and 42 adult teeth. Here's the timeline:

Chewing is strongest in those months, so plan ahead. Have chews ready before the adult teeth start, and expect your puppy's interest in hard things to jump around 4 months. You might find tiny baby teeth on the floor, or you might never see one. If a baby tooth is still there next to the adult tooth that should have replaced it, mention it at your next vet visit.

Why puppy chewing happens

Puppy chewing happens for a few overlapping reasons, and teething is only one of them. Chewing seems to ease the discomfort of new teeth coming through. Puppies also learn about the world with their mouths, the way a toddler grabs everything in reach.

Boredom plays a big part. The ASPCA notes that dogs without enough physical and mental exercise look for ways to entertain themselves, and chewing is an easy one. Then there's habit: whatever your puppy learns to chew now is what they'll reach for later, which makes teething the best time to teach good choices.

Watch for one pattern in particular. If the chewing happens mainly when your puppy's left alone, along with whining, barking, pacing or accidents, the ASPCA says it may be separation anxiety.

How to ease a teething puppy

Cold helps. The ASPCA mentions that some people give teething puppies frozen items, either dog toys made to be frozen or a wet washcloth that's been in the freezer, and cold seems to soothe sore gums. Stay close while they chew, so your puppy doesn't tear off and swallow pieces of fabric.

Frozen chew toys and a frozen wet washcloth, under supervision, are simple ways to help a teething puppy.

Choosing safe chew toys for puppy chewing

Safe chew toys fit your puppy's size and chewing style and don't break into pieces. The ASPCA's position on dog chews spells out how to choose:

1. Match the size to your puppy and how they chew; too small is a choking risk.
2. Match the hardness to the chewer. Durable synthetic chews suit strong chewers, and softer compressed edible chews suit gentler ones.
3. Avoid anything tiny or anything that breaks into pieces.
4. Watch while your puppy chews, and make sure they're chewing slowly, not gulping.
5. Throw chews out before they get badly worn.
6. Skip cooked bones, which the ASPCA says can splinter and seriously injure a dog.

If your puppy swallows a chunk of a chew or toy, the ASPCA says to contact a vet immediately. Vomiting, a swollen belly or straining to pass stool after swallowing something means go to a vet or emergency clinic now.

A kind plan to protect your things

Start by puppy-proofing. Shoes, cables, remotes and anything precious go out of reach until your puppy only chews the right things. In a small apartment that might mean a basket by the door for footwear and cable covers behind the TV.

Keep the good stuff interesting. The ASPCA suggests rotating chew toys every couple of days. When you catch your puppy chewing something off limits, calmly take it, offer an approved chew, and praise them the moment they take it.

When you're out, a crate or puppy-proofed room with chew toys works well, though the ASPCA warns against crating for long periods, more than six hours, just to prevent chewing. Taste deterrent sprays on furniture can help if you reapply them daily for two to four weeks while you teach what your puppy can chew. And burn off energy with walks, play and food puzzle toys, which cut down on boredom chewing.

One thing the ASPCA is clear you shouldn't do: show your puppy the damage and scold or punish them after the fact. Puppies can't connect the punishment with something they did earlier. Gentle, reward-based teaching works better, and it's what to look for in a class too; see how to choose puppy classes.

When chewing needs a vet's opinion

Ask your vet about chewing when something looks off in the mouth or the behaviour. That includes:

• A baby tooth that hasn't fallen out beside its adult replacement
• Bleeding gums that don't settle, a bad smell, or reluctance to eat
• Chewing that's frantic or happens only when alone
• Swallowing pieces of toys, bones or fabric

Jot down what you see and when, and bring it up at the next puppy visit. The free PetGrid pet records app keeps those notes with vaccines and vet papers, and reminders help you keep the puppy vaccine visits on time.

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Em resumo

Puppy chewing is a phase you can manage. Know the teething timeline, pick safe chews, puppy-proof, redirect without scolding, and keep your puppy busy. Ask your vet about retained teeth or anything swallowed. The phase passes faster when every chew your puppy finds is one you picked.

The PetGrid app is free for pet owners and keeps your puppy's records and reminders in one place. Here's how the app works.