Understanding teething and chewing in young dogs and how to guide it in the right direction

Sharp little teeth, shredded shoelaces and mysterious bite marks on table legs are a normal part of life with a very young dog. Chewing is not a sign of a “bad” animal, but a natural stage that every growing companion goes through.

With some planning, you can protect your home, protect your pet’s mouth and teach good habits that last long after the small teeth are gone. This guide explains what actually happens during teething and how to support your four-legged friend through it.

What happens during teething

Very young dogs are born without teeth. Baby teeth begin to appear at around 3 weeks of age, usually while they are still with their mother and siblings. By the time they come home to you, they typically have a full set of sharp baby teeth.

From around 3 to 4 months of age, those baby teeth start to loosen and fall out. Permanent teeth push through the gums to replace them. This process usually finishes between 6 and 8 months, though the exact timing varies between individuals and breeds.

Teething can cause sore gums, extra drool and a strong urge to chew. Some youngsters become a little more restless or less interested in hard dry food on days when a tooth is erupting. Others sail through with almost no obvious discomfort.

Why chewing is important, not just annoying

Chewing is one of the main ways young dogs explore their world. It helps them learn about textures, relieve stress and move their bodies when they are confined indoors. It also plays a role in jaw development and keeping new teeth clean.

Trying to stop all chewing is both impossible and unfair. Instead, aim to guide it. The goal is to encourage chewing on safe, acceptable items and limit access to things that could be dangerous or expensive to replace.

Spotting normal teething vs problems

Typical teething signs include increased chewing, occasional drops of blood on toys, mild swelling of the gums and the occasional tiny tooth found on the floor. Some youngsters like cool items against their gums at this stage.

Contact a veterinarian if you see severe or persistent bad breath, swelling on one side of the face, refusal to eat for more than a single meal, obvious pain when the mouth is touched or adult teeth arriving while baby teeth are still firmly in place. These can be signs of dental crowding, infection or other issues that need professional care.

Setting up your home for safer chewing

Young dogs do not automatically know what belongs to them and what belongs to you. It is your job to organise the environment so that good choices are easy. Think of this as childproofing for four legs and teeth.

• Pick up shoes, socks, children’s toys and cables from the floor.
• Provide a safe area like a crate, pen or gated room for unsupervised time.
• Keep rubbish bins, medicine, batteries and cleaning products out of reach.
• Offer several safe chew items in the areas where you spend time together.

This kind of setup will not just save your belongings, it will also prevent emergency vet visits for swallowed or chewed-up objects that can cause blockages or poisoning.

Choosing safe chew items for young mouths

Walk into any pet shop and you will see a wall of chew options. Not all are appropriate for very young jaws. Aim for items that are firm but have some “give” when you press a fingernail into them.

Hard items that do not dent, such as real bones or very rigid plastic, can crack teeth. Extremely soft items that are easily torn into pieces can be swallowed and cause stomach or intestinal problems. Always supervise with new items until you know how your companion interacts with them.

Many people find a mix of different textures helpful. For example, a rubber toy that can be stuffed with food, a rope toy for supervised play and a softer, edible chew that lasts more than a few bites. Ask your veterinarian for suggestions that suit your dog’s size, age and breed.

Using cold to soothe sore gums

Cool temperatures can ease gum discomfort during teething. You can take advantage of this with a few simple ideas, as long as your pet is supervised and does not become too chilled.

• Soak a clean cloth in water, twist it into a rope shape and freeze it, then offer it for short chewing sessions.
• Chill rubber chew toys in the refrigerator before playtime.
• Offer a few frozen pieces of dog-safe vegetables like carrot, if they tolerate them and your vet agrees.

Always watch closely when offering frozen items. Remove them if pieces begin to break off in chunks that could be swallowed whole.

Teaching what is allowed to go in the mouth

Training around the mouth should start early and stay positive. Rather than scolding for every mistake, focus on showing the right answer. This builds trust and makes it easier for a veterinarian or groomer to handle your dog in the future.

Keep a few legal chew items in every room where your companion spends time. When you see them pick up something you do not want chewed, calmly trade it for one of their own items. Praise warmly when they take the swap or start chewing the correct object on their own.

It is also helpful to teach cues like “drop it” and “leave it.” Start with low-value items and lots of rewards, then slowly build up to more tempting objects when your dog understands the game. Short, fun sessions are best for a young attention span.

Bite inhibition and play with people

During teething, many young dogs like to mouth hands, feet and clothing. They may have learned during play with their littermates that biting too hard ends the fun. You can continue this lesson at home.

If teeth touch your skin, gently stop the game for a few seconds by removing your attention. Then offer a toy and resume play when they engage with it instead of your hand. With repetition, they learn that soft mouths and toys keep the fun going.

Avoid rough games that encourage grabbing at bare skin. Use toys with some length, like tug ropes or long plush items, to keep little teeth away from fingers and to direct their enthusiasm to something appropriate.

When chewing seems excessive

Most young dogs chew a lot, but there are times when it can signal something else. Constant chewing combined with pacing, inability to settle, whining or destructive behaviour that continues into adulthood may point to boredom, anxiety or too little physical and mental exercise.

If you are already offering safe chew items, regular walks that match your dog’s age and health and some basic training games, but destruction continues, consult a veterinarian or qualified trainer. They can help you rule out medical causes and design a plan that meets your companion’s needs.

Supporting healthy teeth for life

The teething phase will eventually pass, but mouth care should continue. Get your dog used to you gently lifting their lips and touching their gums while you offer treats. This preparation makes it easier to introduce tooth brushing when your veterinarian says it is appropriate.

Regular dental checks, either during routine vaccinations or separate visits, allow your vet to spot retained baby teeth, misaligned bites or early signs of tartar. Addressing these issues early can prevent pain and more serious procedures later on.

By understanding why teething and chewing happen and guiding your young dog patiently, you set them up for a lifetime of healthy habits, a comfortable mouth and a more peaceful home for everyone.