Puppy teething: timeline, safe chews and what to avoid
Updated 2026-10-16. General information, not veterinary advice.
Ask your vet. This guide is general information, not veterinary advice. If your puppy has a very sore mouth, bleeding, swelling, bad breath, stops eating, or seems unwell, see your vet.
If your shoes, furniture and fingers have suddenly become chew toys, you are probably living with a teething puppy. It is a normal stage, and it passes. The aim is to keep your puppy comfortable and safe while teaching them what they are allowed to chew.
A general timeline
Every puppy is different, but in general terms:
- Early weeks. Puppies are born without visible teeth. Baby (deciduous) teeth begin to come through in the first weeks of life, before most puppies come home.
- Around 3 to 4 months. Baby teeth begin to loosen and fall out as adult teeth come through. This is often when chewing and mouthing intensify.
- Around 4 to 6 months. Many puppies are losing a lot of teeth and have sore, itchy gums.
- Around 6 to 8 months and beyond. Most adult teeth are in, although chewing urges often continue, especially in adolescents.
These are rough guides only. Ask your vet to check your puppy’s mouth at their regular visits. They can tell you if baby teeth are not falling out when expected, or if anything looks wrong.
Signs of teething
- More chewing and mouthing than usual
- Drooling or a bit of blood on toys
- Red or swollen gums
- Picky eating for a day or two
- Wanting to chew cold or soft objects
Safer chewing options
No chew is risk free, so always supervise and pick items to suit your puppy’s size and chewing style. General guidance:
- Soft rubber toys made for puppies. They should be firm enough to last but soft enough that you can press a fingernail in slightly. Avoid anything that is rock hard.
- Chilled (not rock-frozen) toys or a wet, knotted cloth. Many puppies find the cool feel soothing. Supervise.
- Appropriately sized, sturdy toys. Anything small enough to fit in the back of the mouth is a choking risk.
- Edible chews that suit your puppy. Ask your vet which edible chews are appropriate for your puppy’s age and size, since some can cause upset tummies, choking or blockages.
- Puzzle and lick toys. Smearing a soft puppy-safe food into a lick mat or toy gives chewing and licking an outlet. Check ingredients with your vet.
Browse our chew toy listings if you like. They are listed for convenience, not recommended by us, and you should check size and material against your vet’s advice.
What to avoid
- Cooked bones. They can splinter and cause injuries or blockages.
- Very hard items, such as antlers, hooves, hard nylon or real bones, which may risk cracked teeth. Ask your vet whether any are suitable.
- Small or crumbly toys that can be swallowed or broken into pieces.
- Old socks, shoes and clothing, which teach your puppy that household items are fair game and can cause blockages.
- Sticks and stones. Splinters and swallowed pieces can be dangerous.
- Damaged toys. Throw them out when they split or shed pieces.
- Anything with a strong smell that might be a toxin, such as cleaning products, plants or garden chemicals. Keep these out of reach.
If your puppy swallows something they should not have, contact your vet or an emergency vet straight away.
Managing the chewing
- Puppy-proof. Pick up shoes, cords, remote controls and kids’ toys. Use baby gates and pens.
- Offer alternatives. When your puppy chews something off limits, calmly swap it for an acceptable chew and praise when they take it.
- Rotate toys. Keep a few out and swap them often so they stay interesting.
- Plan chew time. A calm chew session in a crate or pen helps your puppy wind down. See our crate training guide.
- Meet exercise and sleep needs. Tired puppies chew more. A well-rested, well-exercised puppy chews more appropriately. See exercise for puppies and young dogs.
Mouthing people is slightly different from chewing objects. Our guide to puppy biting and mouthing covers it in detail.
Teeth and mouth care
Start gentle mouth handling early, a few seconds at a time with treats, so your puppy accepts tooth checks and brushing later. Ask your vet when to start brushing and which products are suitable.
When to see your vet
Book a check if you notice:
- Adult teeth growing in beside baby teeth that have not fallen out
- Heavy bleeding, swelling or pus
- Bad breath that is strong or new
- Refusing food for more than a short period
- Signs of pain, such as pawing at the mouth or crying when eating
- A broken tooth
Your vet can also confirm that your puppy’s teething is on track and recommend chews that suit them.
FAQs
When do puppies stop teething?
Teething commonly wraps up somewhere around the middle of the first year, but this varies between puppies and breeds. Your vet can check your puppy's teeth at routine visits.
Is it normal to find small teeth around the house?
Yes, baby teeth are lost during teething and are sometimes swallowed. Tell your vet if you see lots of bleeding, a very sore mouth or a tooth that seems stuck.
Are ice cubes or frozen toys safe for teething?
Some owners offer a chilled, soft toy or a damp, frozen cloth under supervision. Very hard frozen items may be too hard for some puppies, so ask your vet what suits yours.
Is it teething or just naughtiness?
Chewing is normal puppy behaviour and a teething puppy needs outlets for it. Redirect to appropriate items and manage the environment rather than punishing.