Puppy Care Guide
Week 18 – Teething & Chew Training
“It’s the stage where those tiny teeth finally start to change — and bite everything in sight!”
Around 4–5 months, puppies enter the active teething phase — and everything becomes a chew toy. With patience and the right guidance, this period helps your puppy learn good chewing habits that last for life.
🐶 What’s Happening This Week
During teething, your once-gentle puppy may suddenly chew shoes, furniture, and even hands. This is normal — chewing relieves gum pressure and itching from erupting adult teeth.
Managed properly, this stage teaches boundaries and strengthens your bond with your puppy.
💬 Why Puppies Chew
As baby teeth fall out and permanent teeth emerge, puppies feel gum irritation and instinctively chew to relieve discomfort. This isn’t aggression — it’s part of growth.
The teething process lasts about 1–2 months. Safe teething toys and proper redirection help them learn what’s appropriate to chew.
🪥 Common Teething Symptoms
- Minor Bleeding: Temporary gum bleeding as teeth loosen — stops quickly.
- Slight Odor: Mild metallic smell; clean gently with dental wipes or soft cloth.
- Loss of Appetite: Gum soreness may reduce appetite; offer soft or soaked food.
- Swallowing Teeth: Harmless and passes naturally.
- Retained Baby Teeth: If adult teeth grow beside baby teeth, see your vet.
Regular checks ensure proper alignment and healthy adult teeth development.
🧸 Teething Toys vs. Regular Toys
Regular toys and teething toys have different functions — choosing the right ones helps your puppy learn healthy chewing behavior.
| Type | Purpose | Material | Recommended Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular Toys | Stimulate curiosity and play | Soft plush, squeaky | Playtime and bonding |
| Teething Toys | Relieve gum irritation and support dental growth | Natural rubber, rope, nylon, safe wood | Chewing and soothing |
🪵 Safe Chewing Materials
- Natural rubber and rope toys — durable yet gentle on gums.
- Soft wood chews (coffee tree or olive wood) help massage gums.
- Avoid toys with small parts, squeakers, or stuffing that can be swallowed.
- Replace toys that fray, splinter, or break.
- Refrigerate teething toys (not freeze) for soothing cold relief.
PetGo Shop | Premium Puppy Teething Toys
Carefully chosen to support healthy teething and safe chewing — these toys help your puppy develop strong teeth, reduce discomfort, and enjoy playful growth every day.
Benebone Dental Dog Chew Toy
Seller: Benebone
Long-lasting peanut-flavored chew toy made in USA for strong chewers.
$23.99
View on Amazon >
CGBD 6 Pack Dog Chew Toys
Seller: CGBD
Freezable natural-rubber toys that soothe gums and clean teeth.
$16.99
View on Amazon >
Flossy Chews 100% Cotton 3-Knot Rope Tug (25-Inch)
Seller: Mammoth Pet Products
Durable rope toy made from 100% cotton — great for tugging, tossing, and dental health.
$16.36
View on Amazon >💡 PetGo Tips for Smooth Teething
- Rotate 2–3 toy textures to keep your puppy engaged.
- Supervise chewing to prevent fraying or swallowing small pieces.
- Redirect inappropriate chewing gently — replace with a toy, not scolding.
- Start dental care early with gentle gum wipes or brushing.
- Offer soft, balanced meals to support gum comfort and tooth growth.
🐾 What You Can Expect
Teething helps strengthen your puppy’s jaw, improve gum health, and teach self-control. Consistent redirection and safe chew options foster trust and proper behavior.
With patience and structure, this stage becomes one of the most valuable parts of your puppy’s development.
❤️ Final Note
Every puppy’s teething journey is unique — some breeze through it, while others need more comfort. Gentle guidance today prevents bad habits tomorrow.
Stay patient, consistent, and keep those chew toys handy — soon your puppy will flash a bright, healthy smile. 🐕✨
Continue with PetGo’s Puppy Care Guide
PetGo helps you through every stage — from teething to training and beyond.
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