Puppy teething can feel like it shows up overnight. One day, your puppy is gently mouthing your fingers, and the next… everything is a chew toy, including your shoes, your furniture, and sometimes your patience.

We’ve raised many puppies here at Havana Luxe Pups, and if there’s one stage every single one goes through, it’s teething. The good news is, it’s completely normal. The even better news is, with the right approach, you can guide your puppy through it without turning your home into a chew zone.

Let’s walk through what puppy teething really looks like, the signs to watch for, and what actually helps.

When Does Puppy Teething Start?

Most puppies begin puppy teething around 3 to 4 months of age. This is when their baby teeth start falling out, and adult teeth begin coming in.

Teething typically lasts until about 6 months of age, though every puppy is a little different.

During this time, your puppy’s mouth can feel sore, itchy, and uncomfortable, which is why chewing becomes such a big part of their behavior.

Common Puppy Teething Signs

Teething doesn’t look the same for every puppy, but there are some clear signs we see again and again.

Watch for:
• Increased chewing on anything they can find
• Red or slightly swollen gums
• Small spots of blood on toys or bedding
• Drooling more than usual
• Mild irritability or restlessness
• Trying to chew hands, clothing, or furniture

One thing we always tell our families is this: if your puppy suddenly seems more mouthy than before, it’s almost always puppy teething, not bad behavior.

A Story From Our Puppies

We had one little Havapoo puppy who decided that table legs were her absolute favorite thing to chew.

It didn’t matter how many toys were nearby; she would make her way straight to the table.

Instead of constantly correcting her, we redirected her every single time to a safe chew, and we made that chew more exciting. We even lightly chilled it to help soothe her gums.

Within a few days, she stopped going for the table entirely.

That’s the key with puppy teething. You don’t just stop the behavior, you replace it.

Why Puppies Need to Chew

Chewing during puppy teething isn’t random. It serves a purpose.

It helps:
• Relieve gum discomfort
• Loosen baby teeth
• Strengthen adult teeth as they come in
• Provide mental stimulation

Trying to stop chewing completely will only frustrate your puppy. The goal is to guide them toward the right things to chew.

Safe Chew Options for Puppy Teething

Not all chews are created equal, especially for teething puppies.

Here are some of our go-to options:

Soft Rubber Toys

Flexible rubber toys are gentle on sore gums and safe for growing teeth.

Look for toys designed specifically for puppies, not hard adult dog toys.

Chilled (Not Frozen) Chews

A slightly chilled chew can help soothe inflamed gums.

We often recommend:
• Chilled rubber toys
• A damp washcloth placed in the fridge

Avoid freezing items solid, as they can be too hard for a puppy’s sensitive teeth.

Teething-Specific Toys

There are toys designed specifically for puppy teething that have different textures to massage the gums.

These can be very helpful during peak teething phases.

Edible Chews (With Supervision)

Soft, digestible chews made for puppies can be a good option.

Always supervise and choose products that are:
• Sized appropriately
• Made for puppies
• Easy to digest

What to Avoid During Puppy Teething

Some items can actually cause more harm than good.

Avoid:
• Hard bones or antlers
• Ice cubes
• Hard nylon toys made for adult dogs
• Anything that can splinter or break teeth

A good rule is this: if it feels too hard in your hand, it’s too hard for a teething puppy.

How to Manage Chewing Behavior

This is where consistency matters.

Redirect, Don’t Punish

When your puppy chews something they shouldn’t:
• Gently interrupt
• Replace it with an appropriate chew
• Praise when they choose the right item

This teaches them what’s acceptable instead of just what’s wrong.

Rotate Toys

Puppies get bored quickly.

Keep a small selection of toys and rotate them every few days to keep things interesting.

Supervise Closely

During peak puppy teething, supervision is key.

If you can’t watch your puppy, use:
• A crate
• A playpen
• A puppy-safe area

This prevents bad habits from forming.

Does Puppy Teething Affect Behavior?

Yes, and it’s something we see often.

During puppy teething, puppies may:
• Be more restless
• Have shorter attention spans
• Seem more clingy or frustrated

This is temporary. Staying patient and consistent makes all the difference.

How Long Does Puppy Teething Last?

Most puppies finish puppy teething by around 6 months of age.

You’ll know it’s ending when:
• Chewing decreases
• Adult teeth are fully in
• Your puppy seems more settled

That doesn’t mean chewing disappears completely, but it becomes much more manageable.

A Final Thought From Our Family

Puppy teething can feel overwhelming in the moment, but it’s a short phase in a long, happy life together.

We’ve walked so many families through this stage, and the ones who have the easiest experience all do the same thing. They stay calm, stay consistent, and give their puppy the right outlets.

Your puppy isn’t trying to be difficult. They’re just growing.

And with a little patience and the right approach, you’ll both get through it beautifully.

If you’re preparing to bring home a puppy or are already in the middle of this stage, we’re always here to help. We love guiding our families through every step, including the teething phase.

FAQ

When does puppy teething start?

Puppy teething usually begins around 3 to 4 months of age.

How long does puppy teething last?

It typically lasts until about 6 months, when adult teeth are fully in.

Why is my puppy biting more suddenly?

Increased biting is a common sign of puppy teething due to gum discomfort.

What are safe chew toys for puppy teething?

Soft rubber toys, teething-specific toys, and chilled chews are all good options.

Can puppy teething cause bleeding?

Yes, small amounts of blood on toys or bedding can happen as teeth fall out.

Should I stop my puppy from chewing?

No, instead redirect them to safe chew options to support healthy development.