Why Puppies Chew Everything: Teething Explained Through Anatomy

Your puppy’s chewing may seem relentless. Shoes, table legs, cushions, and sometimes even your hands all become targets. It can feel like mischief or defiance, but chewing is one of the most natural, essential parts of a puppy’s development. Behind those needle-sharp teeth is a complex physical process that causes real discomfort. Understanding what is happening inside your puppy’s mouth helps you manage this stage calmly and protect both your belongings and their wellbeing.

What Happens During Teething

Puppies are born without teeth, but by three weeks old, tiny baby teeth begin to appear. These are known as deciduous teeth and there are 28 of them in total. They are smaller and sharper than adult teeth, perfectly suited for learning to chew and eat solid food.

Between 12 and 16 weeks of age, those baby teeth start to loosen and fall out as the permanent teeth push through. Adult dogs have 42 teeth, and fitting all those into a small jaw takes time and adjustment. As the new teeth erupt, they press through the gums, causing soreness, itching and irritation. Your puppy’s instinctive response is to chew. Chewing provides counter pressure that helps soothe the gum tissue, much like a teething baby biting on a teether.

The process continues until around six to seven months of age, depending on breed and size. By then, all adult teeth should be in place.

The Anatomy Behind the Chewing

Teething discomfort comes from what’s happening beneath the surface. Beneath each tooth are developing roots surrounded by sensitive nerves and blood vessels. As adult teeth grow, they dissolve the roots of the baby teeth, causing them to loosen. This creates mild inflammation in the gums, making them tender.

At the same time, the jawbone is expanding and strengthening to support the new teeth. The nerves in this area become more active, transmitting sensations of pressure and warmth. Puppies don’t understand this strange new feeling, so they seek ways to relieve it. That’s where your furniture, shoes or fingers come in.

When you see your puppy frantically chewing, remember it’s not an act of destruction. It’s their way of easing genuine discomfort and helping their body adjust.

Recognising the Signs of Teething

Knowing the signs of teething helps you stay patient and proactive. Common signs include:

• Increased chewing on objects, toys and hands

• Drooling more than usual

• Small spots of blood on toys or bedding

• Mild gum swelling or redness

• Decreased appetite for hard food

• Restlessness or irritability

Some puppies also paw at their mouths or rub their faces on surfaces. These are normal ways to manage irritation. However, if you notice excessive bleeding, severe swelling or reluctance to eat for more than a day, consult your vet. Occasionally, retained baby teeth or infections can complicate teething.

Why Puppies Target Specific Objects

Puppies often choose things that provide satisfying resistance when chewed. Wooden furniture, leather and textured fabrics all give that firm but flexible feel that massages sore gums. Your scent also plays a role. Items that smell like you, such as shoes or cushions, are especially comforting because chewing releases endorphins that reduce stress.

To a teething puppy, your home is a world of sensory relief. That’s why prevention through management and redirection is key.

How to Help Your Puppy Through Teething

You can’t stop the teething process, but you can make it more comfortable and manageable for both of you.

1. Offer safe chew options.

Provide toys made specifically for teething puppies. Rubber toys that can be chilled in the fridge are ideal because the cold numbs sore gums. Avoid anything too hard, such as bones or antlers, which can damage fragile teeth.

2. Rotate chew items.

Keep a few options on hand and rotate them daily to keep your puppy interested. Different textures help relieve different sensations, from itching to pressure.

3. Supervise and redirect.

If your puppy starts chewing an inappropriate object, calmly redirect them to their chew toy. Praise them when they choose the correct item. Consistency teaches them what’s acceptable without punishment or confusion.

4. Keep valuable items out of reach.

During teething, prevention is easier than correction. Limit access to tempting objects until your puppy learns better chewing habits.

5. Use enrichment for relief.

Frozen carrots, wet washcloths or rubber toys filled with frozen puppy-safe treats can soothe discomfort while providing mental stimulation.

The Role of Patience and Training

Teething can test your patience, but it is a short-term stage. Punishing your puppy for chewing only increases stress, which can make the problem worse. Remember that discomfort and curiosity drive the behaviour, not defiance.

Gentle redirection teaches boundaries while building trust. Your puppy is learning not just what to chew, but also how to cope with frustration. Every calm correction you make now lays the groundwork for self-control later.

Dental Health During and After Teething

Teething is also the perfect time to start introducing gentle mouth handling and tooth brushing. Use a soft finger brush or cloth and a dog-safe toothpaste. Begin slowly, keeping sessions brief and positive. Early dental care helps your puppy accept handling and reduces dental issues in adulthood.

Once adult teeth are in, schedule a veterinary dental check to ensure everything has aligned properly and that no baby teeth remain. Retained teeth can lead to crowding or decay if left untreated.

How Teething Influences Behaviour

Teething doesn’t just affect the mouth. The discomfort can spill over into general behaviour. Puppies may be more restless, bitey or short-tempered. Sleep patterns can change, and training sessions may need to be shorter. These shifts are temporary, but recognising them helps you adjust expectations.

Providing safe outlets for chewing, calm rest and gentle reassurance helps your puppy navigate this stage with confidence. Once teething ends, you’ll often notice an improvement in focus and calmness almost overnight.

The Connection Between Comfort and Learning

A puppy in pain finds it hard to concentrate. By managing teething discomfort, you’re setting the stage for better training outcomes. Chewing appropriately also strengthens jaw muscles and supports healthy tooth eruption. When your puppy feels comfortable, learning new cues and routines becomes much easier.

Conclusion: Chewing with Purpose

Chewing is not misbehaviour. It is communication. It tells you your puppy’s mouth is changing and they need your help. By offering the right toys, supervision and empathy, you protect both your home and their developing teeth.

Teething only lasts a few months, but your calm guidance during this stage has lifelong benefits. You’re teaching your puppy not only what to chew but also how to manage discomfort and trust your support.

When you understand what’s happening inside their mouth, patience comes naturally. Every chew, every toy and every bit of guidance you offer now builds the foundation for a healthy, well-mannered dog with strong teeth and steady confidence.

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