Why Puppies Chew Everything: Teething Explained
Updated: 3 days ago
Shoes, table legs, skirting boards, your hands. If it feels like your puppy chews absolutely everything, you're not imagining it. Chewing is how puppies explore, and during teething their gums are sore and itchy, so chewing feels good. You can't stop it, and you shouldn't try, but you can give it somewhere to go.
THE SHORT ANSWER
Puppies chew everything for three main reasons: they explore the world with their mouths, teething makes their gums sore, and chewing is calming. Baby teeth start to fall out at around 12 to 16 weeks, and the adult teeth are usually all through by six to seven months. During that time, give your puppy plenty of safe chews, puppy-proof the rooms they use, swap anything they shouldn't have for something they can, and make sure they get enough sleep. Overtired puppies chew and bite more. Chewing often carries on after teething, which is normal, so keep giving them good things to chew.
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IN THIS POST
ā Why do puppies chew on everything?
ā The puppy teething timeline
ā Signs your puppy is teething
ā How to help a teething puppy
ā What not to do
ā FAQs
Why do puppies chew on everything?
1. They explore with their mouths
Puppies don't have hands. Picking something up and chewing it is how they find out what it is, what it tastes like and whether it's fun.
2. Teething hurts
As adult teeth push through, gums get sore, swollen and itchy. Chewing presses on the gums and eases the discomfort, the same way a teething baby gnaws on a teether.
3. Chewing is calming
Chewing and licking release feel-good chemicals and help puppies settle. That's why a tired or worried puppy often heads for something to chew.
4. They're bored or overtired
A puppy with nothing to do, or a puppy who's been awake too long, looks for something to do with their mouth. Often that's the nearest table leg.
The puppy teething timeline
Around 3 to 6 weeks: the 28 baby teeth come through
Around 12 to 16 weeks: baby teeth start to loosen and fall out
Around 4 to 6 months: most adult teeth push through, and chewing is often at its peak
Around 6 to 7 months: all 42 adult teeth are usually in
Breed and size make a difference, so these are rough ages.
Signs your puppy is teething
More chewing than usual, on toys, furniture and hands
Drooling
Small spots of blood on toys
Red or swollen gums
Finding tiny teeth on the floor (many get swallowed, which is fine)
Being a bit grumpy or off their food for a day or two
How to help a teething puppy
1. Offer lots of safe chews
Have a few different textures: rubber chew toys, soft toys for gentle chewing, and chews suited to your puppy's age and size. Rotate them so they stay interesting.
2. Try something cold
A damp knotted cloth popped in the freezer, or a rubber toy filled with a little of their food and frozen, can soothe sore gums.
3. Puppy-proof their rooms
Lift shoes, cables, remotes and cushions out of reach. Use baby gates or a pen so your puppy can only reach things that are safe to chew.
4. Swap, don't chase
If your puppy picks up something they shouldn't, offer a chew or a treat in exchange. Chasing them turns it into a game and teaches them to run off with things.
5. Watch for tiredness
If chewing turns frantic, your puppy probably needs a nap. Young puppies need far more sleep than you might expect.
6. Give their brain a job
Sniffing games, a rummage box or a lick mat use the same calming energy as chewing.
What not to do
Don't punish chewing. Your puppy won't link it to the shoe, only to you being scary
Don't give old shoes or socks as toys. Puppies can't tell old from new
Avoid very hard chews like antlers or cooked bones, which can damage teeth
Don't leave your puppy alone with anything they could swallow in pieces
When to see your vet
Check with your vet if a baby tooth is still there when the adult tooth has come through beside it, if your puppy's breath is very bad, if a gum looks very swollen, or if they stop eating.
RENEE'S TIP
Keep a chew in each room your puppy uses. When their mouth heads for the sofa, you can swap it for the chew straight away without leaving them to go and find one.
QUICK CHECK
ā Chewing is normal, so give it somewhere to go
ā Lots of safe chews in different textures
ā Cold toys for sore gums
ā Puppy-proof the rooms they use
ā Swap, don't chase or punish
ā More sleep for frantic chewers
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FAQs
Why do puppies chew on everything?
To explore, to ease sore teething gums, to calm themselves, and because they're bored or overtired.
When do puppies stop teething?
Most puppies have all their adult teeth by six to seven months. Chewing often carries on after that, which is normal.
What can I give my teething puppy to chew?
Rubber chew toys, soft toys, age-appropriate chews, and cold options like a frozen damp cloth or a frozen food-filled toy.
How do I stop my puppy chewing furniture?
Puppy-proof the room, offer lots of safe chews, swap rather than chase, and make sure your puppy is getting enough sleep.
Is it normal for puppies to swallow their baby teeth?
Yes. Many baby teeth are swallowed while eating and pass through without problems.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Renee Patience Ā· National Dog Trainer of the Year 2025
Founder and head trainer of Paws Academy, with more than 30 years training dogs and a Level 6 Diploma in Applied Canine Behaviour. Renee has competed in agility, obedience and heelwork to music across the UK, including at Crufts and Olympia, has appeared on CBBC, and is the author of the Modern Training Guides and the Modern Breed Handbook series. Pictured with her boxer, Kookie.
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