Why Is My Puppy Chewing Everything? A Guide to Teething and Safe Chews

You leave the room for five minutes and come back to a chewed shoe, a gnawed table leg and a puppy who looks very pleased with themselves. If this sounds familiar, take a breath. Your puppy is not being naughty. In most cases, they are teething, and chewing is how they cope with it.

This guide explains why puppies chew so much, how to tell when teething is the cause, and how to choose chews that are safe for young mouths.

Why Puppies Chew Everything?

Puppies explore the world with their mouths. Chewing helps them learn about textures, burn off energy and settle themselves when they feel unsure. On top of that, teething makes their gums sore, and pressure from chewing brings relief.

Boredom plays a part too. A puppy with nothing appropriate to chew will quickly find something that is not appropriate, like cables, slippers or the corner of the sofa. The goal is not to stop chewing, because that is both impossible and unhealthy. The goal is to give your puppy the right things to chew.

The Puppy Teething Timeline

Understanding the stages makes the chaos easier to manage:

• Around 2 to 4 weeks: the first tiny baby teeth begin to appear.
• Around 8 weeks: most puppies have a full set of 28 baby teeth.
• Around 3 to 4 months: baby teeth start to loosen and fall out as adult teeth push through.
• Around 6 to 8 months: most puppies have their full set of 42 adult teeth.

The peak of discomfort usually falls between 3 and 6 months, which is exactly when many owners notice the chewing getting out of hand.

Signs Your Puppy Is Teething

Teething can look different from one puppy to another, but common signs include:

• Increased chewing on furniture, hands and shoes
• Drooling more than usual
• Red or slightly swollen gums
• Small spots of blood on chew toys
• Finding tiny baby teeth on the floor
• Mild crankiness or restlessness

A little blood on a toy is normal. Heavy bleeding or a puppy who refuses to eat is not, and is worth a call to your vet.

What Makes a Chew Safe for Teething Puppies?

Not every chew that is safe for an adult dog is safe for a puppy. Puppy teeth and jaws are still developing, so the wrong chew can cause damage or upset.

Gentle texture. A good chew has a little give. Very hard items such as bones, antlers or hard plastic can damage baby teeth and sore gums.

The right size. The chew should be larger than your puppy’s mouth opening so it cannot be swallowed whole, but small enough for them to hold comfortably.

Simple, natural ingredients. Puppy stomachs are sensitive. Short ingredient lists with no artificial colours, flavours or preservatives are easier to digest.

Easy to break down. Chews that wear down into soft pieces are safer than ones that splinter or break into sharp chunks.

Choosing the right dog teething treats comes down to balancing these four things: soft enough for gums, sized correctly, made from clean ingredients and safe to swallow in tiny amounts.

Practical Tips to Ease Teething

1. Puppy-proof your space. Keep shoes, cables and anything precious out of reach.
2. Redirect, don’t scold. When your puppy chews something off-limits, swap it for an approved chew and praise them when they take it.
3. Try a chilled chew. A cool (not frozen) chew can feel soothing on sore gums.
4. Offer treats at the right moments. Dog treats for teething puppies work well during restless periods, such as before bedtime or after play.
5. Rotate chews. Offering a few different textures keeps your puppy interested and saves your furniture.
6. Supervise every session. Stay nearby so you can remove a chew once it is small enough to swallow.
7. Keep up gentle mouth handling. Touching your puppy’s mouth during calm moments makes future dental care and vet visits much easier.

What to Look for When Buying?

When shopping, read the label carefully. Look for a short, natural ingredient list, clear age and size guidance and feeding instructions. Avoid anything with a long list of additives you cannot recognise.

If you would like to see options designed with young mouths in mind, you can explore the teething treats collection at Dogsee Chew and compare what is available for your puppy’s age and size.

When to See the Vet?

Most teething is completely normal, but check with your vet if you notice any of the following:

• Baby teeth that have not fallen out by around 6 to 8 months
• Persistent bleeding from the gums
• A swollen face or signs of pain when eating
• Very bad breath that does not improve
• A puppy who stops eating or seems unusually unwell

Retained baby teeth in particular can cause crowding and dental problems later, so early advice makes a real difference.

The Bottom Line

A puppy who chews everything is not misbehaving. They are growing, exploring and coping with sore gums, all at the same time. With patience, a puppy-proofed home and the right dog teething treats, you can guide that energy towards safe options and get through this phase with your furniture, and your sanity, mostly intact.

Choose gentle, natural, correctly sized chews from trusted brands like Dogsee Chew, supervise every chew session, and remember that this stage is temporary. Before long, those sharp little teeth will be replaced by a full set of strong adult ones.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. At what age do puppies start teething?

Puppies usually start developing their baby teeth between 2 and 4 weeks of age. Teething becomes more noticeable around 3 to 4 months when baby teeth begin falling out and adult teeth start growing.

2. How long does puppy teething last?

Puppy teething generally lasts until around 6 to 8 months of age. During this period, puppies gradually lose their baby teeth and develop a complete set of adult teeth.

3. What are the best dog teething treats for puppies?

The best dog teething treats are gentle on developing teeth and gums, appropriately sized and made with simple ingredients. Choose age-appropriate options that do not break into sharp or dangerous pieces.

4. Can I give my puppy treats every day during teething?

Yes, you can offer suitable treats daily in moderation. However, treats should only make up a small portion of your puppy’s daily calorie intake. Follow the feeding instructions on the product.

5. Are frozen treats good for teething puppies?

Chilled treats can help soothe sore gums. Avoid giving extremely hard, frozen items because they may hurt your puppy’s developing teeth. Always supervise chewing.

6. Why does my puppy chew furniture and shoes?

Puppies chew furniture and shoes because of teething discomfort, boredom, curiosity and excess energy. Providing suitable chew toys and redirecting unwanted chewing can help manage this behaviour.