Teething Troubles? How to Help Your Puppy Through It

If your adorable Goldendoodle or Bernedoodle puppy has suddenly turned into a chewing machine, congratulations—you've entered the teething phase! At My Doodle Crush, we've helped countless families navigate this challenging but totally normal stage of puppy development. Here are the best puppy teething tips to keep your furniture (and your sanity) intact!

What Is Puppy Teething?

Just like human babies, puppies go through a teething process where their baby teeth fall out and adult teeth come in. This typically happens between 3 to 6 months of age and can be uncomfortable for your little fur baby. That’s why they suddenly want to chew on everything in sight—it helps relieve the pressure and pain in their gums!

Signs Your Puppy Is Teething

Watch for these telltale signs:

Excessive chewing on furniture, shoes, or anything they can find
Drooling more than usual
Red or swollen gums
Bleeding spots where baby teeth have fallen out
Decreased appetite due to mouth discomfort
Irritability or whining
Finding tiny teeth around your home (yes, they fall out!)

8 Essential Puppy Teething Tips

1. Provide Appropriate Chew Toys

Stock up on puppy-safe chew toys! Look for rubber toys, rope toys, and specially designed teething toys. Rotate them regularly to keep your puppy interested. According to the American Kennel Club, having a variety of textures helps satisfy different chewing needs. This is one of the most important puppy teething tips we share with new families.

2. Freeze Wet Washcloths

Soak a washcloth in water, wring it out, and freeze it. Let your puppy chew on the cold fabric—it feels amazing on sore gums! You can even tie it in a knot for easier gripping. This simple solution is among the top puppy teething tips veterinarians recommend.

3. Try Frozen Treats

Freeze dog-safe fruits like banana slices or apple chunks (no seeds!). You can also freeze low-sodium chicken broth in ice cube trays for a tasty, soothing treat.

4. Use Puppy-Safe Teething Gels

Ask your veterinarian about teething gels specifically formulated for puppies. Never use human teething products, as they can contain ingredients harmful to dogs.

5. Redirect, Redirect, Redirect!

Catch your puppy chewing on something they shouldn’t? Calmly redirect them to an appropriate toy. Consistency is key! At My Doodle Crush, we start teaching our puppies basic commands early, which makes redirection training easier for new families. Redirection is one of the most effective puppy teething tips for long-term success.

6. Puppy-Proof Your Home

Remove tempting items like shoes, remote controls, and electrical cords from your puppy’s reach. Think of it as toddler-proofing but for a furry, four-legged toddler!

7. Offer Gentle Gum Massages

With clean hands, gently massage your puppy’s gums with your finger. Some puppies love this, while others may not be fans—follow your pup’s lead. This is one of the gentler puppy teething tips that can provide immediate relief.

8. Keep Training Consistent

Even though your puppy is uncomfortable, maintain consistent training. The American Veterinary Medical Association emphasizes that good habits formed during puppyhood last a lifetime. Your intelligent Goldendoodle or Bernedoodle will pick up on boundaries quickly

What NOT to Do During Teething

When implementing puppy teething tips, it’s equally important to know what to avoid:

❌ Don’t give ice cubes (they can crack teeth)
❌ Don’t give cooked bones (they can splinter)
❌ Don’t use your hands as chew toys (this teaches bad habits)
❌ Don’t punish your puppy for teething behavior (they can’t help it!)
❌ Don’t give adult dog toys that might be too hard

When to Call the Vet

While teething is normal, contact your veterinarian if you notice:

Excessive bleeding from the gums
A baby tooth that hasn’t fallen out by 8 months
Signs of infection (foul odor, pus, extreme swelling)
Your puppy stops eating for more than a day
Extreme pain or distress.

The Light at the End of the Tunnel

Good news: teething doesn’t last forever! By around 7-8 months, your puppy should have all their adult teeth, and the intense chewing should decrease significantly. Your My Doodle Crush puppy’s intelligence and the early socialization training we provide will make this transition smoother for your family.

Remember, patience and consistency are your best friends during this phase. These puppy teething tips, when applied consistently, will help both you and your furry friend navigate this challenging time. Before you know it, your puppy will have a beautiful set of adult teeth and (hopefully) will have learned what’s okay to chew and what’s off-limits!

Ready to Welcome a My Doodle Crush Puppy?

Have questions about your My Doodle Crush puppy? We’re here for you with lifetime breeder support! Contact us anytime—once you have one of our puppies, you’re part of our extended family. We’ll continue sharing puppy teething tips and support throughout your journey.