What are the symptoms of puppy teeth replacement

That adorable new Golden Retriever pup who once snoozed peacefully on your lap is suddenly gnawing on your coffee table leg, whining at 3 AM, and leaving tiny blood spots on their toys. Before you panic, take a breath – this chaotic phase is likely normal puppy teething. Just like human babies, pups lose their needle-sharp baby teeth (28 of them!) starting around 3-4 months, with adult teeth (42!) pushing through those sore gums until about 6-7 months. Understanding the signs helps you support them calmly and avoid mistaking discomfort for "naughty" behavior.

The science behind the chaos is simple: Pressure relieves gum pain. As those adult teeth erupt, they cause inflammation and intense itching, triggering a powerful urge to chew everything. You'll see classic puppy teething signs: excessive drooling (leaving little puddles on your hardwood floor), frantic chewing (targeting furniture legs, shoes, even drywall!), swollen or slightly bleeding gums (check gently), subtle whining or restlessness, decreased appetite for hard kibble, and yes, increased mouthing or nipping during play – those tender gums make bite inhibition harder to control. A mild, metallic smell is normal from minor gum bleeding, but foul breath isn't – that could signal infection needing a vet.

Helping your pup navigate this requires safe chewing outlets and positive redirection, never punishment. Yelling or rubbing their nose in chewed items is ineffective, culturally frowned upon in the US/EU, and damages trust. Instead, arm yourself with frozen chew toys. Soak a clean washcloth in low-sodium broth, twist it, freeze it solid. Offer puppy-safe rubber toys (like Kong Puppy) stuffed with wet food and frozen. The cold numbs sore gums beautifully. When you catch them chewing your antique chair leg in your studio apartment, calmly say "Oops!", offer a frozen toy instead, and praise lavishly when they switch. Keep valuable items out of reach – puppy-proofing is essential in small spaces! For intense nipping during cuddles, immediately yelp "ouch!" (startling but not scary), stand up, and briefly withdraw attention. This mimics how littermates teach bite limits.

Community awareness is crucial during teething. Always carry durable, vet-approved chews (like frozen carrot sticks or special teething rings) on walks. If your pup starts gnawing the leash or tries to mouth a friendly stranger's hand in the park, calmly redirect to their chew. Apologize quickly ("Teething phase – sorry! We're working on it!"). This shows respect and prevents incidents. Ensure their rabies vaccination is current per state law – even teething puppies exploring the world need this legal protection. Always carry multiple poop bags – teething can sometimes cause mild, temporary digestive upset leading to urgent potty breaks. Scooping immediately isn't just polite; cities like Boston enforce $50+ fines for violations. If chewing becomes destructive despite redirection, or if you notice broken baby teeth, extreme lethargy, or refusal to eat for over 24 hours, consult your vet. With patience, the right tools, and respect for your neighbors, you’ll both survive the landshark phase!