Puppy chewing, explained
Chewing is a need, not a crime. Give it a safe outlet and protect your things while your puppy learns.
By Pawfessor Editorial TeamPublished 1 min read
Chewing is how puppies explore, relieve teething pain and calm down. You can’t stop it, and you shouldn’t try. Instead, teach your puppy what’s for chewing and keep everything else out of reach for a while.
Why puppies chew
- Teething: adult teeth push through roughly between 3 and 6 months.
- Exploring: mouths are how puppies learn about things.
- Boredom: a puppy with nothing to do finds something to do.
- Self soothing: chewing is calming, especially when alone.
Frequently asked questions
When do puppies stop chewing so much?
Teething usually settles once adult teeth are in, often around 6 months. Many dogs keep enjoying chewing for life, which is fine with the right things to chew.
What can I give a teething puppy?
Soft rubber toys, food-stuffed toys, chews that bend under your thumbnail and frozen wet cloths under supervision. Avoid cooked bones and very hard chews.
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