Teething is a natural process for puppies, just like it is for human babies. It happens as their baby teeth (also called deciduous or milk teeth) fall out and their permanent adult teeth come in. Here's a breakdown of puppy teething:

The Teething Timeline:

3-8 weeks: This is when most puppies get their first set of sharp baby teeth, a total of 28.
3-5 months: The fun (or not-so-fun) begins! These are the prime teething months, where the incisors (front teeth) and canines (fangs) start pushing through the gums, causing discomfort.
4-6 months: The premolars (chewing teeth) join the party.
5-7 months: The last to erupt are the molars. By this point, most puppies will have all their adult teeth (42 in total) and have lost all their baby teeth. You might find some lost teeth around the house, but it's also common for puppies to swallow them harmlessly.

Signs of Teething:

Excessive Chewing: This is the most obvious sign. Chewing helps relieve soreness and pressure in the gums.
Drooling: More drool than usual is normal during teething.
Red and Inflamed Gums: The gums may be red and swollen, especially around erupting teeth.
Minor Bleeding: A small amount of blood on chew toys is normal.
Decreased Appetite: Some puppies may eat less due to discomfort.

Soothing the Soreness:

Here are some ways to help your puppy through teething:

Provide Safe Chew Toys: Offer a variety of chew toys in different textures and materials to satisfy your pup's chewing needs.
Teething Rings: Teething rings made of rubber or nylon can be helpful for soothing sore gums. Consider chilling them in the refrigerator for an extra cooling effect.
Frozen Treats: Stuff a Kong toy with frozen yogurt (dog-safe ingredients only!) or broth for a delicious and distracting chew toy.

Remember:

Teething is temporary. By around 7 months old, your pup should be all done teething.
Be patient and redirect unwanted chewing to appropriate toys.
If you notice excessive bleeding, loss of appetite, or signs of infection in your pup's mouth, consult your veterinarian.

Lesson 3: What to know about teething in Puppies?