How to Tell the Difference Between Teething and Problem Chewing

Chewing is normal for dogs. Puppies chew to soothe tender gums. Adult dogs chew to keep teeth clean and jaws strong. The challenge for us is telling normal teething from chewing that signals boredom, anxiety, or a lack of training. This guide explains the difference in plain language and gives a simple plan we can use at home.

What Teething Looks Like

Puppies develop 28 baby teeth. These fall out as 42 adult teeth come in. Most puppies start losing baby teeth around 4 months and complete teething by about 6 to 7 months. During this period chewing increases, sleep can be lighter, and pups look for cool textures that soothe gums.

Typical teething signs

• Red or puffy gums, a little drool, and occasional spots of blood on toys
• Missing baby teeth with new adult teeth pushing through
• Chewing that targets cooler or softer items, especially after play or meals
• Brief fussiness that settles with rest, gentle play, or a chew break

These signs ease once adult teeth settle. Chewing does not stop entirely, but the urgency fades and pups can redirect more easily.

What Problem Chewing Looks Like

Problem chewing is different from teething. It does not fit the 4 to 7 month window and it does not fade on its own. It often appears or continues in older puppies and adult dogs. The pattern is driven by unmet needs, worry, or unclear rules. Common drivers include boredom, separation anxiety, hunger on very strict diets, or pain from dental or gut disease.

We notice that problem chewing has a context. It happens mainly when the dog is alone or stressed. It focuses on door frames, blinds, cables, and items that smell like us. It pairs with pacing, whining, house soiling, or escape attempts. The intensity builds over weeks rather than easing. When we see this pattern, we treat chewing as a behaviour problem that needs a plan and often a chat with a vet.

A Clear 7‑Step Check

Use this quick check before you change routines or buy new gear. It helps us decide if we are seeing teething or a behaviour issue.

1. Check age. Under 7 months points to teething. Over 7 months points to behaviour or medical causes.
2. Look in the mouth. Red gums and missing baby teeth suggest teething. A full adult set without gum change suggests another cause.
3. Note timing. Chewing that occurs soon after meals or play fits teething. Chewing that happens only when alone fits anxiety.
4. Note targets. Soft toys and chilled cloths fit teething. Door frames, cords, and the sofa fit stress or boredom.
5. Score intensity. Short chew bursts that stop after a redirect fit teething. Long frantic sessions point to a behaviour problem.
6. Run a cold test. Offer a frozen rubber toy or a damp cloth from the freezer. If chewing shifts to it and the dog relaxes, teething is likely.
7. Scan for extra signs. Drool and minor gum bleeding fit teething. Howling, pacing, or house soiling fit separation anxiety.

If the picture stays unclear, support both fronts for a week. Give strong teething relief and add more exercise, enrichment, and calm training. Review a short log after 7 days and adjust.

Teething Support That Works

We aim for comfort and calm while adult teeth erupt. Offer soft rubber chew toys that flex. Rotate toys so they feel fresh. Try short supervised sessions with a frozen damp cloth or a chilled puppy safe rubber toy. Keep water available and rest between chew bouts. Avoid very hard items that can fracture teeth. This includes cooked bones, antlers, and rock hard nylon. Gentle mouth handling helps. Touch lips and gums for seconds, then reward calm. This builds confidence for later tooth brushing.

Preventing Destructive Chewing

Dogs chew when needs are not met. A clear routine removes easy chances to fail and gives the dog a path to success. Dog proof rooms by putting shoes, cords, and remote controls away. Close doors to spaces you cannot supervise. Add two exercise blocks each day that match age and breed. Follow activity with rest.

Offer food puzzle toys that make the brain work as well as the body. Rotate chew options every second day so interest stays high. When you catch your dog chewing the wrong item, stay calm. Say a clear cue, swap for a permitted chew, and praise the switch. Apply a taste deterrent to furniture if needed and test on a small area first.

Training That Helps Both Teething and Behaviour

Training reduces stress and builds good habits. Teach a “give” cue by trading a toy for a treat, then giving the toy back. Practise “leave it” with low value items before you try it with tempting ones. Reward calm on a mat by dropping treats between paws during quiet moments. Use daily sniff walks. Sniffing lowers arousal and meets mental needs. Keep training short, upbeat, and frequent.

Food and Chewing

Diet can change chewing. Some dogs on strict diets feel hungry and start to chew bowls, bins, or plastic. If that sounds familiar, split the daily ration into more meals, use puzzle feeders, and review calories with your vet. Food can also support oral comfort. Larger kibble can add crunch. Chilled snacks such as carrot sticks can help some dogs. Keep portions sensible and avoid anything that risks a blockage.

When to See a Vet or Behaviour Expert

A veterinary check is wise if chewing continues past 7 months, if there is strong mouth odour, heavy drool, or obvious pain while eating, or if adult teeth erupt in odd positions. Retained baby teeth can crowd the mouth and need a plan. Cuts, sores, or swelling on gums or lips need care.

A sudden change in an adult dog’s chewing can signal pain, gut upset, or anxiety. For cases linked to separation anxiety, ask your vet about referral to a certified behaviourist who uses reward based methods. Structured plans and, in some cases, medicine can make a major difference.

Vet visit triggers

• Chewing that persists after 7 months or escalates despite training
• Strong mouth odour, drool, or refusal to eat, plus visible oral pain
• Retained baby teeth or adult teeth erupting out of place
• Cuts, ulcers, or swelling of gums or lips
• Sudden change in chewing in an adult dog
  
  

A One Week Action Plan

Here is a simple plan we can put in place today. It suits most households and most dogs. Adjust duration and difficulty to your context.

Day 1. Set up 3 chew stations in rooms you use often. Each station holds 2 safe chew options, a towel for freezing, and a puzzle feeder. Dog proof the lounge, kitchen, and bedroom.

Day 2. Add 2 exercise blocks to the day. One before work or school and one late afternoon. Mix brisk walking with sniff time and short play. Log when chewing spikes and when it settles.

Day 3. Begin 2 short training sessions. Teach give and leave it. End each with a calm settle on a mat. Keep sessions under 5 minutes.

Day 4. Introduce a frozen damp cloth or chilled rubber toy for teething relief. Supervise every session. Remove it when the session ends.

Day 5. Pair alone time with a special chew that appears only when you leave and disappears when you return. Keep alone time short and build gradually.

Day 6. Rotate toys at all stations. Replace any item that shows cracks or loose parts. Refresh taste deterrent on furniture if you use one.

Day 7. Review your log. Note age, timing, targets, and intensity. If chewing fits teething, keep the support plan. If signs point to anxiety or persistent problem chewing, book a vet visit and ask for behaviour support.

What Experts From Australia Are Saying

We rely on guidance from recognised organisations. The Australian Veterinary Association publishes position statements and owner education on behaviour and dental care. RSPCA Australia provides practical pet care advice, including safe toy use and training that rewards the right choices.

HumanePro shares a clear teething fact sheet that covers timelines and safe chewing ideas. The American Kennel Club provides teething timelines and safe toy guidance that apply broadly. For anxiety related cases, we look to diplomates of the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists and equivalent specialists.

FAQs

How long does teething last?

Most puppies begin to lose baby teeth around 4 months and finish teething by about 6 to 7 months. Chewing should ease once adult teeth settle.

Is chewing normal for adult dogs?

Yes. Chewing helps keep teeth clean and jaws strong. It becomes a problem when it is destructive, constant, or linked to stress or lack of stimulation.

What are safe chews for a teething puppy?

Soft rubber toys that flex are best. Add short supervised sessions with a frozen damp cloth or a chilled puppy safe toy. Avoid very hard items that can fracture teeth.

My 9 month old dog still chews furniture. Is that teething?

Unlikely. At 9 months we treat chewing as a behaviour issue. Increase exercise and enrichment, add calm training, and speak with your vet or a behaviourist if it persists.

Should we use a crate?

A crate can help when introduced kindly. Pair it with a special chew, keep sessions short, and never use it as punishment. Confinement protects the home while good habits grow.

Key Takeaways

Teething is time limited and comes with clear mouth signs. Problem chewing is a pattern that links to stress, boredom, or unclear rules. We can support teething with soft, chilled chews and short sessions.

We can prevent destructive chewing with dog proofing, exercise, enrichment, and calm training. If you are unsure, run the 7 step check, keep a short log, and speak with your vet. With steady routines most dogs settle into healthy chewing and a calm home life.

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