Golden Retriever puppies are adorable, playful, and full of energy—but when teething starts, things can get a little challenging. If your puppy is chewing on everything, experiencing discomfort, or even whining, don’t worry—these are normal signs of teething. Golden Retriever Puppy Teething
In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn:
✔️ The complete timeline of puppy teething
✔️ Signs your Golden Retriever is teething
✔️ How to soothe teething pain effectively
✔️ Best chew toys for Golden Retriever puppies
✔️ What to avoid during the teething stage
✔️ Training tips to prevent destructive chewing
By the end of this guide, you’ll have everything you need to help your Golden Retriever through the teething phase smoothly.
📌 Table of Contents
- Golden Retriever Puppy Teething Timeline
- Signs Your Puppy Is Teething
- How to Soothe Your Teething Puppy
- Best Chew Toys for Golden Retriever Puppies
- What NOT to Do During Teething
- Training Tips to Prevent Destructive Chewing
- When to Consult a Vet
- Final Thoughts
🦷 Golden Retriever Puppy Teething Timeline
Golden Retriever puppies go through several teething stages, similar to human babies. Understanding this timeline helps you prepare and provide the right care at each phase.
1️⃣ Birth to 3 Weeks: No Teeth Yet
- Puppies are nursing only at this stage.
- No visible teeth, as they rely entirely on their mother’s milk.
2️⃣ 3 to 6 Weeks: Baby Teeth Emerge
- Puppies start developing 28 baby teeth (also called deciduous teeth).
- They begin chewing on soft objects, like blankets or toys.
- Weaning starts as they transition to solid food.
3️⃣ 6 to 12 Weeks: Weaning & First Chewing Behavior
- All baby teeth are in by 8 weeks.
- Puppies start exploring with their mouth—biting and chewing begin.
- Socialization with littermates teaches bite inhibition (learning not to bite too hard).
4️⃣ 12 to 16 Weeks: Losing Baby Teeth (Teething Begins)
- Baby teeth start falling out as permanent teeth grow.
- Your puppy might drool more, chew excessively, and have swollen gums.
- Possible signs of discomfort include whining, irritability, and refusing food.
5️⃣ 4 to 6 Months: Adult Teeth Growing In
- Canines and molars are replacing baby teeth.
- Your puppy may chew even more aggressively to relieve gum pain.
- A mix of baby and adult teeth might be present.
6️⃣ 6 to 8 Months: Full Set of Adult Teeth
- By 8 months, your Golden Retriever will have 42 permanent teeth.
- Teething discomfort should be over, but chewing habits might continue.
- It’s important to maintain good dental hygiene from this stage onwards.
🐶 Signs Your Puppy Is Teething
Knowing the symptoms of teething helps you recognize when to offer relief.
Common Teething Symptoms:
✅ Excessive chewing on furniture, shoes, or hands
✅ Swollen, red gums
✅ Increased drooling
✅ Whining or irritability
✅ Decreased appetite (due to gum pain)
✅ Occasional bleeding gums (tiny blood spots on chew toys)
✅ Mild bad breath (due to bacteria in the mouth)
👉 Important Note: If you notice severe bleeding, pus, extreme swelling, or refusal to eat for more than a day, consult your vet.
🦴 How to Soothe Your Teething Puppy
Here are effective ways to help your Golden Retriever feel more comfortable during teething:
✅ 1. Provide Frozen Chew Treats
- Freeze carrot sticks, apple slices, or wet washcloths for a soothing effect.
- Cold temperatures numb sore gums and reduce inflammation.
✅ 2. Use Puppy-Safe Teething Toys
- Give durable rubber or silicone chew toys like KONG Puppy Toys.
- Avoid anything too hard that could break teeth.
✅ 3. Offer Ice Cubes or Frozen Broth Cubes
- Let your puppy chew on ice cubes or frozen low-sodium chicken broth for pain relief.
✅ 4. Try Natural Remedies
- Chamomile tea (cooled) can be added to water to reduce inflammation.
- Coconut oil massaged onto gums has antibacterial properties.
✅ 5. Use a Cold Spoon
- A chilled metal spoon gently pressed on the gums can help numb pain.
Best Chew Toys for Golden Retriever Puppies
Golden Retrievers love to chew! These vet-recommended chew toys can prevent destructive chewing:
- 🏆 KONG Puppy Chew Toy – Stuff with peanut butter for extra relief
- 🦴 Nylabone Puppy Chew – Soft enough for young teeth
- 🎾 Benebone Wishbone – Flavored and durable
- 🐕 West Paw Zogoflex – Non-toxic and long-lasting
👉 Avoid rawhide—it can be a choking hazard.
❌ What NOT to Do During Teething
🚫 Do NOT yell or punish your puppy for chewing – They’re not being bad; they’re in pain!
🚫 Avoid bones, antlers, or hooves – Too hard, can break teeth.
🚫 Don’t give old shoes or socks – It confuses them about what’s okay to chew.
🏠 Training Tips to Prevent Destructive Chewing
🐾 Redirect behavior: If your puppy chews on furniture, offer a chew toy instead.
🐾 Use bitter sprays: Apply pet-safe deterrent sprays to furniture.
🐾 Supervise & crate train: Prevent bad chewing habits early on.
🏥 When to Consult a Vet
🚑 If your puppy:
- Still has baby teeth after 6 months (retained teeth)
- Shows severe swelling or bleeding
- Stops eating due to pain
Your vet might need to extract stubborn baby teeth to prevent dental issues.
🎯 Final Thoughts
Teething is a temporary but challenging stage for Golden Retriever puppies. With the right chew toys, cold treats, and training, you can help your puppy through this phase smoothly. Read more on Housebreaking a Golden Retriever Puppy