Is Your Puppy or Kitten in Pain from Teething?
If your puppy is chewing everything in sight — furniture, shoes, your hands — or your kitten is drooling more than usual and acting irritable, they're likely teething. Just like human babies, puppies and kittens go through a teething phase where baby teeth fall out and adult teeth come in.
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), teething typically causes mild to moderate discomfort, but some pups and kittens experience significant pain. The good news: there are safe, effective ways to relieve teething pain at home without medication.
When Do Puppies and Kittens Teeth?
| Species | Baby Teeth Erupt | Baby Teeth Fall Out | Adult Teeth In |
|---|---|---|---|
| Puppies | 3-6 weeks | 12-20 weeks | 6-7 months |
| Kittens | 2-4 weeks | 11-16 weeks | 5-6 months |
During these windows, your pet's gums are inflamed, tender, and sometimes even bleeding slightly where new teeth are pushing through.
Signs of Teething Pain in Puppies
- Excessive chewing on furniture, shoes, or other objects
- Drooling more than usual
- Decreased appetite or eating more slowly
- Whining or crying, especially when eating
- Irritability or restlessness
- Blood spots on chew toys (normal in small amounts)
- Red, swollen gums visible when you lift the lip
- Pawing at the face or mouth
Signs of Teething Pain in Kittens
- Chewing on fingers, cords, or fabric
- Drooling or chin wetness
- Playing more roughly than usual
- Bad breath (kitten halitosis)
- Choosing wet food over dry kibble
- Gums that look red or feel warm to the touch
- More vocal than usual
- Reluctance to be touched on the face or head
Safe Teething Pain Relief for Puppies
1. Chilled (Not Frozen) Chew Toys
Cold numbs the gums and reduces inflammation. Use rubber or silicone toys that have been in the refrigerator for 30-60 minutes. Never freeze solid toys — they can damage a puppy's developing teeth and gums.
2. Wet Washcloth (Frozen Briefly)
Wet a clean washcloth, twist it into a rope shape, and place it in the freezer for 15-20 minutes. The cold fabric soothes gums while the texture provides gentle massage. Supervise your puppy to make sure they don't swallow any fabric pieces.
3. Teething Rings and Puppy-Safe Chews
Look for puppy-specific teething rings made of soft rubber. Avoid hard nylon bones, antlers, and hooves — these are too hard for developing teeth and can cause fractures.
4. Gentle Gum Massage
Using a clean finger or RunyePet Dental Finger Wipes, gently rub your puppy's gums in a circular motion for 30-60 seconds. This increases blood flow and provides counter-pressure that relieves discomfort. It also starts the habit of oral care early — puppies who accept finger wipes grow into dogs who tolerate dental cleaning easily.
5. Dental Wipes for Gum Care
The RunyePet Dental Finger Wipes are gentle enough for teething puppies. Their soft, textured material helps soothe sore gums while introducing your pup to regular dental care. Start with one quick pass over the gums daily and gradually increase as your puppy gets comfortable.
Safe Teething Pain Relief for Kittens
1. Soft, Chilled Teething Toys
Kittens have smaller mouths than puppies, so use appropriately-sized toys. Kitten-specific catnip toys chilled in the refrigerator for 20 minutes can provide soothing relief. Avoid toys with loose parts that could be swallowed.
2. Frozen (Unflavored) Gelatin Treats
Mix unflavored gelatin with water (according to package directions), pour into ice cube trays, and chill until set. The cold, soft cubes are gentle on kitten gums and safe to eat. Do NOT use sugar-free gelatin, which contains xylitol — toxic to cats.
3. Soft Food During Teething
If your kitten is avoiding dry kibble, temporarily switch to wet food or moisten their regular food with warm water. This reduces the pressure on sore gums while ensuring they get adequate nutrition.
4. Gentle Gum Massage
Kittens respond well to gentle handling. Using a RunyePet Dental Finger Wipes (the extra-small surface is ideal for tiny mouths), gently stroke your kitten's gums once daily. This both soothes discomfort and establishes positive associations with mouth handling.
What NOT to Give a Teething Puppy or Kitten
- Ice cubes — too hard; can fracture developing teeth
- Hard bones or antlers — can break teeth and damage gums
- Human pain relievers — acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil), and aspirin are TOXIC to pets
- Numbing gels for humans — benzocaine-based gels can cause methemoglobinemia in pets and should never be used
- Bully sticks for puppies under 4 months — too hard for first baby teeth
- Rawhide chews — choking hazard and difficult to digest for young animals
Establishing Good Dental Habits During Teething
The teething phase is the perfect time to start your pet's dental care routine. According to behaviorists, animals are most accepting of new handling during their socialization window (8-16 weeks for puppies, 2-7 weeks for kittens).
Tips for introducing dental care:
- Start slowly — just let them sniff the finger wipe first
- Use positive reinforcement — give treats and praise after each session
- Keep sessions short — 30-60 seconds is plenty for young pets
- Be consistent — same time each day builds a routine
- Make it fun — use a happy, excited tone of voice
The RunyePet Dental Finger Wipes are ideal for starting this habit — they're softer than a toothbrush, pre-moistened with gentle ingredients, and shaped for your finger so you have maximum control and sensitivity.
FAQ
When should I take my teething puppy or kitten to the vet?
See your vet if: your pet stops eating entirely, has significant bleeding from the gums, develops a fever, has a foul odor from the mouth, or if baby teeth don't fall out when adult teeth come in (retained deciduous teeth can cause misalignment and dental disease).
Is it normal for puppies to lose appetite during teething?
Yes, a mild decrease in appetite is normal. If your puppy skips a meal or eats more slowly, try softening their kibble with warm water. If they refuse food for more than 24 hours, consult your vet.
Can I give my teething kitten ice cubes?
No. Ice cubes are too hard and can chip or fracture a kitten's developing teeth. Use chilled (refrigerated, not frozen) toys instead.
Do all puppies and kittens go through a chewing phase?
Most do. Chewing is a natural behavior that helps relieve teething discomfort. Providing appropriate chew toys re-directs this behavior away from your furniture and shoes.
Can I brush my teething puppy's teeth?
Yes, but use a softer approach than you would with an adult dog. Dental finger wipes are gentler than a toothbrush during the teething phase. Switch to a soft-bristle puppy toothbrush once adult teeth have fully come in (around 6-7 months).
How can I tell the difference between teething pain and something more serious?
Teething pain causes mild discomfort but shouldn't cause complete refusal to eat, lethargy, fever, or significant bleeding. If your pet exhibits any of these symptoms, see your vet immediately.
Teething-Proof Your Home
A few simple precautions protect both your pet and your belongings:
- Tuck away electrical cords or use cord protectors
- Keep shoes, clothing, and children's toys off the floor
- Use baby gates to restrict access to rooms with tempting chew targets
- Provide a variety of approved chew toys and rotate them to prevent boredom
- Use bitter apple spray on furniture legs and baseboards (test on a small area first)
Summary
Teething is a normal (and temporary) phase, but it doesn't have to be a painful one for your pet. By providing appropriate cold compresses, gentle massage, and safe chew options, you can significantly reduce your puppy or kitten's discomfort.
Use this time to start good oral health habits that will last a lifetime. The RunyePet Dental Cleaning Kit includes finger wipes and everything you need to transition from teething relief to a full adult dental care routine, while the RunyePet Extra-Large Dental Finger Wipes are perfect for when your growing puppy reaches their adult size.
