The puppy stage is one of the absolute best parts of owning a dog. But it can also be one of the worst! Just a few examples of the things we have to deal with include cleaning up pee, your puppy crying when you’re trying to work on kennel training, and, worst of all, teething!
Those adorable fluffy little monsters have some seriously sharp teeth! And they seem to want to get all the chewing and biting practice that they can. They’ll chew on or bite everything from the furniture, and the pillows, to even your arm or the cat’s tail.
We understand that huskies are unique and require special care, so we’ve created this one-stop shop to help you find the must-have items for your furry friend.
- Grooming Tools
- Dog Food, Treats & Supplements
- Toys & Enrichment
- Training Aids
- Comfort & Safety
What is the teething process for Huskies?
After about the first month of bringing a husky puppy home, or at the three-month mark, husky puppies begin to experience something we commonly refer to as teething. Teething is the process where puppies will start to lose their baby teeth, which are then replaced by their adult teeth.
Puppies are born without teeth, and their baby teeth start to emerge when they are around 3-5 weeks of age. These baby teeth, also known as deciduous teeth or milk teeth, are replaced by adult teeth during the teething process.
When do Huskies start teething?
Husky puppies will start teething around 3 to 5 weeks of age.
Husky teeth and when they come through
Incisors: These are the small, sharp teeth at the front of the mouth, used for biting and tearing food. Husky puppies will have 12 adult incisors (6 upper, 6 lower) come through at 2 to 5 months of age.
Canines: These are the long, pointed teeth on either side of the incisors, used for gripping and tearing food. Husky puppies will have 4 canines come through (2 upper, 2 lower) at 5 to 6 months of age.
Premolars: These are the teeth behind the canines, used for grinding and chewing food. Husky puppies will have 16 premolars come through (8 upper, 8 lower) at 4 to 6 months of age.
Molars: These are the large, flat teeth at the back of the mouth, used for grinding and chewing food. Husky puppies will have 10 molars come through (4 lower, 6 upper) at 4 to 7 months of age.
What will you notice when your Husky’s teething starts?
When puppies begin the teething process, you may notice several signs and symptoms including:
Chewing on objects: Puppies may start chewing on objects (and you) more frequently, as chewing can help relieve the discomfort and pressure caused by emerging teeth.
Drooling: Puppies may drool more than usual during the teething process, as the increased production of saliva is believed to possibly help soothe their gums.
Red or swollen gums: The gums of teething puppies may appear red or swollen, and they will usually look painful as the new teeth are pushing through the gums.
Loss of appetite: Puppies may lose their appetite or refuse to eat during the teething process, as the discomfort in their mouth can make it difficult to eat.
Irritability: Puppies may become more irritable or fussy during the teething process. No one likes a toothache, so it’s easy to understand why puppies might get a little cranky!
Color changes: The hormones released during this growth phase can change your husky’s coat color and eye color.
How long does teething last?
The puppy teething process typically lasts for several months, from around 2 to 7 months of age. During this time, puppies will start to lose their baby teeth and will develop their adult teeth. Their adult teeth are usually developed by 8 months of age.
When do Huskies stop teething?
Huskies stop teething around 2 to 7 months.
How to help a husky puppy through the teething process
Give them a chew toy
One of the best things you can do is to make sure your puppy always has access to appropriate chew toys. Chewing can help relieve the discomfort and pressure caused by emerging teeth. Rubber or nylon bones, especially those with different textures, are great for puppies to chew on as they are able to, in a way, massage their sore gums on the toys.
Similarly, you can take some of those same toys and throw them in the freezer for a few hours or overnight. After they are frozen, toss your husky puppy a frozen toy or two. The cold from the toy will help calm and soothe their irritated gums.
Chew toys can also help your Husky develop their chewing muscles and the muscles that help support healthy husky ears!
Before investing in new chew toys, read my guide about the best toys for huskies.
Give them a cold washcloth to chew on
Additionally, try putting a damp washcloth in the freezer for a while. Chewing on a cold washcloth will help soothe their gums, too! But do remember to keep a close eye on your puppy as the fibers from the washcloth, if they come undone, can become a choking hazard for your puppy.
Give them a rope toy to chew on
Rope toys can also be a good chew toy for your puppy, but only when you are able to be there to supervise. By chewing the rope, their teeth sink in between the braids, and the pup can apply pressure to their gums, which can be soothing.
However, rope toys can easily come unbraided and lose loose fibers, which can be a choking hazard or cause other GI problems if swallowed.
Give them a chew treat
Various chew treats, like puppy dental treats, are made of soft material that is easy to chew. Jerky treats or treats made of dry meat can also be good chew treats, too, since they can help massage the gums.
Create ice cube treats
Another option is to fill up an ice cube tray with water and place a dog treat or dog biscuit in the ice cube mold. Some puppies may be interested in ice cubes alone, but for those that aren’t as interested, adding a treat to the ice cube can provide some needed motivation.
What not to do when your Husky is teething
Don’t scold or punish your Husky puppy for teething or biting because of teething. It is a perfectly natural behavior for puppies. A simple ‘no’ and providing redirection to a more appropriate chewing activity will suffice.
Don’t encourage play biting by roughhousing with your puppy. Even if it doesn’t hurt that bad, doing so only rewards an unwanted biting behavior and can often become a habit that is hard to break.
Further reading:
Final takeaways about teething Huskies
The teething process is a natural and necessary part of husky puppy development, and it is important to provide puppies with the support they need during this time.
The teething process can undoubtedly be uncomfortable for puppies, and they may chew on objects more frequently, drool more than usual, and become irritable, fussy, or even cranky. And, of course, you can be sure your husky puppy will tell you all about it!
How long has your Husky puppy’s teething lasted?
Share your experience in the comments below.
