# Do Puppies Whine When Teething? Pain and Comfort Tips Yes, many puppies whine when teething, and the whining usually comes from gum discomfort as sharp baby teeth push through and later fall out. Some puppies barely seem bothered, while others whine, chew, drool, and act restless for weeks. This article is educational and is not a substitute for veterinary diagnosis or treatment. ## Quick Answer - Teething discomfort is real, and whining is one common way puppies show it, though whining also happens for attention, excitement, anxiety, or pain [1]. - Most puppies get their full set of 28 baby teeth by about 6 to 8 weeks and begin losing them around 12 to 16 weeks, with adult teeth generally in place by 6 to 7 months. - A whining puppy who is eating, playing, and sleeping normally is usually not an emergency, but sudden or frequent vocalizing always deserves a veterinary check to rule out medical causes [1]. - Safe home comfort includes cold (not frozen solid) chew toys, gentle gum massage, and short, supervised chew sessions. - Never give human pain medications, and never use ice cubes that can crack teeth or be swallowed whole. ## What Teething Whining Looks Like and What Is Normal Teething in puppies is a gradual process, not a single event. The baby teeth (deciduous teeth) start coming in when puppies are still nursing, and the permanent teeth begin replacing them at roughly 3 to 4 months of age. By the time a puppy is about 6 months old, most of the adult teeth have erupted. One study of male dogs found that eruption of the permanent canine teeth tracked closely with pubertal maturation and was a strong indicator of a dog's developmental stage [2]. In plain terms, those big adult canines showing up is a normal milestone, not a disease. Normal teething behavior can include: - Chewing on everything, including hands, furniture, shoes, and cords - Drooling more than usual - Mild gum swelling or redness - Reluctance to eat hard kibble for a day or two - Whining, especially in the evening or when bored - Brief yelps when a loose tooth is bumped Puppies use their mouths for play, chewing, and exploring, and their needle-sharp baby teeth make that mouthing noticeable [3]. If your puppy whines while chewing or right after a chew session, gum soreness is a reasonable explanation. If your puppy whines constantly, whines at night, or whines when you touch the mouth or face, that pattern points more toward pain or another medical problem than simple teething [1]. It also helps to know that whining is a normal canine vocalization with several meanings. Dogs commonly whine to seek attention, when excited, when anxious, or when trying to appease someone [1]. A puppy who whines only when you leave the room may be expressing separation distress, not teething pain. If you are sorting out night whining, see [Dog Whining at Night: Anxiety, Pain, or Something Else?](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/anxiety-and-behavior-support/dog-whining-at-night-causes). ## Main Causes of Whining in a Teething-Age Puppy Whining during the teething months can have more than one cause, and often several at once. The table below helps you sort out what you are likely seeing. | Cause | Typical clues | How urgent | |---|---|---| | Teething gum discomfort | Chewing, drooling, whining during or after chewing, loose teeth visible, puppy still eats and plays | Routine, monitor at home | | Attention seeking | Whining starts when you are present, stops when ignored or when given a toy, puppy looks at you or at a desired object [1] | Not urgent, training issue | | Excitement or greeting | Whining during greetings, wiggling, tail wagging, jumping [1] | Not urgent | | Anxiety or stress | Whining when alone, pacing, drooling, destructive behavior, house soiling | See your veterinarian soon | | Pain or medical condition | Sudden onset whining, whining when touched, not eating, lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, swollen face, broken tooth | Same day or emergency, depending on severity [1] | | Mouth injury or foreign object | Pawing at the mouth, drooling, bleeding, refusing food, bad breath | Same day | A puppy who has always been a little vocal and is now whining more during the chewing phase is likely showing teething discomfort. A puppy who was quiet and suddenly whines nonstop is a different story. Sudden changes in vocalization are a reason to call your veterinarian, because dogs often whine in response to pain or a painful condition [1]. Mouthing and nipping also peak during this stage. Puppies spend a great deal of time playing, chewing, and investigating objects with their mouths [3]. That is normal, but it can become a problem if your puppy never learns to control bite pressure. Teaching bite inhibition, which means learning to mouth gently, matters because a dog who has not learned it may bite too hard even in play or when frightened or in pain [3]. For more on this, read [Destructive Chewing in Puppies: Teething Relief vs Separation Anxiety](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/behavior/destructive-chewing-in-puppies-teething-relief-vs-separation-anxiety). ## Red Flags That Mean Call the Vet Now Some signs should never wait. Contact a veterinarian right away if your puppy has any of these: - Swelling of the face, muzzle, or under the eye - Bleeding from the mouth that does not stop with gentle pressure - A broken or fractured tooth with a visible pink or dark center - Refusing all food and water for more than 12 to 24 hours - Vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy along with whining - Whining that is constant, worsening, or triggered by being touched - Difficulty breathing, gagging, or pawing at the mouth - Collapse, tremors, or seizures A puppy who is whining and also vomiting, having diarrhea, or acting dull is not simply teething. Those signs point to a medical problem that needs same-day care. If you suspect your puppy swallowed a foreign object, a piece of a chewed toy, or a toxic substance, call your veterinarian or an animal poison control hotline immediately. ## Safe Ways to Comfort a Teething Puppy at Home You can do a lot to ease gum soreness while you wait for a veterinary visit or simply manage a normal teething phase. ### Chew toys and cold items Offer a variety of textures. Rubber teething toys, rope toys, and sturdy dental chews give your puppy something appropriate to gnaw. Chilling a chew toy in the refrigerator (not the freezer) makes it firmer and soothing without being rock hard. Avoid ice cubes and fully frozen toys, which can chip teeth or be swallowed whole. Dental chews can also support mouth health. One study found that a daily honeycomb-shaped dental chew reduced calculus by about 26.6 percent and reduced plaque, gingivitis, and mouth odor in dogs over 60 days [4]. That is a nice bonus, but a chew is not a substitute for brushing or professional dental care. ### Gentle gum massage Wash your hands, then use a clean finger to gently rub your puppy's gums for a few seconds at a time. Many puppies find this calming. Stop if your puppy pulls away, yelps, or guards the mouth, because that reaction suggests pain instead of simple soreness. ### Supervised chew time Give chews when you can watch. Remove any chew that breaks into pieces small enough to swallow. Rotate toys so your puppy does not get bored and start chewing furniture. If your puppy chews hands, redirect to a toy and reward calm chewing. ### Routine and rest Tired puppies whine more. Keep meals, walks, play, and bedtime consistent. A predictable routine lowers anxiety, and anxiety is one of the most common reasons dogs whine [1]. If your puppy whines mainly in the crate, see [Puppy Crate Training Whining](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/behavior/puppy-crate-training-whining). ### What not to do - Do not give human pain relievers such as ibuprofen, acetaminophen, or aspirin. These can be toxic to dogs. - Do not give any pain medication without a veterinarian's direction. Your veterinarian calculates the dose from your puppy's weight and health. - Do not use frozen hard bones, antlers, or hooves that can fracture puppy teeth. - Do not punish whining. Punishment can increase anxiety and make the vocalizing worse [1]. ## What Your Veterinarian Will Check and Test When you bring in a whining puppy, your veterinarian starts with a full history. They will ask when the whining started, what triggers it, whether your puppy is eating and drinking, and whether there have been any changes in stool, energy, or behavior. The physical exam focuses on the mouth first. Your veterinarian will look for loose teeth, retained baby teeth, broken teeth, gum inflammation, and foreign objects. They will also check the ears, eyes, abdomen, joints, and skin, because pain anywhere can cause whining [1]. Depending on the findings, your veterinarian may recommend: - Dental radiographs (X-rays) to look at tooth roots and unerupted teeth - Blood work to check for infection, organ problems, or other illness - Fecal testing if there is diarrhea - Imaging of the abdomen if a foreign object or blockage is suspected - A pain assessment and, if needed, prescription pain control Pain management in veterinary medicine often uses more than one drug at a time. A study of small-breed dogs after orthopedic surgery found that multimodal analgesia, which combines local anesthetics with other pain medications, gave the fastest and most sustained pain relief, with all patients reaching pain resolution by 48 hours [5]. This matters for teething puppies because it shows that veterinarians treat pain with tailored plans, not one-size-fits-all drugs. If your puppy needs pain control, your veterinarian will choose the protocol and dose based on weight, age, and overall health. Gum inflammation is also worth taking seriously. Gingivitis changes inflammatory markers in a dog's saliva, and it is common in dogs with other health conditions [6]. Keeping your puppy's mouth healthy early can pay off for years. ## Prevention and Monitoring Through the Teething Months You cannot stop teething, but you can make it easier and catch problems early. - Check your puppy's mouth weekly. Look for loose teeth, retained baby teeth, broken teeth, and red gums. - Brush your puppy's teeth with dog-safe toothpaste. Start slow and reward cooperation. - Offer daily appropriate chews. A daily dental chew helped reduce calculus and plaque over 60 days in one study [4]. - Keep chew toys clean and inspect them for damage. - Watch for changes in eating, drinking, and energy. These are early clues that something more than teething is going on. - Schedule a dental check with your veterinarian around 6 months of age, when most adult teeth have erupted [2]. - Continue bite inhibition training. Gentle mouthing now prevents hard biting later [3]. If your puppy grinds their teeth, that can be a sign of dental pain or stomach upset. Read [Why Is My Dog grinding teeth? Bruxism Dental Pain and GI Nausea](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/symptom-guides/why-is-my-dog-grinding-teeth-bruxism-dental-pain-and-gi-nausea) for more detail. If your puppy growls or snaps when you touch their face or body, that can be a pain response. See [Dog Growling When Touched: Pain or Behavior Problem?](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/anxiety-and-behavior-support/dog-growling-when-touched-pain-behavior). ## Limitations and When to Contact a Veterinarian This article cannot tell you whether your specific puppy's whining is from teething, anxiety, or a medical problem. Only a veterinarian who examines your puppy can do that. Individual cases always need professional assessment. Contact your veterinarian the same day if your puppy: - Whines constantly or suddenly started whining more [1] - Refuses food or water - Has a swollen face or jaw - Has a broken tooth or bleeding gums - Seems painful when touched - Has vomiting, diarrhea, or low energy Go to an emergency clinic now if your puppy: - Has trouble breathing - Collapses or has a seizure - Has uncontrolled bleeding - Has a suspected foreign object in the mouth or throat - Swallowed a toy, bone fragment, or toxic substance For a routine visit, book an appointment if the whining has lasted more than a few days, if you see retained baby teeth, or if your puppy is around 6 months old and has not had a dental check [2]. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### Do puppies cry when teething? Yes, some puppies cry or whine when teething, especially when a tooth is loose or gums are sore. Crying that is constant, intense, or paired with not eating is not typical teething and should be checked by a veterinarian [1]. ### Do puppies feel pain when teething? Many puppies seem to feel mild gum discomfort during teething, similar to a dull ache. The level of pain varies a lot between puppies, and severe or persistent pain is not expected from normal teething. ### Do puppies whine for no reason? Puppies rarely whine for truly no reason. Common reasons include attention seeking, excitement, anxiety, appeasement, and pain or medical conditions [1]. If the whining is new or frequent, a veterinary exam is the best first step. ### Do puppies whine a lot when teething? Some puppies whine more during the teething months, particularly when chewing or at night. If the whining is excessive, nonstop, or comes with other signs like drooling, not eating, or lethargy, have your puppy examined [1]. ### Can I give my puppy anything for teething pain? Do not give human pain medications or any drug without veterinary guidance. Your veterinarian can prescribe safe pain control and will calculate the dose from your puppy's weight and health. Cold chew toys and gentle gum massage are safe home options in the meantime. ## Related Articles - [Dog Whining at Night: Anxiety, Pain, or Something Else?](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/anxiety-and-behavior-support/dog-whining-at-night-causes) - [Dog Growling When Touched: Pain or Behavior Problem?](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/anxiety-and-behavior-support/dog-growling-when-touched-pain-behavior) - [Puppy Crate Training Whining](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/behavior/puppy-crate-training-whining) - [Destructive Chewing in Puppies: Teething Relief vs Separation Anxiety](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/behavior/destructive-chewing-in-puppies-teething-relief-vs-separation-anxiety) - [Why Is My Dog grinding teeth? Bruxism Dental Pain and GI Nausea](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/symptom-guides/why-is-my-dog-grinding-teeth-bruxism-dental-pain-and-gi-nausea) - [Is My Dog's Panting a Sign of Pain or Just Anxiety?](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/anxiety-and-behavior-support/dog-panting-pain-or-anxiety) - [How to Help a Teething Puppy With Pain](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/pet-care/help-teething-puppy-pain) - [Do Puppies Lose Teeth? Teething Timeline and What to Expect](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/dental-care/puppy-teething-losing-teeth) - [Signs of Dog Dental Pain and Teething Symptoms](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/dental-care/dog-dental-pain-teething-signs) ## References 1. [Whining](https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/dog-care/common-dog-behavior-issues/whining). ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. 2. [Linking Canine Teeth Eruption, Testicular Histology and Testosterone Levels as Indicators of Pubertal Maturation in Male Dogs](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41847900/). Anatomia, histologia, embryologia, 2026. 3. [Mouthing, Nipping and Biting in Puppies](https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/dog-care/common-dog-behavior-issues/mouthing-nipping-and-biting-puppies). ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. 4. [Effectiveness of a Daily Honeycomb-Shaped Dental Chew in Reducing Calculus, Plaque, Gingivitis and Malodor in Dogs](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38819379/). Journal of veterinary dentistry, 2025. 5. [Multimodal Analgesia Provides Superior Postoperative Pain Control Following Orthopedic Surgery in Small-Breed Dogs](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41897855/). Animals : an open access journal from MDPI, 2026. 6. [Evaluation of the presence of gingivitis as confounding factor in assessing inflammatory status in serum and saliva of dogs with diabetes mellitus](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38521919/). BMC veterinary research, 2024. ## Further Reading - [Merck Veterinary Manual: Dog Owners](https://www.merckvetmanual.com/dog-owners) - [Cornell Richard P. Riney Canine Health Center: Canine Health Information](https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/riney-canine-health-center/canine-health-information) - [American Veterinary Medical Association: Pet Care](https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/petcare)