Summary:
Your Westie isn’t naughty; it is just teething! From sore gums to surprise chewing sprees, this guide helps you spot what’s normal, what’s not, and how to survive the chaos (and save your furniture) with smart, puppy-approved solutions.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Your sweet little Westie was cuddly yesterday, and today, they are chewing your slippers like you owe them money. Your fingers are covered in tiny tooth marks, the sofa leg looks “seasoned,” and you are wondering- is this normal, or is my puppy secretly auditioning to be a tiny dinosaur? Relax, you aren’t the only pet parent who is going through this teething phase of their Westie, because after you get a West Highland terrier for sale near Birmingham, you step into their wild, slightly bitey world of teething.
Wondering what’s normal and what’s not during this phase? Here’s a guide to help you get started!
The Teething Timeline
Westie puppies usually start teething around 3 to 4 weeks, and things peak between 3-6 months when their baby teeth fall out, and adult teeth move in. During this time, their gums feel sore, itchy, and uncomfortable, so they chew to ease the discomfort.
What’s Totally Normal for a Teething Westie?
If your Westie is doing any of the following, congratulations, because you have got a textbook teether:
- Chewing everything that exists (and a few things that don’t)
- Mild gum redness
- Drooling more than usual
- Slightly grumpy moods
- Finding tiny baby teeth on the floor
Here’s a quick table to make this clearer for you:
| Normal Teething Signs | Not-So-Normal Signs |
| Chewing constantly | Bleeding that won’t stop. |
| Mild gum redness | Strong bad breath |
| Drooling | Refusing food for days |
| Occasional fussiness | Swollen face or fever |
When to Call the Vet?
Some things are not part of the cute puppy package. Like if you notice heavy bleeding, bad breath that could knock over furniture, facial swelling, fever, or your Westie refusing to eat for more than a day, don’t Google it at 2 a.m. Call your vet. These could signal infections, retained baby teeth, or gum issues that need professional help.
How to Save Your Sanity (and Your Furniture)
You can’t stop your Westie’s teething, but you can survive it with dignity. Here’s how you can do it:
- Freeze chew toys as the cold numbs sore gums and feels good.
- Rotate toys weekly as old toys become boring, and new toys become an instant obsession.
- Redirect, don’t scold when your Westie bites the sofa, calmly swap in a toy.
- Avoid hard bones because baby teeth are delicate divas
- Praise good chewing behaviour to train your dog emotionally.
Scouring the web for Westies for sale? Find healthy and well-socialised pups only at Douglas Hall Kennels today!
FAQs
Q. When do Westies start teething?
A. Around 3-4 weeks, with peak chewing at 3-6 months.
Q. Is bleeding normal during teething?
A. Light spotting can happen, but heavy or ongoing bleeding isn’t normal.
Q. What’s the best teething toy for Westies?
A. Soft rubber or freezable chew toys work best.
