It can be a difficult time watching your puppy struggle through the teething process. In this post, our Carrollton vets share some tips to help relieve your puppy's tooth discomfort and make the teething process as easy as possible.
Puppy Teething
When your puppy chews on everything they can find, the teething process can take a long time. It is important to remember that they are not intentionally destroying your belongings; they are simply attempting to alleviate discomfort and pain as their adult teeth emerge.
Unfortunately for owners, chewing on your shoes, furniture, and other possessions, can be the perfect relief for your puppy's tooth discomfort.
When do puppies start teething?
Puppies typically get their first set of teeth at about 5 - 6 weeks of age, although this can vary depending on your dog's breed. At around 16 weeks old, your pup will begin to lose their needle-sharp baby teeth and their adult teeth will begin to erupt.
By the time your pooch is about 6 - 7 months old, they should have all 42 of their adult teeth, and this time should be the end of your pup's teething.
That said, those 4 - 5 months of intense teething can be a difficult time for many dog parents. Puppies looking to relieve the pain will often chew on almost anything they can find, and because of their small stature, that can often mean chewing on furniture legs, expensive footwear, or even your feet or fingers.
So, how can you help relieve your puppy's discomfort and protect your belongings? Here are a few tips and tricks from our veterinary team at .
Teething Puppy Help & Advice
Below, we'll discuss how you can help your puppy with teething pain.
Edible Teething Sticks for Puppies
There are numerous reputable dog food brands that provide edible puppy teething treats and bones to help alleviate your puppy's teething discomfort. Your veterinarian may recommend one specifically for your puppy, or you can visit your local pet store and select from a variety of flavors and sizes. Make sure to choose a treat or bone that is the appropriate size for your puppy.
Store Teething Toys in the Freezer
Much like teething human babies, puppies can often find relief in chewing on cold or frozen items. While there is a range of teething-specific toys available from most pet stores, almost any dog toy can be frozen and offer a soothing sensation. Kongs, rubber bones, and dog-specific soft toys are all great choices.
Offer Your Pup Extra Durable Chew Toys
Nylabone, for example, makes puppy teething bones in sizes suitable for small, medium, and large breeds. They can also be flavored to entice your puppy away from your valuables and toward a tasty, chewy treat. This encourages healthy chewing habits while also relieving pain.
Frozen Foods for Puppies to Chew
Many puppies enjoy tasty treats such as frozen bagels, carrots, or other healthy veggies. If you are planning to offer your pup frozen human food, speak to your vet to confirm it is a healthy option.
Preventing Your Puppy From Biting
Nipping and biting are naturally how puppies play. However, if your young pup is nipping and biting at you, it's important to curb this behavior before it gets out of hand and becomes part of their everyday behavior.
When one puppy bites another too hard, the injured pup lets out a loud yelp. When your pet digs their teeth into you, mimic the yelp of a hurt puppy as an effective way to stop this behavior. A loud 'OW' in a high-pitched voice will startle your puppy and cause them to back off. When your puppy comes to a halt and backs off, give them a treat to reward their good behavior.
If this approach doesn't reduce your puppy's biting or even makes them act more aggressively, quietly stop playing with your puppy and walk away or gently put your pup in their crate for some quiet time. Once they realize they are no longer playing and have had time to relax, they should begin to bite and nip at you less and less.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. Please make an appointment with your vet for an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition.