Teething can pose challenges for both you and your pup. Our vets in Meadow Vista offer practical tips to ease your puppy's tooth pain and simplify the teething process.
When Do Puppies Start Teething?
Dealing with puppy teething feels like an endless struggle when your furry friend chews on anything within reach. Understand that they're not being naughty; they're just trying to alleviate discomfort and pain as their adult teeth come in.
Chewing on your shoes, furniture, and belongings is the ideal way for your pup to find relief for their sore mouth.
How Long Do Puppies Teeth?
Breeds may vary, but puppies typically develop their first set of teeth around 5-6 weeks of age. At approximately 16 weeks, your pup starts shedding its needle-sharp baby teeth, making way for the emergence of adult teeth.
By the time your pup reaches 6-7 months, they should boast a full set of 42 adult teeth, concluding the teething process. However, this intense teething phase lasting 4-5 months can challenge many pet parents. Puppies seeking relief from the discomfort often chew on anything within reach, including furniture legs, expensive footwear, or even your fingers and toes due to their small stature.
To alleviate your furry friend's discomfort and safeguard your valuable belongings, consider these suggestions from our veterinary team at Meadow Vista Veterinary Clinic.
Managing Your Puppy's Pain While They're Teething
Edible Teething Sticks for Puppies
Reputable dog food brands provide edible puppy teething treats and bones to alleviate your puppy's mouth pain. Your vet might recommend a specific option for your small dog, or you can visit your local pet store to select from various flavors and sizes. Ensure you choose a treat that is the right size for your puppy to maximize the benefits.
Store Teething Toys in the Freezer
Like teething babies, puppies often discover relief by chewing on cold or frozen items. Most pet stores offer a variety of teething-specific toys, but you can also freeze any dog toy to help alleviate your pup's teething pain. Use Kongs, rubber bones, or dog-specific soft toys for effective relief.
Offer Your Pup Extra Durable Chew Toys
Nylabone offers specially sized teething bones for small, medium, and large breeds. Flavor options are available to entice your puppy away from your valuables and toward a delicious, chewy treat. This promotes healthy chewing habits and provides pain relief simultaneously.
Frozen Foods for Puppies to Chew
Many puppies enjoy tasty treats such as frozen bagels, frozen carrots, or other healthy veggies. If you plan to offer your pup frozen food, always speak to your vet first to ensure it's a good option for your pup.
Preventing Your Puppy From Biting
Puppies naturally engage in play through nipping and biting. If your young pup is biting you too hard, addressing this behavior is crucial. One effective method is to mimic a hurt puppy's high-pitched yelp when your little companion bites you.
Emit a loud 'OW' in a high tone to startle your puppy, prompting them to back off. Immediately reward your puppy when they cease biting to reinforce good behavior.
However, if your puppy becomes more aggressive despite this approach, cease playing quietly and either walk away or place your pup in their crate for some quiet time.
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 to accurately diagnose your pet's condition.
