What to Do When Your Puppy is Teething?

Teething puppies can be a stressful time for pet parents. Teething pain frequently causes our adorable companions to chew on things they shouldn’t, such as your favorite pair of shoes. But what can we do as pet owners to help ease this process?

A frozen carrot or banana can be soothing for a teething puppy while also providing nutrients. When giving your puppy toys or treats, always keep an eye on them.

Why is Your Puppy Teething? 

Puppies get their first teeth much sooner than human babies, as early as two weeks old. Puppies use their mouths to explore their surroundings as they grow. Puppy teeth begin to fall out when a puppy is about 3 to 4 months old to make room for 42 adult teeth. That’s about ten extra teeth than most people have.

Your dog’s gums will be sore as a result of this procedure. When teething occurs, you may notice the puppy drooling or small spots of blood on his toys; however, if you notice anything unusual, consult your veterinarian, as both symptoms could indicate a more serious problem. Your puppy’s baby teeth should have fallen out by the time he’s six months old.

You may find puppy teeth on the floor, although the puppy is likely to swallow most of the teeth. If you find that some don’t fall out, be sure to tell your veterinarian. They may need to be removed by a veterinary professional.

Doctor Jerry Klein, AKC Chief Veterinarian

Surviving the Puppy Teething

Teething is a painful experience for a puppy. It is your responsibility as a responsible owner to provide something for your dog to chew on to soothe sore gums and make this process a little more comfortable. You will be preventing the puppy from finding something to chew on his own, whether it is your shoes, your couch, or your children’s toys.

The best teething toys for puppies vary according to their size and activity level. Rubber teething toys that can be frozen, such as a Kong, edible puppy teething rings, and flavored puppy chew toys, are among them.

Inquire with your veterinarian about the safest chew toys for your puppy, and remember always to supervise chewing and playtime because nothing is safe for every dog. According to Dr. Klein, allowing puppies and older dogs to chew on anything challenging can cause tooth damage. Check the toys regularly to ensure they are not falling apart. Your puppy should be unable to chew chunks off or pull fiber or stuffing pieces from them. Sticks can also be dangerous, even though many puppies chew on them.

How to Stop Them from Play-Biting You

Puppies naturally nip at each other while playing, and they don’t always realize how hard they can bite without hurting the other dog. If they bite too hard, another dog will yelp, alerting the puppy, Hey, that hurts!

If your puppy bites you, make a loud, high-pitched sound to teach them that biting hurts. Then reward them with a treat or verbal praise for his excellent behavior. If you yell, some puppies will become even more agitated. Turn around quietly, walk away in this case, or gently place the pup in a crate for a few minutes to calm down.

It is now time for them to learn how to moderate a bite’s force, known as bite inhibition. If an adult dog is in pain, it may put its mouth on you or someone else, such as your vet, but the outcome will be harmless if the dog has learned bite inhibition.

After teaching them that biting you hurts:

• Show them what he can bite or chew on.
• Offer them a toy instead if he starts nibbling at your fingers or toes while you’re playing.
• Keep toys in easy reach so you can quickly provide an acceptable alternative when the puppy needs to chew.

If he continues to nip you, stop the game, so he understands that biting is not rewarded. You may also need to channel your puppy’s excess energy through outdoor playtime, a walk, or a training session. Never hit or otherwise physically punish your dog. If your pet appears to be biting out of aggression, rather than play, consult a veterinarian or dog trainer about how to handle the situation.