When your puppy goes through the teething phase, it can stress both you and your furry friend. In this guide, our veterinarians in South Lebanon share practical tips and tricks to ease your puppy's discomfort.
Puppy Teething
Like human babies, puppies bite and chew on things around them when they are teething to alleviate pain and discomfort. So, although it can be a challenging period when you're trying to ease your pup's discomfort and safeguard your sofa legs, there are a few actions you can take to assist them.
When do puppies start teething?
The timeline for your puppy's teeth development varies depending on their breed. Generally, puppies start growing their first set of teeth at around 5 - 6 weeks of age. When they reach approximately 16 weeks old, your pup will start shedding their baby teeth, and their adult teeth will start emerging.
How long do puppies teething last?
By the time your dog is around 6 - 7 months old, they should have all 42 of their adult teeth, and teething should be a thing of the past.
That said, those 4 - 5 months of intense teething can be a real struggle for many pet 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 furniture legs, expensive footwear or even your feet or fingers.
So, what can you do to help relieve your furry friend's discomfort and protect your valuable belongings? Here are a few suggestions from our veterinary team at Little Miami Veterinary Services.
How can I help my teething puppy?
Store Some Puppy Friendly Teething Toys in the Freezer
Similar to how teething babies often discover that chewing cold or frozen objects eases their teething discomfort, puppies also benefit from this practice. Most pet stores offer a variety of toys designed for teething, but almost any regular dog toy can be placed in the freezer to alleviate your pup's teething pain. Consider options like Kongs, rubber bones, and soft dog toys for relief.
Offer Your Pup Extra Durable Chew Toys
Specific puppy teething bones by brands such as Nylabone are sized appropriately for small, medium, and large breeds. They also have flavored options, which can encourage your pup to chew on their toy instead of on other items around your house. This helps create good habits and relieves pain at the same time.
Edible Teething Sticks for Puppies
There is a range of reputable edible puppy teething treats and bones on the market that can help relieve your fur baby's mouth pain. Talk to your vet about which brand they'd recommend, or pop into your local pet store. Be sure to choose the right size for your pup so they will benefit most from the teething treat you choose.
Healthy Frozen Foods For Puppies to Chew
Try freezing dog-friendly foods such as small pieces of carrots, blueberries, or apples. Your dog also might enjoy chewing on an ice cube. If you plan to offer your pup frozen treats, always speak to your vet first to ensure it's a good option for your dog.
My puppy keeps biting me. What should I do?
Puppies naturally engage in play by nipping and biting. When one puppy bites another too hard, the injured pup typically emits a high-pitched yelp.
If your young pup is nipping and biting you, it's essential to address this behavior early on. One effective method for curbing this behavior involves imitating the yelp of a hurt puppy when your little companion bites you. Emitting a loud 'OW' in a high-pitched tone can startle your puppy and prompt them to withdraw. When your puppy ceases biting and steps back, make sure to reward their good behavior.
If using this approach causes your puppy to nip more aggressively, calmly discontinue play and walk away or gently 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. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.