Puppy teething can be a trying time for pet parents. Pain caused by teething often leads our adorable companions to chew on things they shouldn't - like your favorite pair of shoes for example. Here are a few suggestions from our Oklahoma City vets on how you can help relieve your puppy's pain and get you both through this difficult stage.
Why is my puppy biting me and chewing on everything?
Puppy teething can appear to be a lengthy process if your pet is chewing on anything their jaws can wrap around. But try to stay calm and remember that your pup isn't trying to be mischievous; they're just trying to relieve the pain and discomfort they're experiencing. It just so happens that chewing on the leg of your new sofa may be just what your pup needs to make his mouth feel better.
When do puppies start teething?
Although breeds vary, puppies typically get their first set of teeth between the ages of 5 and 6 weeks. Your puppy's needle-sharp baby teeth will begin to fall out around 16 weeks of age, and adult teeth will appear.
How long does puppy teething last?
So, exactly how long do puppies teethe? By the time your pooch is about 6 - 7 months old, they should have all 42 of their adult teeth and teething should be a thing of the past.
However, for many pet parents, the 4 to 5 months of intense teething can be a real challenge. Puppies seeking pain relief will often chew on almost anything they can find, which, due to their small stature, can often include 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 Putnam North Animal Hospital.
What can I do to help us both get through puppy teething?
Store Some Puppy Friendly Teething Toys in the Freezer
Similar to teething infants, puppies frequently find that chewing on cold or frozen objects eases their discomfort. While many pet stores carry a variety of teething-specific toys, almost any dog toy can be frozen to help your dog feel better. Dog-specific soft toys, rubber bones, and Kongs are all excellent choices.
Offer Your Pup Extra Durable Chew Toys
Brands like Nylabone make puppy teething bones that are designed to fit small, medium, and large breeds and are flavored to tempt puppies away from smelly, boring valuables and toward a tasty chewy treat. This promotes good chewing habits while also relieving pain.
Edible Teething Sticks for Puppies
To ease your pet's mouth discomfort during teething, many reputable dog food companies sell edible treats and bones. One might be specifically suggested by your veterinarian for your small dog, or you could visit your neighborhood pet store and select from a variety of flavors and sizes. To get the most benefit out of the teething treat you select for your dog, make sure to pick the appropriate size.
Healthy Frozen Foods For Puppies to Chew
Many puppies enjoy tasty treats like frozen bagels, frozen carrots, or other nutritious vegetables. If you intend to feed your dog frozen food, consult with your veterinarian first to ensure that it is a good choice for your dog.
My puppy keeps biting me, what should I do?
Nipping and biting is naturally how puppies play. When one puppy bites another too hard the hurt pup will let out a high-pitched yelp.
If your young puppy is nipping and biting at you, put a stop to it before it gets out of hand. When your little friend digs their teeth into you, mimic the yelp of a distressed puppy. A loud 'OW' in a high-pitched voice should startle your puppy and cause them to back off. When your puppy comes to a halt and backs off, reward them for their good behavior.
If this approach leads your puppy to nip at you more aggressively, quietly stop playing with your puppy and walk away or gently put 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.
