Puppy teething can be a difficult time for parents; the pain caused by teething often leads puppies to chew on anything and everything in an effort to relieve their discomfort. Here are a few tips from our West Salem vets on how to help your puppy through teething.
Why is my puppy biting me and chewing on everything?
Puppies, like human infants, will bite and chew on objects to relieve pain in their mouths while teething. Puppy teething can seem like a long process when you're constantly trying to keep your furniture (and fingers) safe from little chompers. However, it is critical to remain calm and remember that they are only trying to make themselves feel better.
When do puppies start teething?
Despite some breed variations, puppies typically erupt with their first set of teeth between the ages of 5 and 6. Your dog's baby teeth, which are razor-sharp, will start to fall out around the time they are 4 months old, and adult teeth will start to erupt.
How long does puppy teething last?
So, exactly how long do puppies teethe? By the time your puppy reaches 6-7 months of age they should have their full set of adult teeth and teething should be a thing of the past. In the meantime, our West Salem vets offer some puppy teething advice to help you and your pup get through this rough stage:
Store Some Puppy Friendly Teething Toys in the Freezer
Similar to teething infants, puppies frequently discover that chewing on cold or frozen objects eases their discomfort. Most pet stores carry a variety of teething-specific toys, but you can freeze almost any dog toy to help your pup feel better. Dog-specific soft toys, rubber bones, and Kongs are all excellent choices.
Offer Your Pup Extra Durable Chew Toys
Small, medium, and large breeds can all use the flavor-infused, specific puppy teething bones offered by companies like Nylabone. This promotes healthy chewing habits while also relieving pain by getting your puppy to chew on a tasty treat rather than your bland-smelling valuables.
Edible Teething Sticks for Puppies
Many reputable dog food companies sell edible puppy teething treats and bones to alleviate your pet's mouth pain. Your veterinarian may recommend one specifically for your small dog, or you can go to your local pet store and choose from a variety of flavors and sizes. Choose the appropriate size for your dog to benefit the most from the teething treat.
Healthy Frozen Foods For Puppies to Chew
Many puppies enjoy eating frozen treats as well as chewing on frozen toys. Slices of apple or frozen carrots are both suitable options. Always consult your veterinarian before giving your dog new "human" food.
My puppy keeps biting me, what should I do?
Nipping and biting are how puppies naturally play. When one puppy bites another too hard, the hurt pup will let out a high-pitched yelp.
It's critical to stop your puppy's biting and nipping before it gets out of hand. When your little friend bites you, one way to stop this behavior is to imitate a hurt puppy's yelp. With a loud little 'ow' in a high-pitched voice, your puppy should be startled and scared into backing off. Once your puppy has stopped and backed 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.