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 Fort Worth vets on how you can help relieve your puppy's teething pain and get you both through this difficult stage.
Why is my puppy biting me and chewing on everything?
If your puppy is chewing on anything its jaws can wrap around, teething may seem to be a prolonged process. However, try to maintain your composure and keep in mind that your dog is merely trying to alleviate the pain and discomfort they are feeling. It just so happens that your dog might find relief for his mouth by chewing on the leg of your new sofa.
When do puppies start teething?
Puppy development of the first set of teeth usually occurs between the ages of 5 and 6 weeks, although breeds differ. Your puppy's razor-sharp baby teeth will start to fall out around the age of 16 weeks, and adult teeth will start to erupt.
How long does puppy teething last?
By the time your pooch is about 6 - 7 months old, it should have all 42 of its adult teeth, and teething should be a thing of the past.
The prolonged teething that lasts for 4 to 5 months, though, can be extremely difficult for many pet owners. Due to their small stature, puppies will frequently chew on almost anything they can find in order to relieve their pain. This includes furniture legs, pricey shoes, 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 Harris Parkway Animal Hospital.
What can I do to help us both get through puppy teething?
Here are some tips to make puppy teething more bearable:
Store Some Puppy Friendly Teething Toys in the Freezer
Chewing on cold or frozen items relieves teething pain in puppies, just as it does in babies. While most pet stores sell teething toys, almost any dog toy can be frozen to provide relief for your pup. Soft dog toys, Kongs, and rubber bones are all great options.
Offer Your Pup Extra Durable Chew Toys
Puppies teething bones from brands like Nylabone are sized appropriately for small, medium, and large breeds and come flavored to help encourage your puppy away from boring smelling valuables and over to a tasty chewy treat - encouraging both healthy chewing habits and pain relief at the same time.
Edible Teething Sticks for Puppies
Many reputable dog food companies sell edible puppy teething treats and bones to help relieve 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 right size for your dog to get the most out of the teething treat.
Healthy Frozen Foods For Puppies to Chew
Yummy treats like frozen bagels, carrots, or other nutrient-rich vegetables are favorites of many puppies. If you plan to feed your dog frozen food, check with your vet to make sure it's a healthy option for your dog's diet.
My puppy keeps biting me, what should I do?
Nipping and biting are 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 becomes a problem. When your little friend digs their teeth into you, one effective way to stop them is to mimic a distressed puppy's yelp. A loud, high-pitched 'OW' should startle and frighten your puppy. When your puppy comes to a halt and backs off, give them a treat to show your appreciation.
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.