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 Middlesex vets on how to help your puppy through the difficult teething phase.
Why is my puppy biting me and chewing on everything?
Like human babies, puppies have a natural tendency to bite and chew on objects while teething to alleviate the discomfort in their mouths. Dealing with a teething puppy can be challenging as you constantly try to safeguard your furniture and fingers from their little teeth. However, it's important to stay calm and keep in mind that they are simply trying to soothe themselves.
When do puppies start teething?
Different dog breeds may have slight variations, but on average, puppies usually start getting their first set of teeth around 5 to 6 weeks of age. When they reach about 4 months old, you will notice their sharp baby teeth starting to fall out, making way for the eruption of their adult teeth.
How long does puppy teething last?
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 Middlesex 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
Much like teething babies, puppies often find that chewing cold or frozen items helps to relieve teething pain. While there is a range of teething-specific toys available from most pet stores, almost any dog toy can be frozen to help provide relief for your pup. Kongs, rubber bones, and dog-specific soft toys are all great options.
Offer Your Pup Extra Durable Chew Toys
Certain puppy teething bones, like those made by Nylabone, are designed in sizes suitable for small, medium, and large breeds. These bones are flavored to entice your puppy to chew on a delicious treat instead of your less exciting belongings. By providing these bones, you can encourage healthy chewing habits and provide relief from teething discomfort for your puppy.
Edible Teething Sticks for Puppies
Many reputable dog food brands offer edible puppy teething treats and bones to help relieve your fur baby's mouth pain. Your vet may recommend one specifically for your little dog or you can pop by your local pet store and choose from a range of flavors and sizes. Be sure to choose the right size for your pup so they will gain the most benefit from the teething treat.
Healthy Frozen Foods For Puppies to Chew
Along with chewing on frozen toys, many puppies enjoy frozen treats they can actually eat. Frozen carrots or apple slices are a good option. Be sure to always speak to your vet before introducing new "human" food to your pup.
My puppy keeps biting me, what should I do?
Nipping and biting are natural behaviors for puppies during playtime. When a puppy bites too hard, the other puppy will yelp to indicate pain.
If your puppy is nipping and biting at you, it's important to address this behavior early on. One effective method is to imitate the yelp of a hurt puppy when your puppy bites you. Emitting a loud 'ow' in a high-pitched voice can startle your puppy and make them stop. Once they back off, remember to reward their good behavior.
However, if your puppy becomes more aggressive when you use this approach, calmly discontinue playtime and either walk away or place your puppy 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.