It happened. You left the room for two seconds and came back to your favorite shoes being used as a chew toy. But why did your new pup do this? Here, our Bakersfield vets discuss teething in puppies, why they do it and how you can help relieve the pain your puppy may be feeling.
My Puppy is Teething... Help!
We know that watching all of your favorite things get chewed on can be incredibly frustrating. While you should take care to move your things out of their reach, it's important to remember that their mouth is feeling very uncomfortable during this time.
Your new puppy is only chewing on everything to find some relief from the pain they experience as each new tooth comes in.
When do puppies start teething?
While it can vary between breeds, puppies typically get their first set of teeth at about five to six weeks of age. At around 16 weeks old your pup will begin to lose their needle-sharp baby teeth and their adult teeth will begin to appear.
How long does puppy teething last?
You may be asking 'How long do puppies teethe?'. By the time your pup is about six or seven months old, they will have their adult teeth–all 42 of them!
That said, those four to five months are about how long puppies' teeth intensely. Puppies looking to find relief from 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, how can you help your puppy feel more comfortable while they are teething? Read below to learn about some great, natural options for teething pain relief for puppies.
What can I do to relieve my puppy's teething pain?
If you have a teething puppy you will want to know how to help. Here are some natural options for relieving some of the pain they may be feeling:
Keep Teething Toys in the Freezer
Frozen toys can provide your little furbaby with a ton of relief from the pain of teething.
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.
Choose Extra Durable Chews
Many brands have developed chews that are designed for the extra wear that comes along with teething. They also come in flavors that will encourage your puppy away from boring-smelling items and over to chew treats that taste excellent. This encourages both healthy chewing habits and relieving pain at the same time.
Give Them Flavored Teething Sticks
You may want to consider flavored teething sticks that your new puppy can chew away on without worry of damage to household items or your pup's teeth. 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 you choose.
Let Them Chew on Healthy Frozen Snacks
When your puppy is teething (or if you just want to give them a treat) you can provide them with foods like carrots, which are dog-friendly and when frozen make a great pain relief treat.
If you're planning on giving your pup any frozen food, make sure you ask your vet if they think that is a good idea first.
How can I stop my puppy from biting?
Puppies naturally nip and bite as they are playing with other pups. When one puppy bites another too hard the hurt pup will let out a high-pitched yelp.
Unfortunately, you may notice that this behavior carries over to playtime with their favorite humans. One way that you can deter this behavior is by trying to mimic the sound of a hurt puppy when your young companion bites you. This may startle the puppy and cause them to back off. When they do, make sure you reward their response with a treat.
If your puppy still does not stop or if they become more aggressive you should stop playing and walk away, allowing them to have quiet time until they are more relaxed.
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.