Dealing with a puppy that bites can be a source of great frustration and pain for new pet owners. If you're struggling with a puppy that's suddenly become aggressive, our team of veterinarians at San Diego is here to offer some helpful solutions to this problem.
Why does my puppy keep biting me?
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 are attempting to alleviate their pain and discomfort. It just so happens that chewing on the leg of your new sofa may be just the thing to make your puppy's mouth feel better.
When do puppies start teething?
Different breeds may differ slightly, but puppies typically develop their first set of teeth around the age of 5-6 weeks. Around 16 weeks of age, your puppy will begin to shed their sharp baby teeth and their adult teeth will begin to grow in.
How long does the biting stage last?
When your dog is 6 to 7 months old, he or she should have all of his or her adult teeth and no longer experience teething. Many pet owners, however, may face difficulties during the 4 to 5 months of teething.
Puppies will often chew on anything they can find to alleviate the pain, which may include furniture legs, expensive footwear, or even your fingers or toes due to their small size.
To relieve your furry friend's discomfort and protect your belongings, here are some suggestions from our veterinary team at San Diego Bay Animal Hospital.
How to Stop a Puppy from Biting
If you're wondering how to train a puppy not to bite, our San Diego vets have a number of tips that could help curb your puppy's naughty behavior.
Store Some Puppy Friendly Teething Toys in the Freezer
Similar to teething babies, puppies often experience discomfort during teething. Chewing on cold or frozen items can help alleviate this pain. While there are teething-specific toys available at pet stores, almost any dog toy can be frozen to provide relief for your pup. Some good options include Kongs, rubber bones, and soft toys specifically made for dogs.
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 relieving pain at the same time.
Edible Teething Sticks for Puppies
Many reputable dog food companies offer edible teething treats and bones for puppies, which can help relieve pain in their mouths. Your veterinarian may recommend a particular treat for your small dog, or you can visit a nearby pet store to choose from a variety of flavors and sizes. It is critical to select the appropriate size of treat for your dog to ensure they get the most benefit from it.
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, always consult with your veterinarian first to ensure it is a good choice for your dog.
Why does my puppy keep biting me?
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 puppy is biting and nipping at you, it is critical to address this behavior before it becomes a bigger problem. When your pet bites you, imitate the yelp of a distressed puppy. A loud 'OW' in a high-pitched tone should startle your puppy and cause them to stop. When your puppy stops biting and backs away, you should 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.