Teething can be a stressful time for both puppies and their owners. Our San Diego veterinarians offer tips to help your puppy feel better during this phase.
Puppy Teething
Similar to human babies, puppies go through a teething phase where they bite and chew on objects to alleviate discomfort and pain. This can be challenging as you try to ease their pain while safeguarding your furniture. However, you can take a few actions to assist them during this period.
When do puppies start teething?
The timeline for the teeth growth of puppies varies depending on their breed. Normally, puppies get their first set of teeth at the age of 5-6 weeks. After this, at approximately 16 weeks old, they start losing their baby teeth, and their adult teeth will begin to appear.
How long do puppies teethe?
Once your dog reaches 6 to 7 months old, they should have all their adult teeth, and the teething phase should be completed. However, during the 4 to 5 months of intense teething, many pet owners find managing their puppies' discomfort challenging.
To alleviate this, puppies often chew on various objects, including furniture legs, expensive shoes, and even your fingers or toes due to their small size.
Our veterinary team at San Diego Bay Animal Hospital suggests a few ways to help your furry friend find relief while ensuring your valuable belongings are safe.
How can I help my teething puppy?
Store Some Puppy Friendly Teething Toys in the Freezer
Like teething babies, puppies also go through a teething phase, which can cause them pain. Chewing on cold or frozen items can help relieve this discomfort. While there are pet store toys specifically designed for teething, almost any dog toy can be frozen and used to soothe your puppy. Kongs, rubber bones, and soft toys made especially for dogs are all great options.
Offer Your Pup Extra Durable Chew Toys
Puppy teething bones from brands like Nylabone are designed in sizes suitable for small, medium, and large breeds. These bones also come in different flavors, enticing your puppy to chew on their designated toy rather than other household items. This promotes positive chewing habits and provides relief from teething discomfort simultaneously.
Edible Teething Sticks for Puppies
There is a range of reputable edible puppy teething treats and bones on the market that can help relieve your fur baby's mouth pain. Talk to your vet about which brand they'd recommend, or pop into your local pet store. Be sure to choose the right size for your pup so they will benefit most from the teething treat you choose.
Healthy Frozen Foods For Puppies to Chew
Try freezing dog-friendly foods such as small pieces of carrots, blueberries, or apples. Your dog also might enjoy chewing on an ice cube. If you are planning to offer your pup frozen treats, always speak to your vet first to ensure it's a good option for your dog.
My puppy keeps biting me. What should I do?
When puppies play, nipping and biting are natural behaviors. However, if one puppy bites another too hard, the injured pup will let out a high-pitched yelp.
If your young puppy is nipping and biting at you, addressing this behavior early on is important. One effective method is to imitate the yelp of a hurt puppy when your little companion bites you. Letting out a loud "OW" in a high-pitched tone startles your puppy and makes them back off. Once your puppy stops and retreats, be sure to reward their good behavior.
However, if this approach leads to more aggressive nipping, it's best to stop playing with your puppy quietly and either walk away or gently place them 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.