Care For Your Teething Puppy With These 4 Tips
Bringing home a new puppy is a joyous occasion filled with fun and excitement. However, along with the joy, there are also challenges to navigate—one of which is teething. Teething in puppies is similar to the process in human babies and can cause discomfort and behavioral changes. Here’s what you need to know about helping your teething puppy through this phase.
When Do Puppies Start Teething?
Puppies are born without teeth, but their baby teeth, also known as deciduous teeth, begin to appear at around 3 weeks old. By the time they are 8 weeks old, puppies typically have a full set of 28 baby teeth. These baby teeth will begin to fall out between 4-7 months of age, making way for 42 adult teeth. The teething process starts when the adult teeth begin to put pressure on the roots of the baby teeth, which can be quite uncomfortable for your puppy.
4 Tips for Helping a Teething Puppy
1. Puppy-Proof Your Home
Just like baby-proofing, puppy-proofing is essential to keep your little furball safe and to protect your belongings. Teething puppies will chew on almost anything to alleviate the discomfort, so it’s important to create a safe environment for them.
Steps to Puppy-Proof Your Home:
Remove Dangerous Items: Ensure that medications, cleaning supplies, batteries, and foods that are toxic to dogs are kept out of reach.
Secure Electric Cords: Move or cover electrical cords to prevent chewing.
Block Off Restricted Areas: Use baby gates to keep your puppy away from stairs and other off-limits areas.
Provide a Safe Space: Set up a crate with soft bedding, a water bowl, and enough room for your puppy to sit, lie down, stand, and turn around.
2. Buy Puppy Teething Toys
Teething toys are a lifesaver for both puppies and their owners. They provide a safe and appropriate outlet for chewing and help soothe sore gums. Make sure to have a variety of toys available and rotate them to keep your puppy engaged.
Recommended Puppy Teething Toys:
Rubber Toys: Durable and safe, rubber toys can withstand the strong jaws of a teething puppy. They are also easy to clean.
Soft Toys: Provide comfort and are gentle on sore gums, but be sure to supervise playtime to prevent ingestion of any pieces.
Avoid Hard Toys: Hard toys and bones can lead to broken teeth. Ensure the toys you choose can be indented with your fingernail.
3. Try Frozen Goodies
Frozen treats and toys can be particularly soothing for a teething puppy’s gums. The cold helps numb the pain and provides a fun activity.
Ideas for Frozen Goodies:
Frozen KONG Toys: Fill a KONG toy with puppy food mixed with water or a little bit of peanut butter and freeze it. This not only soothes the gums but also keeps your puppy occupied.
Frozen Fruits and Vegetables: Offer chilled or frozen green beans, blueberries, seedless watermelon, or carrots as a treat. These are safe for dogs and help ease teething discomfort.
Avoid Ice Cubes: While ice cubes may seem like a good idea, they can be too hard on your puppy’s teeth and are not recommended.
4. Practice Soft-Mouth Training
Teething puppies tend to be mouthy, often using their mouths to explore and play. It's important to teach them what is acceptable to chew on and what isn’t.
Tips for Soft-Mouth Training:
Redirect to Toys: If your puppy starts mouthing your hands or clothing, immediately offer a chew toy or another appropriate item.
Ignore Unwanted Behavior: If redirecting doesn’t work, calmly separate yourself from the puppy and avoid eye contact. This teaches them that mouthing results in loss of attention.
Positive Reinforcement: Reward your puppy with treats, praise, and attention when they chew on the right things. This method is effective because it builds a bond based on trust rather than fear.
Real-World Example
Consider a family that recently brought home a Golden Retriever puppy named Bailey. As Bailey begins to teethe, he becomes interested in chewing everything in sight, from furniture legs to shoes. By following the above tips, Bailey’s family can manage his teething phase effectively:
They puppy-proof their home, ensuring that all hazardous items are out of reach and electrical cords are secured.
They provide Bailey with a variety of teething toys, including a mix of rubber and soft toys. They also rotate these toys regularly to keep him interested.
They offer Bailey frozen KONG toys filled with puppy-safe fillings and chilled vegetables like carrots to soothe his gums.
They practice soft-mouth training by redirecting Bailey to his toys when he starts mouthing their hands and rewarding him with treats and praise for chewing on appropriate items.
By being proactive and patient, Bailey’s family can help him navigate his teething phase with minimal stress and discomfort.
FAQs
Q: How long does the teething process last in puppies?
A: Teething in puppies typically begins around 4 months and can last until they are about 7 months old, when all their adult teeth have fully erupted.
Q: Can I give my puppy pain relief medication for teething?
A: It’s best to consult with your veterinarian before giving any medication to your puppy. They can recommend safe options if necessary.
Q: What should I do if my puppy swallows a piece of a toy?
A: If your puppy swallows a piece of a toy, contact your veterinarian immediately. They can assess the situation and provide guidance on the next steps.
Q: Are there any signs that my puppy’s teething is causing more serious issues?
A: If your puppy is excessively drooling, has swollen or bleeding gums, is refusing to eat, or appears to be in significant pain, consult your veterinarian.
Conclusion
Teething can be a challenging phase for both puppies and their owners, but with the right strategies, you can help your puppy through it. Puppy-proof your home, provide appropriate teething toys, offer soothing frozen treats, and practice soft-mouth training to ensure your puppy is comfortable and well-behaved. Remember, patience and consistency are key. For more tips and advice on caring for your teething puppy, visit K9Reproduction.com.
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