Teething can be a challenging period for puppy parents. It causes them pain, and they tend to gnaw on anything to soothe themselves. Our vets from North Providence have some tips to help you guide your puppy through this phase.
Why is my puppy biting me and chewing on everything?
Similar to human babies, puppies tend to bite and chew on objects during their teething phase to alleviate the discomfort they feel in their mouths. Although it can be challenging to safeguard your furniture (and fingers) from these little chompers during this prolonged period, staying composed and remembering that they are merely attempting to alleviate their discomfort is crucial.
When do puppies start teething?
Different breeds may have slight variations, but generally, puppies will start getting their first set of teeth when they are around 5-6 weeks old. Once they reach about 4 months, they will start losing their sharp baby teeth, and their adult teeth will start coming in.
How long does puppy teething last?
Once your puppy is around 6-7 months old, they should have all their adult teeth, and teething should no longer be an issue. However, until then, the veterinarians at North Providence have some advice to help you and your pup cope with this challenging phase.
Store Some Puppy Friendly Teething Toys in the Freezer
Similar to teething infants, puppies can benefit from chewing on cold or frozen items to ease the discomfort of teething. Many pet stores carry teething-specific toys, but almost any dog toy can be frozen to provide relief for your furry friend. Kongs, rubber bones, and soft toys designed for dogs are all excellent choices.
Offer Your Pup Extra Durable Chew Toys
There are special bones for puppies going through teething from brands like Nylabone that come in different sizes for small, medium, and large breeds. These bones are flavored to entice your puppy to chew on them instead of your belongings, helping to establish good chewing habits and alleviate discomfort.
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
Puppies often enjoy frozen treats that are safe for them to eat, in addition to chewing on frozen toys. Frozen apple slices or carrots can be a good choice. However, it is important to consult with your vet before introducing any new "human" food to your furry friend.
My puppy keeps biting me. What should I do?
Nipping and biting are how puppies naturally play. When one puppy bites another too hard, the hurt pup will let out a high-pitched yelp.
If your puppy is nipping and biting at you, it's important to put a stop to this behavior before it gets out of hand. One effective approach for stopping this behavior is to mimic the yelp of a hurt puppy when your little friend digs their teeth into you. A loud little 'ow' in a high-pitched voice should startle your puppy and cause them to back off. When your puppy stops and backs off, be sure to offer a reward 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 from 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.