Puppy teething can be a trying time for pet parents. Pain caused by teething often leads our adorable companions to chew on things they shouldn't - like your favorite pair of shoes, for example. Here are a few suggestions from our Oceanside vets on how you can help relieve your puppy's pain and get you both through this difficult stage.
Why is my puppy biting me and chewing on everything?
Puppy teething can seem like a very long process if your fur baby is chewing on everything they can wrap their jaws around. But it's important to try and stay calm and remember that your pup isn't trying to be naughty, they are trying to relieve the pain and discomfort they are feeling. It just so happens that chewing on your new sofa may be the perfect thing to make your pup's mouth feel better.
When do puppies start teething?
Breeds vary somewhat but puppies typically get their first set of teeth when they are about five or six weeks old. 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 do puppies teethe?
By the time your pooch is six or seven months old, they should have all 42 of their adult teeth and teething should be a thing of the past.
That said, those four to five months of intense teething can be a real struggle for many pet parents. As 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 what can you do to help relieve your furry friend's discomfort and protect your valuable belongings? Here are a few suggestions from our veterinary team at Surfside Animal Hospital.
What can I do to help us both get through puppy teething?
Store Some Puppy Friendly Teething Toys in the Freezer
Much like teething babies, puppies often find that chewing cold or frozen items help to relieve teething pain. 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.
Offer Your Pup Extra Durable Chew Toys
Specific puppy teething bones 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 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 you choose.
Healthy Frozen Foods For Puppies to Chew
Many puppies enjoy tasty treats such as frozen bagels, frozen carrots or other healthy veggies. If you are planning to offer your pup a frozen food, always speak to your vet first to ensure it's a good option for your pup.
My puppy keeps biting me, what should I do?
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 young pup 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 for some quiet time.
Maintaining Your Dog's Adult Teeth
It cannot be stressed enough how important it is to maintain your dog's oral health, especially once their adult teeth come in. Regular dental exams should be scheduled along with their annual checkups to ensure everything in their mouth is in tiptop shape.
Additionally, the best way to avoid painful (and expensive) trips to the doggie dentist is to brush your pet's teeth at home, ideally once a day. If you are able to build this habit while your pet is still young, it will be easier when they are older.
Not only does brushing your dog's teeth remove harmful plaque buildup and keep their mouths clean, but it allows you the chance to monitor for any dental conditions such as bad breath, swollen gums, or even bleeding.
Brushing your Dog's Teeth at Home
When you go to brush your dog's teeth, make sure they are in a calm state. If this is your first time brushing your pet's teeth you probably won't be able to give them a full brushing session. The first several times you try brushing your pet's teeth start by massaging their gums and teeth in small circular motions to get them used to the feeling of being touched in their mouths and work your way up to a minute. Then you can introduce the toothpaste. There is special toothpaste made specifically for dogs that come in flavors they will love such as chicken or beef. Start by letting them lick a bit of the toothpaste off of your finger rewarding them with treats and pets in between sessions.
The Importance of Veterinary Dentistry
Just as you see your dentist, pets also require professional dental care. At-home brushing and dental care can't replace professional dental exams and cleanings at your veterinarian's office. You should bring your dog to see their vet for a dental exam and cleaning at least once a year. Veterinarian dentists are highly trained and qualified to get your pet's mouth as clean as possible as well as to identify any arising dental conditions early such as plaque build-up or periodontal disease. When these serious dental conditions are caught in their earliest stages they are easier and more affordable to treat. In every dental cleaning, your vet will also apply a dental sealant that will help prevent plaque from attaching to your pet's tooth enamel.
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.
