As a puppy parent, teething can be a challenging phase to navigate. The discomfort caused by teething can lead your pup to chew on anything in sight. Our vets from Fort Oglethorpe have shared some tips to help your furry friend through this difficult time.
Why is my puppy biting me and chewing on everything?
Similar to human babies, puppies also tend to bite and chew on objects while teething to alleviate the discomfort in their mouths. Although it may seem like a never-ending process, staying composed is crucial and acknowledging that they are only attempting to soothe themselves is crucial. Protecting your furniture (and fingers) from their sharp teeth is a necessary task during this period.
When do puppies start teething?
Breeds vary somewhat but puppies typically get their first set of teeth at about 5 - 6 weeks of age. Around 4 months of age, your pup will begin to lose their needle-sharp baby teeth and their adult teeth will begin to appear.
How long does puppy teething last?
When your puppy is around 6-7 months old, they should have all their adult teeth and teething should no longer be a concern. However, during this transitional phase, our Fort Oglethorpe veterinarians have some helpful tips to assist you and your pup in managing the challenges of teething.
Store Some Puppy Friendly Teething Toys in the Freezer
Similar to teething babies, puppies frequently alleviate their teething pain by chewing on cold or frozen objects. Although pet stores offer a variety of teething-specific toys, almost any dog toy can be frozen to aid in comforting your pup. Kongs, rubber bones, and soft toys designed for dogs are excellent choices.
Offer Your Pup Extra Durable Chew Toys
Specific puppy teething bones by brands such as Nylabone are sized appropriately for small, medium, and large breeds and come flavored. This helps to encourage your puppy to chew on a tasty treat rather than your boring smelling valuables—instilling healthy chewing habits and relieving pain at the same time.
Edible Teething Sticks for Puppies
If your furry little friend is experiencing mouth pain due to teething, there are various reputable dog food brands that offer edible teething treats and bones to help alleviate their discomfort. Your veterinarian may suggest a specific one for your pup or you can visit a nearby pet store and select from a variety of flavors and sizes. To ensure your pup gains the most benefit from the treat, make sure to choose the appropriate size.
Healthy Frozen Foods For Puppies to Chew
Along with chewing on frozen toys, many puppies enjoy frozen treats they can actually eat. Frozen carrots or apple slices are a good option. Be sure to always speak to your vet before introducing new "human" food to your pup.
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.