For puppy owners, teething can be a challenging time. Our four-legged babies who are teething frequently chew on forbidden objects, such as accessible toes or favorite shoes. Today, our Los Angeles veterinarians offer guidance on how to lessen your puppy's suffering and help him or her get through this trying time.
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's leg may be the perfect thing for making your pup's mouth feel better.
When do puppies start teething?
Despite some breed variations, puppies typically erupt with their first set of teeth between the ages of 5 and 6. Your puppy's deciduous (baby) teeth will start to fall out around the age of 16 weeks, and their adult teeth will start to erupt.
Are there any common dental problems in puppies that I should watch for?
Problems with puppies' first teeth are rare since they don't have them for long. However, some smaller breeds and brachycephalic (short-nosed) breeds, have an increased risk of not losing some of their deciduous teeth. This most often occurs with the upper canine teeth, but it can happen to any of your puppy's teeth.
Retained baby teeth can result in crowding, alignment issues, bite issues, and general discomfort. They may also put your dog at a higher risk for future gum disease and dental issues. When having your pet spayed or neutered, the majority of veterinarians advise having any remaining deciduous teeth removed while they are under general anesthesia.
How long do puppies teethe?
By the time your pooch is about 6 - 7 months old, they should have all 42 of their adult teeth, and teething should be a thing of the past.
However, many pet parents find those 4 to 5 months of intense teething to be a real challenge. Due to their small stature, puppies who are in pain frequently chew on almost anything they can find, including expensive shoes, furniture legs, and 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 Shatto Veterinary Center.
What can I do to help relieve my puppy's teething pain?
Store Some Puppy Friendly Teething Toys in the Freezer
Similar to teething infants, puppies frequently discover that chewing on cold or frozen objects eases their discomfort. While many pet stores carry a variety of teething-specific toys, almost any dog toy can be frozen to help your dog feel better. Dog-specific soft toys, rubber bones, and Kongs are all excellent choices.
Offer Your Pup Extra Durable Chew Toys
Brands like Nylabone make specific puppy teething bones that are sized correctly for small, medium, and large breeds and are flavored to tempt your puppy away from odor-filled valuables and toward a tasty chewy treat, encouraging both healthy chewing habits and pain relief simultaneously.
Edible Teething Sticks for Puppies
To ease the discomfort in your pet's mouth caused by teething, many reputable dog food companies sell edible treats and bones for puppies. Your veterinarian might suggest one, especially for your small dog, or you can visit your neighborhood pet store and select from a variety of flavors and sizes. For your dog to benefit the most from the teething treat you select, make sure to pick the appropriate size.
Healthy Frozen Foods For Puppies to Chew
A lot of puppies enjoy tasty treats like frozen bagels, carrots, or other wholesome vegetables. Always consult your veterinarian before giving your dog frozen food to make sure it's a healthy choice for your dog.
My puppy keeps biting me, what should I do?
Nipping and biting are naturally how puppies play. When one puppy bites another too hard the hurt pup will let out a high-pitched yelp.
It's crucial to stop this behavior before it gets out of control if your young puppy is biting and nipping at you. One method for putting a stop to this behavior is to imitate a hurt puppy's yelp when your little friend bites you. Your puppy should be startled and start to back off by a loud little 'OW' in a high-pitched voice. Offer a reward for good behavior when your puppy stops and moves back.
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.
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.