Puppy teething can be a difficult time for parents; the pain caused by teething often leads puppies to chew on anything and everything in an effort to relieve their discomfort. Here are a few tips from our Stroudsburg vets on how to help your teething puppy through this difficult stage.
Why is my puppy biting me and chewing on everything?
Similar to human infants, teething puppies will bite and chew on objects to alleviate the pain they are experiencing in their mouths. When you are constantly protecting your furniture (and fingers) from your puppy's little chompers, teething can seem like a very long process, but it is important to remain calm and remember that they are only trying to make themselves feel better.
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 puppy's needle-sharp baby teeth will begin to fall out and adult teeth will begin to erupt.
How long does puppy teething last?
By the time your puppy reaches 6 to 7 months of age, he or she should have a full set of adult teeth and should no longer be teething. In the interim, our Stroudsburg veterinarians offer the following teething tips for puppies to help you and your pet get through this trying time:
Store Some Puppy Friendly Teething Toys in the Freezer
Similar to teething infants, puppies frequently find that chewing on cold or frozen objects alleviates their discomfort. While most pet stores carry a variety of teething-specific toys, almost any dog toy can be frozen to provide relief for your pet. The Kong, rubber bones, and dog-specific plush toys are all excellent alternatives.
Offer Your Pup Extra Durable Chew Toys
Specific puppy teething bones by brands such as Nylabone are sized and flavored to accommodate small, medium, and large breeds. This helps to encourage your puppy to chew on a tasty treat as opposed to your valuables, thereby instilling healthy chewing habits and relieving pain.
Edible Teething Sticks for Puppies
Numerous reputable dog food brands offer chewable puppy teething treats and bones to alleviate your pet's oral discomfort. Your veterinarian may recommend one for your small dog, or you can visit a local pet store and select from a variety of flavors and sizes. Ensure that you select the appropriate size for your dog's teething treat in order to maximize its effectiveness.
Healthy Frozen Foods For Puppies to Chew
In addition to chewing on frozen toys, many puppies enjoy eating frozen treats. Carrots and frozen apple slices are a good option. Always consult your veterinarian before introducing new "human" foods to your dog.
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 you, it's crucial to stop this behavior before it becomes severe. When your little friend sinks their teeth into you, it can be effective to imitate a dog's yelp in order to discourage this behavior. A loud 'ow' in a high-pitched voice should startle your puppy and cause it to retreat. Be sure to offer a reward for your dog's good behavior when he or she stops and retreats.
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.