While finding tiny bite marks on all of your furniture can be very trying for any pet parent, teething is a natural process that also causes some pain for your pup. Here, our Wake Forest vets offer some information about teething in puppies and how you can help relieve the pain your puppy may be feeling.
Is my puppy teething?
When your new puppy starts chewing on everything it can cause some frustration. While you should take care to move your things out of their reach, it's important to remember that their mouth is feeling very uncomfortable during this time.
When they are chewing on everything they can find it is only to find relief for the pain that accompanies the teething process.
When do puppies start teething?
While it can vary between breeds, puppies typically get their first set of teeth at about five to six weeks of age. 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?
You may be asking 'How long does puppy teething last?'. By the time your pup is about six or seven months old, they will have their adult teeth–all 42 of them!
That said, those four to five months are about how long puppies' teeth intensely. 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, how can you help your puppy feel more comfortable while they are teething? Here, we offer a few options for pain relief.
What can I give my puppy to help with teething pain?
If you have a teething puppy you will want to know how to help. Here are some natural options for relieving some of the pain they may be feeling:
Frozen Teething Toys
Frozen toys can provide your little furbaby with a ton of relief from the pain of teething.
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.
Extra Durable Chews
Some brands have size-specific chews that are extra durable and made for situations like teething. They also come in flavors that will encourage your puppy away from boring-smelling items and over to chew treats that taste excellent. This encourages both healthy chewing habits and relieving pain at the same time.
Teething Sticks
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 Snacks
Certain foods, like carrots, are dog friendly and when frozen make a great pain relief treat.
If you're planning on giving your pup any frozen food, make sure you ask your vet if they think that is a good idea first.
What if your puppy keeps biting?
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.
If your young dog is nipping or biting at you, you must put a stop to their behavior as soon as possible before you let it get out of hand. One approach that may often be effective is trying to mimic the sound of a hurt puppy when your young companion bites you. This may startle the puppy and cause them to back off. When they do, make sure you reward their response with a treat.
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.