If you’re a new puppy parent, you’re likely wondering what to expect as your little one goes through the teething process. Teething can be a difficult time for puppies and their owners. However, you can do many things to make the experience easier for everyone involved. If you are worried about going through this stage with your furry friend, this post will provide a complete guide to getting your puppy through teething!
Why Dogs Go Through The Teething Stage
Every dog owner is familiar with the teething stage when their beloved pup is chewing on everything in sight. While it may be frustrating to have your shoes and furniture torn up, it’s important to remember that teething is a vital part of a puppy’s development. This chewing helps relieve the pain and discomfort of growing new teeth. In addition, it allows puppies to explore their environment and learn about the world around them.
As they chew, puppies can socialize and develop essential skills like bite inhibition. For all these reasons, it’s important to give your puppy plenty of chew toys during the teething stage and to be patient as they go through this critical development phase.
How Long Does The Teething Stage Last?
Teething is an exciting time for both puppies and their owners. It’s a sign that your puppy is growing up and getting ready to explore the world. However, teething can also be a messy and sometimes painful process. So how long does it last? The teething stage typically begins around three months of age and lasts until approximately six months, though some puppies may continue to experience pain and sensitivity after that. During this time, your puppy’s baby teeth will start to fall out and be replaced by adult teeth.
Signs Your Puppy Is Teething
You may not be able to see them, but those tiny teeth are sharp! When puppies start teething, they can be a real handful. Here are some signs that your pup is going through this milestone:
- Excessive drooling: Puppies usually start drooling more when they’re about to get their first teeth. This is because their gums are inflamed and irritated.
- Chew, chew, chew: If your puppy is chewing on everything in sight, it’s likely because its gums are sore. They may also start chewing more if they’re teething on their back molars.
- Mouthing: Puppies mouth or nip at people as a way of exploring their environment. However, if your puppy is doing this more than usual, it could be a sign that they’re teething.
While these are some of the most common signs of teething, every puppy is different. If you’re concerned that your pup is in pain, it’s always best to consult your veterinarian.
Tips For Getting Your Puppy Through Teething
As painful as this process may be for your furry friend, there are some things that you can do to make it easier. Here are a few tips for getting your puppy through teething:
Give Them Something Cold To Chew On
You may notice your puppy chewing on everything in sight when it starts teething. This behavior is normal, as they are trying to relieve the pressure and pain that comes with new teeth. However, it can be frustrating if they start chewing on things you would rather they didn’t. One way to help redirect their chewing is to give them something cold to chew on. Ice cubes, frozen carrots, or a frozen Kong toy can all provide relief for teething puppies.
The cold numbs their gums and helps to reduce inflammation. Just be sure to supervise your puppy while chewing, as they could break a tooth on hard items like ice cubes. If you are looking for a safe and effective way to help your teething puppy, give them something cold to chew on.
Provide Them With Hard Food To Chew On
Teething is an important milestone for puppies, and it’s vital to provide them with the right type of food to chew on during this time. While soft food is easy to eat, it doesn’t do a good job cleaning the teeth or massaging the gums. Hard food, on the other hand, can help to remove plaque and bacteria from the teeth while also providing relief for sore gums. Various hard foods are available for puppies, including rawhide chews and bully sticks.
It’s important to choose a food specifically designed for teething puppies, as these products are typically softer and more easily digested than adult-formulated hard foods. Providing your puppy with hard food to chew on during teething can help to promote oral health and prevent gum disease.
Give Them Exercise To Keep Them Busy
When your puppy is teething, they may seem extra fussy and destructive. Although giving them free rein of the house may be tempting, it’s important to remember that puppies are full of energy and need plenty of exercise. An excellent way to keep them occupied and out of trouble is to take them for long walks or runs. This will give them a chance to burn off some energy and hopefully tire themselves out so that they can take a nap. You may also want to invest in chew toys designed for teething puppies.
These can provide much-needed relief for their gums while also helping to redirect their chewing instinct. By giving your puppy plenty of exercise and providing them with appropriate chew toys, you can help keep them distracted and get through the teething process without too much trouble.
Use The Proper Punishment For Biting
During the process of getting new teeth, puppies often bite or chew on objects as a way to relieve the discomfort of teething. While it is important to discourage biting behavior, it is also important to be understanding and patient during this phase. The best way to punish a puppy for biting is to provide a firm “no” and remove yourself from the situation. This will help the puppy to understand that biting is not acceptable, but it will also avoid further escalation.
It is also important to remember that puppies are still learning what is appropriate and what is not, so consistent punishment is key. With time and patience, your puppy will outgrow the teething stage and learn to control their biting behavior.
Reference This Guide When Getting Your Puppy Through Teething!
Teething is an ordinary and necessary process for puppies, but it can be tough on them and their owners. By following the tips in this guide, you can help your puppy get through teething with as little trouble as possible. From giving them something cold to chew on to providing them with appropriate chew toys, there are several ways to help your puppy through this difficult time. Remember, once your puppy comes out the other side, all the discomfort will have been worth it. They’ll have a full set of teeth and be ready to take on the world!