Welcoming a new puppy into your home is an incredibly exciting time, filled with playful antics and adorable moments. However, the teething phase can present a unique set of challenges for both puppy and owner. During this period, your furry friend will experience discomfort as their baby teeth fall out and adult teeth emerge. Understanding the signs of teething and knowing how to provide effective Teething Puppy Relief is crucial for a smoother transition for everyone involved. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process, offering practical tips and insights to help your puppy navigate this stage with less fuss.
Understanding Puppy Teething: When and Why
Puppies are born without teeth, but their first set of tiny “milk” or deciduous teeth typically begin to emerge around 2 to 3 weeks of age. By the time they are about 6 to 8 weeks old, they will have a full set of 28 baby teeth. This changes dramatically between the ages of 3 to 7 months. During this window, the 28 baby teeth will gradually fall out, making way for the larger and stronger set of 42 adult permanent teeth. This natural process, while essential for their development, can be a source of significant discomfort for your puppy, much like it is for human babies.
The entire teething process usually concludes by the time your puppy is around 7 months old, meaning the most intense period of discomfort and behavioral changes lasts for roughly 3 to 4 months. In some smaller breeds, or specific breeds like Chihuahuas and Jack Russells, it’s not uncommon for puppy teeth to be reluctant to fall out on their own. While sometimes this is harmless, it can lead to complications such as misalignment of adult teeth, infections, or bite issues. If you observe this in your puppy, it’s always best to consult your veterinarian.
The peak of discomfort for most puppies occurs between 3 to 4 months of age. At this stage, their gums are likely to be sore, inflamed, and aching as the adult teeth push through. This can lead to increased irritability and a generally fussy disposition.
Recognizing Teething Puppy Symptoms
Identifying that your puppy is teething is the first step towards providing relief. Fortunately, several clear signs can indicate this developmental stage:
- Increased Irritability: Your usually cheerful puppy might become more prone to snapping, whining, or exhibiting general crankiness. This is a direct response to the discomfort in their mouth. Patience is key during these moments.
- Excessive Chewing: This is perhaps the most well-known symptom. Puppies will instinctively chew on anything and everything to relieve the pressure on their gums. This can include furniture legs, shoes, books, and unfortunately, your hands and feet.
- Increased Drooling: Sore gums often lead to a significant increase in saliva production. You’ll likely notice your puppy drooling more than usual.
- Pawing at the Face: Puppies may paw at their muzzle or face, a clear indication that they are experiencing discomfort or irritation in their mouth.
- Finding Baby Teeth: It’s common to find small, sharp puppy teeth around your home – in their toy basket, food bowl, or even just on the floor. While sometimes puppies may swallow these small teeth, finding them is a definitive sign of teething.
- Whining or Crying: The discomfort can be so pronounced that your puppy may whine or cry more frequently, especially at night when distractions are minimal, and the pain is more noticeable.
- Small Spots of Blood: You might observe minor bleeding on items your puppy has been chewing, or occasionally on their gums. This is usually a sign that a baby tooth is loosening or has just fallen out.
- Loss of Appetite: Eating can become painful for a teething puppy. They may show less interest in their food, eat slower, or skip meals altogether.
A puppy chewing on a rope toy to relieve teething discomfort
Effective Teething Puppy Relief Strategies
As a devoted pet owner, your goal is to make this challenging period as comfortable as possible for your puppy. While you can’t eliminate the discomfort entirely, several strategies can provide significant teething puppy relief:
Provide a Variety of Chew Toys
Just like human babies need teethers, puppies benefit greatly from having appropriate items to chew on. Offer a diverse selection of chew toys with different textures and firmness. This not only helps to soothe their gums but also redirects their chewing instincts away from your belongings.
- Cooling Effect: For extra relief, place some of your puppy’s chew toys in the refrigerator or freezer before giving them to your pup. The cold sensation can numb the sore gums and provide significant comfort.
- Rotate Toys: Keep a good assortment of toys and rotate them regularly to maintain your puppy’s interest.
Offer Healthy Teething Treats
Certain dog treats can be beneficial for teething puppies, especially those containing calming ingredients like hemp or turkey. Always ensure that any treats you offer are specifically formulated for puppies and are suitable for their age and size.
Puppy Beef Jerky Training Treat
Establish Boundaries for Chewing
The teething phase is an excellent opportunity to teach your puppy what is acceptable to chew and what is not. This involves a combination of prevention and positive reinforcement.
- Puppy-Proof Your Home: Secure your valuables, remove hazardous items, and keep anything you don’t want chewed out of reach. Consider elevating items or using puppy gates to create safe zones.
- Teach Bite Inhibition: When your puppy nips or bites too hard, use a firm “ouch” or “no” and briefly withdraw your attention. If the biting continues, calmly remove yourself from the situation. When they learn to moderate their bite, reward them with praise and a treat. This teaches them gentle interaction.
Utilize Frozen Foods and Treats
Cold items can be incredibly soothing for sore gums.
- Frozen Fruits and Vegetables: Offer safe, frozen options like carrot sticks, small pieces of banana, or strawberry slices. These provide a cool, chewy distraction.
- Frozen Washcloth: Soak a clean washcloth in water or unsalted puppy broth, tie it into knots, and freeze it until solid. This homemade teether can provide hours of relief.
Consider Wet Puppy Food
If your puppy is experiencing significant discomfort, chewing dry kibble might be too painful. Switching to wet puppy food can make eating easier and more appealing. The softer texture is gentler on sore gums.
Puppy Wet Food
Can I give my puppy a carrot for teething?
Yes, carrots are an excellent and safe choice for teething puppies. Their firm texture allows puppies to gnaw and relieve gum pressure, and they also offer nutritional benefits. Freezing a carrot for a few hours beforehand enhances its soothing properties.
What about pain relief for my teething puppy?
For mild discomfort, the cooling effects of frozen toys, vegetables, or the frozen washcloth trick are usually sufficient. If your puppy seems to be in considerable pain and distress, consult your veterinarian. They may recommend a puppy-specific teething gel or, in rare cases, a very mild pain reliever. Always follow your vet’s dosage instructions precisely.
A puppy lying down with chew toys around it
How to Prevent Destructive Chewing During Teething
Preventing destructive chewing requires a proactive approach:
- Abundant Distractions: Ensure your puppy always has access to appropriate chew toys, healthy treats, and engaging activities.
- Puppy-Proofing: Maintain a puppy-proofed environment to minimize temptations. Keep valuables and hazardous items out of reach.
- Command Training: Teach essential commands like “leave it” and “drop it” to help your puppy understand what they are and are not allowed to chew. Consistency is key.
Helping Puppy Teeth to Fall Out Naturally
The primary goal of teething is for baby teeth to shed and allow adult teeth to erupt properly. This usually happens without intervention. However, to support this process:
- Provide Chewy Items: Offer a variety of chew toys and dental chews designed for puppies.
- Inspect Regularly: Gently check your puppy’s mouth and gums periodically.
- Avoid Manual Extraction: Never attempt to pull out a puppy’s teeth yourself, as this can cause injury and complications. If you are concerned about slow tooth loss or retained puppy teeth, always seek professional veterinary advice. Your vet may need to surgically remove persistent baby teeth.
Helping a Teething Puppy Sleep Through the Night
Teething can disrupt a puppy’s sleep, leading to increased crying and whining, especially at night. To help your puppy settle:
- Establish a Routine: Maintain a consistent sleep schedule.
- Create a Calming Environment: Ensure their sleeping area is cool, quiet, and comfortable.
- Provide a Nighttime Teether: A cold, safe chew toy can offer comfort and distraction if they wake up feeling uneasy.
- Avoid Overstimulation: Keep pre-bedtime activities calm and low-key.
The teething period is temporary, and while it can be a demanding time, it’s also a crucial phase for your puppy’s development. By understanding the process and implementing these strategies for teething puppy relief, you can help your furry companion through this stage with greater ease and strengthen your bond in the process. Remember, with patience and the right approach, you’ll soon be enjoying a well-adjusted adult dog.
For healthy food and chews to distract your puppy from teething, explore our range of puppy food and supplements. Our grain-free Puppy Wet Food is packed with nutritious, whole ingredients to help your pup develop, while also being perfect for sore gums and growing teeth.
