There are few thrills greater than welcoming a puppy to your home. However, as wonderful as a new pet might be, a puppy will experience countless growing pains. One of the greatest challenges is teething. Therefore, it is essential to know what you can give your new pup for their teething pain.
Give your puppy chews such as bully sticks or frozen treats to alleviate painful gums. Always check in with your vet to confirm what is safe for your new pet to chew on. You may opt for dog-friendly teething gels, but you should never give them pain medication intended for humans.
As your puppy grows into its teeth, the associated teething pain can take away from bonding with your new furry friend. It would be best to research how you can adjust their playtime and feeding routines to make their transition into their new home as comfortable as possible.
3 Tips for Teething Puppies
A puppy’s teething period can be extremely painful. As a new pet owner, you are responsible for providing something for your pup to chew on to soothe aching gums and make this procedure a bit more comfortable. You will be preventing the puppy from finding anything to chew on, whether it is your shoes, your sofa, or your children’s toys.
Give Your Teething Puppy Chew Toys
If your puppy begins to nip something they shouldn’t, replace it with a toy. This will educate your dog on what they are allowed to chew on. If you feel overwhelmed by their chewing, place your pup in a secure and quiet location until both of you have cooled down. Never scold or hit them for nibbling. Your dog will require your patience during this uncomfortable period.
Avoid artificially colored and rawhide chews. Using Bully sticks, chew hooves, bones, and antlers, you may stay as natural as possible. Always pay attention to your puppy while he’s chewing for his safety.
Freeze Your Teething Puppy’s Toys and Food
Inflammation and tenderness are common when puppies are teething. Soak a rope toy in water and then freeze it to relieve discomfort. You may also freeze a peanut butter-filled Kong. These frozen toys will aid in the reduction of swelling and discomfort in your pet. Never give your dog ice to chew on since this is far too harsh on their teeth and can cause them to break.
Be sure to monitor your pup when you give them frozen treats to ensure they do not choke on them. It is also best to offer medium-sized chunks instead of too large or too small pieces to avoid choking and upset tummies. Examples of frozen treats that you can give your puppy include chunks of frozen carrot, banana, strawberries, or even bits of frozen bagel.
Give Your Teething Puppy Dog-friendly Pain Relievers
It’s always best to stick to natural, non-pharmaceutical options. However, certain teething gels for dogs that contain natural ingredients such as chamomile, peppermint, and clove oil may be beneficial. You must never use human medication on your dog.
How Do You Know if a Puppy is Teething?
While every puppy is unique, there are a few typical signals that your puppy is nearing the stage where they will start developing adult teeth.
The first sign is that your puppy shows signs of an increased desire to chew and nip. Although chewing is part of being a dog, if you observe your puppy suddenly demonstrating a considerable increase in their chewing interest, this might indicate that they are about to begin teething. As they grow their adult teeth, puppies will go out of their way to locate something to chew on.
During teething, your pup’s gums may be red and inflamed for several months. You may find spots of blood on their chew toys, which is nothing to be concerned about, as long as their toys aren’t drenched in blood. This is generally because they have recently lost one of their baby teeth, but it can also happen if your puppy’s gums are very sensitive. They may also exhibit increased drooling as a response to painful gums.
Puppies who are teething will whimper while chewing on toys and eating. This is also because their teeth and gums are sensitive at this time. As long as the whimpering isn’t overwhelming and your puppy doesn’t appear to be insignificant discomfort, this is normal teething activity.
Finally, visible tooth loss is one of the most typical indicators of puppy teething. If your dog chews on their favorite toy regularly, search for their baby teeth left behind after a good chewing session.
How Long Does Teething Last in Puppies?
Around 2-4 weeks, a puppy’s first teeth appear; however, the timeframe can vary. A puppy will typically have 28 baby teeth by the age of 5-6 weeks, which is when you should consider keeping its sharp teeth away from its mother’s tender belly.
Dogs lose their primary teeth between the ages of 12 and 16 weeks. This is a fascinating development because it signifies their jaws are preparing for their adult teeth.
Although teething is a pain for both you and your new pup, this developmental stage won’t last forever. A puppy should typically have 42 adult teeth at six months of age. The painful portion of teething usually ends around 4-5 months, but if you aren’t cautious about regulating the chewing activity, it can linger for another couple of years.
What Should You Feed a Teething Puppy?
Your puppy may turn up their nose at their food dish or be hesitant to eat, not because they aren’t hungry, but because eating hurts. To encourage your puppy’s appetite, do not switch to a different meal plan. Changing their diet might add to their stress and cause them digestive trouble.
Soften the dry food and make mealtime more enticing; combine it with their usual premium dry food and a premium canned dog food. Alternatively, try some wet food to assist them in getting through this difficult time.
Before serving, soak dry foods in warm water for 10 to 15 minutes. Feeding pups dry food and biscuits loosen their teeth, allowing them to go through the teething period faster. If their appetite loss persists, consult with your veterinarian before switching foods.
Conclusion
The safest and most effective way to accommodate your puppy when experiencing teething pains is to give them a dog-friendly frozen treat or a chilled chew toy. You may also apply a small amount of teething gel to their gums, but be sure never to give them any pain medication intended for humans.
