Why is my puppy chewing on everything?
The teething process is not fun for you or your puppy. While you need to take extra care to keep your favorite things away from your puppy's mouth, they are trying to get through the pain they are feeling.
Unfortunately, one of the easiest ways to relieve the discomfort is by chewing on things and they'll go for whatever is closest to them.
When do puppies start teething?
While it can vary between breeds, puppies typically get their first set of teeth at about 5 - 6 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 does puppy teething last?
You may be asking 'How long do puppies teethe?'. By the time your pup is about 6 or 7 months old, they should have all 42 of their adult teeth.
However, puppies' teeth grow intensely over the course of 4 - 5 months. Puppies looking for pain relief will chew on almost anything they can find. Because of their small size, they can often snag furniture legs, expensive shoes, or even your feet or fingers.
So, what can you do about your pup's discomfort? Here, our Statesboro Bulloch Regional Veterinary Hospital veterinarians offer up a few suggestions.
What can I give my puppy to help with teething pain?
If your puppy is teething, then you want to know what you can do to help. Here are some natural ways to provide some relief:
Teething Toys Kept in the Freezer
Just like a teething baby, puppies will often find that chewing on cold or frozen things will help them relieve their teething pain.
While most pet stores sell teething-specific toys, almost any dog toy can be frozen to provide relief for your dog. Kongs, rubber bones, and dog-specific soft toys are all excellent choices.
Extra Durable Chew Toys
Specific teething bones are available in appropriate sizes for small, medium, and large dogs. They also come in a variety of flavors that will entice your puppy to switch from boring-smelling items to these delicious chew treats. This promotes healthy chewing habits while simultaneously relieving pain.
Puppy Teething Sticks
Many reputable dog food brands provide puppy teething treats and bones to help your pet's mouth pain. Your veterinarian may recommend one specifically for your dog, or you can visit your local pet store and select from a variety of flavors and sizes. Choose the appropriate size for your dog to ensure they get the most out of the teething treat.
Healthy Frozen Foods
Frozen carrots or bagels can make a healthy snack that also provides your puppy with much sought-after relief from teething pain.
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 should I do if my puppy keeps biting me?
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 puppy is nipping or biting at you, you must stop their behavior as soon as possible before it escalates. When your young companion bites you, try to mimic the sound of a hurt puppy. This is often an effective approach. This may startle the puppy and cause it to back away. When they respond, make sure to reward them 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.
