Teething is a natural process for puppies, but it can be overwhelming for both them and their owners. Puppies start teething between 3-6 months old.
During this time, their baby teeth erupt through their gums, causing discomfort and pain. Puppies may chew on anything they can find to ease the pain.
You can expect your puppy to lose their baby teeth and get permanent teeth between 4-6 months old. This process can take several months.
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Puppy Teething Basics
Puppies are born without teeth, but their baby teeth and adult teeth are already developing within their jaws at birth.
At around 3 weeks old, puppies start erupting their baby teeth, which begin with the incisors and canines. This is also when they can start eating solid food in addition to nursing.
Puppies continue to erupt teeth over the next three to five weeks until they're about 6-8 weeks old, when their mouth is filled with 28 pearly white baby teeth.
Baby teeth don't last long, and most puppies start to lose them when they're around 3-and-a-half months old.
The baby incisors are the first to fall out, and adult teeth push through the gums to take their place.
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Signs and Symptoms
Puppy teething can be a challenging time for both you and your furry friend. Excessive chewing or nipping is a common symptom, often accompanied by drooling and small blood spots on toys.
Red, inflamed gums are a clear sign that your puppy is teething. You may also notice drooling and offensive breath, which can be a bit unpleasant but is a normal part of the process.
Increased chewing behavior is a giveaway that your puppy is teething. Providing safe toys can help redirect their attention and satisfy their urge to chew. Discouraging biting is also essential to prevent damage to your belongings.
Bleeding gums are normal, and you may find specks of blood on your puppy's favorite chew toys. Missing teeth are also a common sight, and it's safe for your puppy to swallow them as they fall out.
A decrease in appetite is another symptom of teething, with puppies eating slower or less due to discomfort. Some puppies may whine and fuss or be more irritable than usual, which is completely normal during this time.
Here are the common symptoms of teething in puppies:
- Excessive chewing or nipping
- Drooling
- Small blood spots on toys
- Red or swollen gums
- Fever
- Slower-than-normal eating
- Crying or whining
Caring for Your Puppy
Caring for your puppy during teething is crucial for their comfort and development. Offer lots of options for chewing, especially soft toys, rubber toys, and chilled or frozen toys.
Cold items can help soothe teething pain, so try giving your pup chilled or frozen treats like blueberries, green beans, or carrots. Supervise your dog while they chew to ensure their safety.
For added relief, freezer puppy chew toys can help ease gum pain and provide a comforting chewing experience. Make sure all chew toys are appropriate for your puppy's size and weight.
How to Care for
Offering your puppy a variety of soft toys, rubber toys, and chilled or frozen toys can provide relief from teething pain.
Chilled or frozen treats like blueberries, green beans, or carrots can help soothe your puppy's gums.
You should also freeze your puppy's kibble in a Classic KONG or other puzzle toy to provide a cold, soothing surface for their gums.
Puppy teething is a great time to establish a dog dental care routine, including regular brushing, to help your puppy get comfortable with the process.
Be sure to contact your veterinarian if you spot anything out of the ordinary when brushing your puppy's teeth.
Not only is chewing an essential part of teething, but it's also a natural instinct that keeps dogs occupied and helps them manage emotions.
Make sure to offer your puppy appropriate chew toys, such as those made of softer materials for delicate baby teeth.
For added relief, you can try freezer puppy chew toys to ease gum pain and provide a comforting chewing experience.
Always supervise your dog while they chew, and be sure to choose toys that are appropriate for your puppy's size and weight.
Dogs tend to chew nearly everything, so it's essential to choose safe and healthy chew toys, such as those made of rubber or other soft materials.
Avoid giving your puppy rawhide, pigs' ears, or other hard objects that can cause problems, such as gastrointestinal blockages or intestinal punctures.
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Why Is My Cat Attacking Everything?
Your cat is attacking everything, and it's not just because they're trying to drive you crazy. Puppies will chew on people, furniture, and other objects, and this is normal puppy behavior.
Dogs, including cats, learn much about the world around them through how things feel, and they primarily use their mouth to touch and grab things. This tendency is particularly pronounced in breeds known to be "mouthy".
Chewing seems to alleviate what is assumed to be discomfort associated with the teething process.
Managing Pain and Damage
Chew toys can entertain your dog while providing relief from teething discomfort. These toys should be made of soft or bendable materials and are available in age-appropriate sizes to fit your puppy's small mouth.
Frozen treats like frozen chicken broth, frozen banana slices, cold carrots, and frozen mini bagels can soothe your puppy's sore gums.
Your veterinarian should track whether the teeth are coming in normally during the teething process. They can also safely remove any remaining puppy teeth during a spay or neuter appointment, which can prevent problems with your dog's adult teeth later on.
It's not uncommon to notice some blood around the gums during teething, so don't be alarmed if you see some.
To ensure your puppy's mouth is healthy, maintain a dental routine and check their mouth regularly.
The Stages Explained
Puppy teething is a normal process that begins very early in a pup's life. Puppies start to develop their baby teeth a few weeks after they are born, and in some cases, they can appear at just two weeks.
These early teeth are often called "milk teeth" because pups are still nursing when they appear. All 28 of your puppy's baby teeth should come in by the time they are five to eight weeks old.
As your pup grows, their baby teeth start to fall out, typically around 3-and-a-half months old, though some don't start until they're 4 or 5 months old. This is when you might start to notice your dog chewing more frequently as teething discomfort becomes more evident.
The baby incisors are the first to fall out, and adult teeth push through the gums to take their place. Don't be shocked when you find a little white tooth on your living room floor – this is completely normal.
Here's a rough timeline of what you can expect:
By six months old, all permanent teeth should have erupted, and all deciduous teeth should have fallen out.
When to See the Vet
If your puppy experiences a slight fever while teething, it's essential to monitor their temperature to ensure it doesn't climb too high.
Some bleeding from the gums is normal while teething, but if you notice a large amount of blood, you should immediately seek professional assistance from your vet.
You should book your puppy in for a dental appointment at your local vet before all of their adult teeth have grown in for a precautionary checkup.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the worst weeks for puppy teething?
Puppies typically experience intense teething between 4 to 5 months old, a period marked by destructive chewing behavior. During this time, owners can expect their puppies to seek relief from pain by chewing on various objects.
How long does teething last in puppies?
Teething in puppies typically lasts 4 to 5 months, but they should have all 42 adult teeth by 6 to 7 months old.
What is the most painful puppy teething stage?
The most painful puppy teething stage occurs between 12 weeks to 6 months, when baby teeth fall out and permanent ones emerge. This stage is marked by discomfort and pain for your dog.
At what age do puppies stop chewing and biting?
Puppies typically stop chewing and biting between 3 to 7 months old, as they outgrow the teething phase. Understanding the normal age range for this behavior can help you manage your puppy's development and prevent unwanted habits.
Sources
- Classic KONG (chewy.com)
- Share on Twitter (twitter.com)
- The Spruce Pets (thesprucepets.com)
- Teeth, Teething and Chewing in Puppies (vcahospitals.com)
- Puppy Teething, Chewing & Nipping: The Complete Guide (greencrossvets.com.au)
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