How can I Help a Teething Puppy?

Helping your teething puppy should focus on several things. These are helping to give the puppy relief from discomfort from teething, teaching the puppy that not all things in the house are chew toys, and working to make sure that the puppy does not mouth you or other members of your household. You also need to make sure that the puppy doesn't endanger itself.

When puppies start to teethe, they are likely to be slightly uncomfortable. You can give the puppy some help with this by freezing their toys or bones, so that when it chews on them, the coldness provides a numbing sensation to the gums. If you note that the gums are inflamed, a little bit of pressure and massage on the gums may also provide some soothing relief.

Not all dogs are that uncomfortable when they teethe, but the teething puppy is likely to respond to teething by wanting to chew on everything in sight. This means that you need to keep things like shoes and socks out of the way of your pet, and you shouldn't ever give a pet old household items, clothing or shoes to chew on to relieve teething. Your dog is not likely to understand the difference between your old slippers and your new ones, which can reinforce chewing behavior in later life.

First, when you can’t watch your puppy at night or when you’re not home, you may want to consider using a crate. This keeps the dog in a safe “no chewing zone” so it can’t destroy furniture, shoes or socks, magazines or whatever else is around. Also, when a puppy does get something it shouldn’t chew on, you can replace it instantly with an acceptable chew toy. Praise the puppy when it accepts the toy and begins chewing on it to reinforce the idea that there are specific puppy toys in the house.

A teething puppy can exhibit a great deal of mouthing behavior. It will mouth you and perhaps even bite. This behavior needs to be instantly discouraged so that the dog does not grow up to be a biter. When a puppy mouths or nips, redirect it instantly to an acceptable toy, and if possible, leave the puppy alone for a while afterwards. It’s also a good idea to have puppies spend time with other dogs since other dogs will tend to put a stop to mouthing behavior with a growl that can make a considerable impression.

Teething puppies can also put themselves at risk by chewing on unsafe things. You need to puppy-proof your home and make sure that the puppy can’t get to things like electrical wires and that there are no things on the ground that would hurt your pet. Don’t for instance, leave out ant stakes with poison in them, and if needed, provide a safe place within your house for your pet. Later, when teething behavior resolves, especially if you have reinforced “chew toy only” behavior, you pet is much less likely to chew on the occasional thing in reach that they probably shouldn’t have (though this not true of all dogs).

Puppies typically begin teething around 3 to 4 months of age. Signs include increased chewing, drooling, and possibly a slight increase in aggression due to discomfort. You may also notice small blood spots on their toys, swollen gums, and the occasional lost tooth. Monitoring these symptoms can help you provide timely relief.

Provide your puppy with a variety of chew toys designed for teething. These can include rubber toys that can be frozen to soothe gums, durable rope toys, and special teething rings. Avoid hard objects that could damage their teeth. The American Kennel Club suggests toys that are size-appropriate and made of safe, non-toxic materials.

Gently massaging your puppy's gums with a clean finger can provide relief. Additionally, offering frozen treats like ice cubes or frozen carrots can help numb the discomfort. Some pet stores sell special teething gels, but consult your vet before using these products to ensure they're safe for your puppy.

While some puppies may experience a slight decrease in appetite due to the discomfort of teething, significant weight loss is not typical. If your puppy is eating substantially less or losing weight, it's important to consult a veterinarian to rule out other health issues.

Consistent training is key. Redirect your puppy's chewing to appropriate toys whenever you catch them nibbling on furniture. Use deterrent sprays on furniture if necessary. Positive reinforcement when they chew on their toys can also reinforce good behavior. According to experts, providing plenty of exercise can help reduce the urge to chew out of boredom.

If your puppy's teething is accompanied by excessive bleeding, signs of infection in the gums, or if they're not eating for more than a day, it's time to consult your vet. Additionally, if adult teeth are coming in before baby teeth have fallen out, your vet may need to intervene to prevent dental issues.