Puppy Teething: How to Help Your Pet Comfortably

Bringing a puppy into your home is an exciting journey filled with joy and new experiences. But when teething begins, your little friend may start chewing everything in sight to soothe their aching gums. It's a natural phase, but it can be challenging for both you and your puppy.

Understanding Puppy Teething

Puppies grow their baby teeth, known as deciduous teeth, between 2 and 3 weeks old and usually have a full set by 8 weeks. This stage coincides with weaning, after which their puppy teeth gradually start to fall out between 8 and 12 weeks to make way for permanent adult teeth. The sequence begins with incisors, followed by canine teeth (fangs), premolars, and finally molars. Most puppies will have all their adult teeth by 8 months.

Monitoring Dental Health During Teething

Just like in humans, dental problems can occur in puppies during teething. It is important to check that permanent teeth are erupting correctly and not impacted or growing in odd angles. If you notice retained baby teeth that haven’t fallen out or suspect abnormalities, it’s wise to consult your vet. They can assess your puppy’s mouth and recommend treatment if necessary.

Common Dental Issues to Watch For

• Retained Deciduous Teeth: When baby teeth don't shed, they block room for adult teeth, causing discomfort and dental disease risk.
• Abnormal Tooth Growth: Pressure from retained teeth can cause adult teeth to erupt at odd angles, potentially leading to ulcers or poor bite alignment.

Your vet may suggest surgical removal of retained teeth, often coordinated with neutering or spaying, to ensure proper development of permanent teeth and prevent long-term dental issues.

Step-by-Step: Helping Your Puppy Through Teething

Step 1: Prepare Safe Chew Toys

Offer a variety of soft, puppy-safe chew toys made of rubber or soft nylon. These help soothe gums and satisfy the natural urge to chew. Avoid hard bones or toys that could damage fragile baby teeth.

Step 2: Chill Toys for Comfort

Freeze or chill some toys or provide frozen baby carrots and ice cubes. Cold items numb the gums and alleviate discomfort, similar to human babies using teething rings.

Step 3: Puppy-Proof Your Environment

Since teething increases chewing behaviour, secure valuables, electrical cables, and anything dangerous out of reach to protect both your puppy and household items.

Step 4: Train Gentle Chewing

Redirect nipping or chewing on hands to toys immediately. Use calm but firm signals like withdrawing attention if your puppy bites, reinforcing positive chewing habits with praise.

Step 5: Provide Soothing Products

Use vet-approved teething gels or soothing treats designed specifically for puppies that ease their pain during this phase.

Step 6: Maintain a Soft Diet if Necessary

If your puppy struggles to eat hard food, temporarily offer wet or softened food to reduce mouth discomfort during mealtimes.

Step 7: Regular Vet Check-ups

Keep routine veterinary appointments to monitor dental development. Early intervention for any teething complications improves outcomes and keeps your puppy comfortable.

When to Seek Veterinary Advice

If your puppy shows signs of severe discomfort, persistent biting that does not improve with training, swollen gums, bleeding, or difficulty eating, a veterinary visit is essential. Dental issues like retained teeth or infections require professional care to prevent long-term problems.

Conclusion

Teething is a natural, temporary stage in your puppy’s growth. By understanding the process and providing appropriate toys, training, and veterinary care, you can ease your puppy’s discomfort and protect your belongings. Monitoring dental health closely and addressing any problems early ensures your puppy develops a healthy, happy mouth for a lifetime.