Puppies adorably make the owner fall in love with their cuteness. However, at a young age their habit of chewing and destroying household things and furniture may not please their parents. Puppies like children, go through the process of teething and that’s the reason your puppy is attacking your furniture and other items.
In this blog we will take you through some vital information on teething in puppies.
Why does your dog attack everything?
At an early age puppies chew on every object as they learn how things feel and their mouth is their first medium to touch and grab. The tendency to scratch and chew out objects is also because of the discomfort caused due to the teething process.
When do puppies go through teething?
Puppies’ teeth start emerging when they are two –three weeks old. By the time they are six to eight weeks old, almost all their deciduous teeth tend to be present.
When do dog’s baby teeth fall out?
Unlike babies, your dogs will not have baby molars. By the time they are 12 weeks old, their deciduous teeth will begin to fall out and then the permanent teeth will start to erupt. According to Dr. Alexander Reiter permanent teeth in dogs erupts at two months.
Below is the average teething cycle in dogs:
Incisors – 2-5 months
Canine teeth – 5- 6 months
Premolars – 4-6 months
How to Care for a Teething Puppy
Dog parents often overstress on the teething process. If your pup eats his meals and performs daily activities like playing; socializing then there is nothing to worry about.
If you see a major change in these activities, it may be associated with teething discomfort; in that case you can consult your vet and get a clear understanding about the health of your pet’s teeth.
The main reason for your pet to chew during teething is because it eases the discomfort. As pet parents, you can help your pet release their discomfort of chewing by satisfying their cravings.
Here are some more ways that can help soothe teething process of puppy:
Toys
Make sure that the chewy toys are not too hard; it should be soft and flexible. It’s important to note that even when toys are safe with regards to ingestion or inhalation, it may not be good for your dog’s teeth. Even if the risk of chewing multiple objects is low, it still exists. Supervise your pup while they’re chewing toys, as none of them are 100% safe.
Bagel/ Fruits
A simple frozen bagel or fruit, can help sooth inflamed or sore gums and may help loose deciduous teeth fall out easily. However, make sure you only provide your pet the fruits that are safe for his health like Banana, apple, mango, raspberries; avoid giving fruits like grapes, cherries, raisins.
Wet Towel
Another way to reduce teething pain and fall out loose deciduous teeth is to use a wet towel. Use a dish towel that’s soaked in water; twist and freeze it before applying it to your dog’s mouth. Make sure the towel is new and clean and does not contain any loose threads.
Things to avoid during teething
Don’t pull loose teeth. Dog’s teeth have long roots that can break while pulling. This can cause severe pain or infection.
Don’t use ice cubes to soothe as your dog might gulp the ice which can trouble his teeth or can lead to choking.
Conclusion
We hope this information helps you to take care of your pup during teething. Even after your dog turns young and gets all his permanent teeth, he may still feel chewy; it’s vital to take care of his teeth, use the right chewy toys, and avoid using toys that are too big or too small. Also use chew treats and dental care products that are good for their oral health and hygiene.
