Teething is a challenging phase for both puppies and their owners. If your puppy is chewing on everything, feeling irritated, or drooling excessively, don’t worry—it’s a natural part of growing up! In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about puppy teething and how to make the process easier for your furry friend. 🐾
1. When Do Puppies Start Teething? 📅
Puppies start teething at around 3 to 4 weeks old, and by the time they reach 6 months, they usually have all their adult teeth. Here’s a breakdown: ✔ 3-6 weeks: Baby teeth start emerging 🦷 ✔ 8 weeks: Baby teeth fully develop ✔ 3-6 months: Adult teeth begin to replace baby teeth ✔ 6-7 months: Full set of 42 adult teeth
2. Signs That Your Puppy is Teething 🔍
Your pup may show these common teething symptoms: 😬 Excessive chewing and biting 💦 Increased drooling 🐾 Swollen or red gums 🥺 Whining or discomfort 🍽 Loss of appetite due to sore gums
3. Best Ways to Soothe Your Teething Puppy 🐕
Luckily, you can make teething more comfortable with these simple solutions:
🐾 Provide Chew Toys
Puppies chew to relieve gum discomfort. Offer safe and durable chew toys like: 🦴 Rubber teething rings 🥶 Freezable chew toys (cooling soothes gums) 🌿 Natural chew sticks (like bully sticks)
🐾 Use Frozen Treats 🧊
Cold textures can help numb sore gums: ✔ Frozen carrot sticks 🥕 ✔ Ice cubes made of low-sodium chicken broth 🍖 ✔ Frozen wet dog food portions 🧊
🐾 Massage Their Gums 🖐️
Gently rub their gums with a clean finger or a soft puppy toothbrush to relieve discomfort.
🐾 Distract with Training & Play 🎾
Engage them in interactive play or simple training exercises to divert their focus from discomfort.
4. What to Avoid During Teething ❌
🚫 Don’t let them chew on household items like shoes or furniture—redirect to a chew toy instead. 🚫 Avoid hard bones or antlers—they can damage developing teeth. 🚫 Never punish your puppy for chewing; instead, guide them toward appropriate alternatives.
5. When to See a Vet? 🏥
If your puppy experiences excessive bleeding, loss of appetite for more than a day, or broken teeth, consult a vet. Some puppies may retain baby teeth, leading to dental issues later.
Final Thoughts: Help Your Puppy Through This Phase 🐶💖
Teething can be a tough time, but with the right chew toys, cold treats, and patience, you can ease their discomfort. Remember, this phase doesn’t last forever, and soon your puppy will have a healthy set of adult teeth! 🦷✨
