Dog Teething Period: What to Know and How to Help18

Teething is a normal and important developmental stage for puppies. It can be a challenging time for both puppies and their owners, but with the right care and attention, you can help your puppy through this phase as comfortably as possible.

Signs of Teething

The most common signs of teething include:* Chewing on everythingIncreased droolingIrritabilityPawing at or rubbing their mouthDecreased appetite
Loose or missing teeth

Timeline of Teething

Puppies start losing their baby teeth and developing their adult teeth between 3 and 6 months of age. The front teeth (incisors) are usually the first to erupt, followed by the canines (vampire teeth), premolars, and molars. By the time they are 6-8 months old, most puppies have their full set of 42 adult teeth.

Tips for Helping Your Puppy Teething

Here are some tips to help your puppy teething:* Provide plenty of chew toys. Chewing helps to relieve the pain and pressure of teething. Choose toys that are safe for your puppy to chew on, and make sure to supervise them while they are chewing to prevent them from swallowing any small pieces.
Frozen treats can help to numb the pain. You can freeze wet washcloths, teething rings, or even pieces of fruit to give your puppy to chew on.
Massage their gums. Gently massaging your puppy's gums with your finger can help to soothe the discomfort.
Avoid using human pain relievers. Human pain relievers can be dangerous for dogs, so never give your puppy any medications without first consulting with your veterinarian.
Be patient and understanding. Teething can be a frustrating time for both puppies and their owners. Be patient with your puppy and understand that they are going through a normal developmental phase.

When to Call the Vet

In most cases, teething is a normal and healthy process. However, there are some situations when you should call your veterinarian, such as:* Your puppy is experiencing severe pain or discomfort.Your puppy's gums are bleeding or swollen.Your puppy has lost a tooth and it is not growing back.Your puppy is not eating or drinking well.You notice any other unusual symptoms.

Teething can be a challenging time for puppies and their owners, but with the right care and attention, you can help your puppy through this phase as comfortably as possible.

2024-11-30

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