Puppy Teething: Everything You Need to Know76

Teething is a normal part of a puppy's development, but it can be a painful and uncomfortable time for your furry friend. Here are some tips on how to help your puppy through this process:

What to Expect

Puppies start teething around 3-4 weeks of age. Their baby teeth, or deciduous teeth, begin to fall out and are replaced by their adult teeth between 12-16 weeks of age. The teething process can be completed by 7 months of age, but it can vary from puppy to puppy.

During teething, your puppy may experience some discomfort or pain. They may also have increased drooling, chewing, and biting. Your puppy may also become more irritable and restless than usual.

How to Help Your Puppy

There are a few things you can do to help your puppy through the teething process:
Provide plenty of chew toys. Chewing can help to relieve discomfort and pain. Choose chew toys that are appropriate for your puppy's age and size. Avoid giving your puppy rawhide chews, as these can be a choking hazard.
Feed your puppy a soft diet. This can help to reduce discomfort when your puppy is chewing. You can also add some warm water to your puppy's food to make it easier to eat.
Massage your puppy's gums. This can help to soothe discomfort and pain. Be gentle when massaging your puppy's gums, as you don't want to cause any further irritation.
Apply a cold compress to your puppy's face. This can help to reduce swelling and pain. You can use a washcloth soaked in cold water or a frozen peas pack.
Give your puppy plenty of love and attention. This can help to comfort your puppy and make them feel better.

When to Call the Vet

In most cases, teething is a normal process that does not require veterinary attention. However, there are some cases where you should call your vet, such as if your puppy:
Has severe pain or discomfort
Is not eating or drinking
Has a fever
Has diarrhea or vomiting
Is lethargic or depressed

If you are concerned about your puppy's teething, please call your vet for advice.

Additional Tips
Start brushing your puppy's teeth as soon as they start teething. This will help to prevent tartar and plaque buildup, which can lead to dental problems later in life.
Make sure your puppy gets regular veterinary checkups. Your vet can check your puppy's teeth and gums for any signs of problems.
Be patient and understanding. Teething can be a difficult time for puppies. Be patient with your puppy and offer them plenty of love and support.

Teething is a normal part of a puppy's development, but it can be a painful and uncomfortable time for your furry friend. By following these tips, you can help your puppy through this process and make it as comfortable as possible.

2025-01-08

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