Teething Puppies : So you’ve got a new puppy! Puppies bring lots of love and fun, along with some challenges, such as how to get them through the teething stage without losing every pair of slippers you own!
Just as with human babies, it’s natural for puppies to go through a teething phase. Puppies are born with 28 tiny (and very sharp) teeth that can hurt when they find your fingers or toes.
Here are a few practical tips so that you and your puppy can get through the teething process together and still keep the furniture.
1. Know what your puppy is dealing with
Puppies start losing baby teeth at around 3 or 4 months old – so soon after you’ve made them a part of your home. They get adult teeth to replace their baby ones, but this process lasts between 1 to 3 months.
The teething process can be painful for puppies as the new teeth come in, and chewing helps them deal with any pain or discomfort. You can find antlers for your dog made of whole elk horns that they can chew on easily.
Besides, puppies are using their mouths to explore the world at their young age. They want to pick things up with their mouths and ‘taste-test’ to get a sense of what’s around them. After all, they don’t have hands to touch and explore in any other way.
2. Set up your home for success
Planning is key to making the teething process more comfortable. Start by:
- Limiting access to anything that could be dangerous or that you don’t want them to chew.
- Keeping your puppy in a playpen, a puppy crate, or a small room that has been puppy-proofed when you aren’t around. (Hopefully, though, puppies won’t be left on their own for too long at their young age as puppies crave company.)
- Putting away any objects you don’t want your puppy to chew on, or that could be dangerous. Cleaning products, books, electronic objects, and other items can be stored away.
- Keeping tempting items such as slippers and shoes in a locked cabinet or on a shelf out of your puppy’s reach.
- Having a ‘safe space’ such as on your bed – you can put a Chasing Tails bed ramp so that your friend can easily climb up to join you.
3. Offer your pup something better to chew on
Don’t put everything away without offering a tempting alternative for your puppy. Puppies need to chew to be comfortable throughout the teething process, so get some chew toys that are puppy-friendly and safe.
Toys made of nylon or hard plastic are usually a good option. There are special toys designed for teething that are perfectly safe for pups.
Many puppies love a good game of tug-of-war with their humans, so pick up a rope toy. Rope toys let your pup really dig their teeth in while playing with you.
As with human babies, puppies get even more benefit out of chewing on something frozen. Pop your toys into the freezer before offering them to your puppy. The cold will help soothe sore gums.
However, don’t be tempted to use your baby’s teething ring for your pup. Baby chewing toys aren’t anywhere near as robust enough to withstand a puppy’s sharp teeth!
If you don’t have any toys yet, not to worry. You can use frozen baby carrots or even ice cubes.
Just remember to check any chew toys often. Make sure your puppy isn’t breaking off small bits of toy that could be a choking hazard. Better safe than sorry – and chew toys are always best when you are there with your pup to supervise.
4. Be their teacher as well as their playmate
Your puppy wants to please you, and you’re the one responsible for teaching your pet the rules of your home. Teach and reward your puppy for doing what you want, rather than punishing for what you don’t want.
If your puppy bites you while playing, you can make a yelping sound, such as one another pup might make (do your best!). That way, your pup understands that biting hands or feet can hurt their beloved human. You can also say “ouch!” and your friend should get the message.
Pull your hand away gently and offer a toy. If your puppy doesn’t want the toy and wants your fingers instead, give your puppy a short break in a playpen. Make the break a short one, though, so that it doesn’t seem like a punishment. Think of it as a brief ‘time-out.’
When your puppy is calm, praise your pup and open the crate or playpen. Have some cuddles or gentle playtime so that your friend associates calmness with rewards.
Above all, remember that your puppy is still learning and doesn’t know how sharp those little teeth are!
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