Teething can be a challenging time for puppies—and their owners alike. The process often comes with discomfort, but with the right knowledge, you can make this stage easier for both of you. So, if you’re looking to learn how to help a teething puppy, this comprehensive and in-depth guide will provide you with simple, effective puppy teething tips.
Discover everything you need to know about the process and learn how to help a teething puppy using a combination of the right toys, treats, techniques and puppy-friendly products!
What do we mean by ‘puppy teething’?
Puppy teething is a natural process that begins when a puppy’s baby teeth start to erupt through their gums. This stage is followed by the gradual loss of these baby teeth and the emergence of adult teeth.
For many pet parents, this can be challenging as their puppies may experience discomfort and exhibit excessive chewing, drooling, and irritability. Understanding what to do for teething puppies can make a significant difference in providing the necessary care and support for your furry friend during this critical developmental stage.
When do puppies start teething?
Puppies typically begin teething around 3 to 4 months old. This stage starts with losing their baby teeth, which usually occurs between 12 to 16 weeks of age. By the time they reach six months old, all their baby teeth should ideally have fallen out, making way for their adult teeth. The teething process itself usually lasts about 2 to 3 months, during which time puppies will grow a total of 42 adult teeth.
During this period, adult dog teeth start coming in around 12 weeks. Given that puppies have 28 baby teeth in total, the transition to puppy teeth and adult teeth is significant and can be quite uncomfortable for them.
Knowing this timeline allows puppy owners to be better prepared to offer the needed care and comfort, including exploring teething puppy pain relief methods.
How long does puppy teething last?
Puppy teething typically spans from around 3 to 4 months of age and can last until the puppy is about 7 months old. During this period, your puppy will lose their baby teeth and grow a full set of adult teeth, which can be quite uncomfortable.
This phase often leads to increased chewing and nipping as puppies try to alleviate their teething pain. Patience and understanding are key for pet parents during this time. By providing the right care and attention, you can help your puppy navigate this stage successfully and ensure the healthy development of their adult teeth.
What are the symptoms of puppy teething?
Identifying the symptoms of puppy teething is crucial, as awareness of these symptoms can help you take proactive steps to soothe your beleaguered pup!
- Swollen, tender gums
- Excessive drooling
- Chewing on anything they can get their paws on
- Irritability or restlessness
- Mild bleeding around the gums (usually not a cause for concern)
Recognising these signs can help you understand when your puppy might need a little extra care, so let’s get down to business and explore how to help a teething puppy!
How to help a teething puppy
Teething can be painful for puppies, but if you’re wondering how to help a teething puppy, there are plenty of natural ways to ease their discomfort and provide relief!
Give them toys or treats to chew
Rubber teething toys, edible puppy teething rings, and flavoured chew toys are ideal for teething puppies. These toys not only provide relief but also help direct their chewing habits away from your furniture and personal items. Providing age-appropriate toys ensures safety and prevents the puppy from chewing on unsafe objects.
Dental treats and sticks are also excellent options as they help minimise plaque buildup while being enjoyable for the puppy. A variety of chew toys, including hard, soft, and edible options, can ease your puppy’s discomfort and keep them entertained.
Let them bite on frozen treats and food
Frozen snacks can be a great way to soothe sore gums for teething puppies. Healthy options like frozen carrots or bagels are not only enjoyable but also provide a cooling effect that can relieve teething pain.
Cold items like a frozen washcloth also provide teething puppy relief. These easy-to-prepare treats can significantly help manage teething discomfort.
Give a gentle gum massage
Sometimes, all a puppy needs is a gentle gum massage to ease the soreness. It might sound odd, but massaging your puppy’s gums with a clean finger can offer a surprising amount of relief. Here’s how to do it safely:
- Wash your hands thoroughly before starting.
- Rub your finger along their gums in small, circular motions.
- Apply gentle pressure to avoid hurting them.
This simple act can help soothe their gums, making them feel calmer. Plus, it’s a great way to bond with your puppy during a time when they might be feeling a little extra needy.
How to help a teething puppy by redirecting their chewing
During the teething phase, your puppy will chew on just about anything—shoes, furniture, your favourite throw pillow. While it’s tempting to scold them, remember that chewing is their natural way of coping with the pain. Instead of scolding, try redirecting their chewing habits to more appropriate items. Here’s how to how to help a teething puppy by managing this behaviour:
- Redirection: When you catch your puppy chewing on something they shouldn’t, calmly take it away and give them a chew toy instead.
- Praise: Reward them with positive reinforcement when they chew on the right things.
- Consistency: Be consistent with this approach to help them learn faster.
Redirecting their chewing not only protects your belongings but also helps them learn what is appropriate to chew on, which will benefit them well beyond the teething stage.
Create a calm environment
A calm environment can work wonders for a teething puppy. Teething can make them feel irritable, so it’s helpful to create a quiet space where they can relax and get away from too much noise or activity:
- Set up a cosy spot with their bed, favourite toys, and a blanket.
- Use white noise or soft music to create a soothing atmosphere.
- Encourage rest, as sleep can help them recover from the stress of teething.
A little peace and quiet can go a long way in helping your puppy feel more comfortable during this challenging time.
Maintain your routine
A consistent daily schedule reduces anxiety and promotes security in teething puppies. Establishing this schedule helps them feel more secure.
A structured daily schedule reduces anxiety and instils security for teething puppies. Maintaining a routine helps manage teething pain and contributes to overall well-being.
How to help a teething puppy – dental care!
The teething puppy remedies we’ve discussed are crucial, but taking care of your puppy’s teeth during the teething phase is also essential for ensuring their long-term oral health. While it’s natural to focus on soothing their discomfort, it’s also important to set up good dental habits that will benefit them as they grow!
Start brushing early
Introducing your puppy to tooth brushing during the teething phase can help them get used to this routine. Even though they’re still growing their adult teeth, gently brushing their teeth can prevent plaque buildup and keep their gums healthy. Here are some tips for brushing your puppy’s teeth:
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush designed for dogs or a fingerbrush for better control.
- Start slowly, brushing for a few seconds at a time, and gradually increase the duration as your puppy gets comfortable.
- Never use human toothpaste, as it can be harmful to dogs. Instead, try VETIQ Enzymatic Toothpaste. It’s specially formulated and offers an advanced blend of ingredients that target oral health issues head-on. VETIQ Enzymatic Toothpaste also helps to reduce oral bacteria, clean teeth, and freshen breath, making it ideal for a teething puppy.
How to help a teething puppy – healthy dental chews!
Dental chews can be a great addition to your puppy’s routine, helping to clean their teeth naturally by reducing plaque and tartar buildup while also offering some relief from the discomfort of teething.
Healthy Treats Denti-Care Teething For Puppies are deliciously tasty treats that not only help to soothe irritated gums but also work to remove your dog’s plaque, reduce tartar, and keep their breath fresh. These treats feature a dry outer shell with a cream-filled centre containing natural chamomile, peppermint, and clove oils, which are known for their soothing properties. They help to reduce unwanted and destructive chewing by providing a comforting solution to your puppy’s dental discomfort.
Monitor for signs of dental issues
Teething can sometimes mask the signs of other dental problems, so it’s essential to keep an eye out for anything unusual. Red flags include excessive drooling, bad breath, bleeding that doesn’t subside, or a puppy that consistently refuses to eat due to mouth pain. If you notice any of these signs, it’s best to consult your vet for guidance.
How to help a teething puppy with VETIQ Teething Gel
Teething can be a tough time for both puppies and their owners, but with the right support, you can figure out how to help a teething puppy. While providing chewable toys and using DIY remedies can certainly help, sometimes a targeted solution like VETIQ Teething Gel can make all the difference in providing fast, effective puppy teething relief.
VETIQ Teething Gel is specifically designed to soothe sore gums and provide comfort during this challenging stage. Its natural ingredients—like chamomile, peppermint, and clove oils—are known for their soothing properties, helping to ease your puppy’s discomfort quickly. The gel not only helps to calm irritated gums but also reduces unwanted chewing, making it easier for you to manage your puppy’s behaviour during teething. Plus, with its easy-to-use applicator nozzle, applying the gel directly to your puppy’s gums is hassle-free.
Some of the benefits of VETIQ Teething Gel include:
- Providing fast and effective relief from teething discomfort.
- Easy application, making it perfect for busy puppy parents.
- Natural ingredients, free from sugar, artificial colours, flavours, or sweeteners.
- Suitability for puppies from as young as 4 weeks old.
By choosing VETIQ Teething Gel, you’re not just easing your puppy’s teething pain—you’re giving them the comfort they deserve during this sensitive time. Make your puppy’s teething phase as smooth and pain-free as possible, so they can get back to being their playful, happy self in no time!
