Teething can be tough on puppies, and their humans too. It’s uncomfortable but with the right info, you can make this stage easier for both of you. So if you want to learn how to help a teething puppy this in-depth guide will give you simple puppy teething tips.
Find out everything you need to know and how to help a teething puppy with the right toys, treats, techniques and puppy-friendly products!
What is puppy teething?
Puppy teething is when a puppy’s baby teeth start to come through its gums. This is followed by the gradual loss of these baby teeth and the emergence of adult teeth.
For many pet owners, this can be tough as their puppies will be uncomfortable and chew, drool and get irritable. Knowing what to do for teething puppies can make all the difference in giving your furry friend the care and support they need during this critical stage.
When do puppies start teething?
Puppies start teething around 3-4 months. This starts with losing their baby teeth which usually happens between 12-16 weeks. By 6 months all their baby teeth should have fallen out and their adult teeth should be in. The teething process itself takes around 2-3 months during which time they will grow 42 adult teeth.
During this time adult dog teeth start coming in around 12 weeks. Since puppies have 28 baby teeth in total the transition to puppy teeth and adult teeth is big and can be uncomfortable for them.
Now you know the timeline you can be better prepared to give the care and comfort and explore teething puppy pain relief methods!
How long does puppy teething last?
Puppy teething is around 3-4 months and can go until the puppy is 7 months old. During this time your puppy will lose their baby teeth and grow a full set of adult teeth which can be uncomfortable.
This phase will lead to more chewing and nipping as puppies try to relieve their teething pain. Patience and understanding is key for pet owners during this time. By giving the right care and attention you can help your puppy get through this stage and have healthy adult teeth.
What are the signs of puppy teething?
Knowing the signs of puppy teething is important so you can take action to soothe your poor pup!
- Swollen, sore gums
- Excessive drooling
- Chewing everything they can get their paws on
- Irritability or restlessness
- Mild bleeding around the gums (usually not a big deal)
Now let’s get to it and find out how to help a teething puppy!
How to help a teething puppy
Teething is painful for puppies but if you’re wondering how to help a teething puppy there are many natural ways to soothe them and give them relief!
Give them toys or treats to chew
Rubber teething toys, edible puppy teething rings and flavoured chew toys are perfect for teething puppies. These toys will give them relief and also redirect their chewing habits away from your furniture and personal items. Age-appropriate toys will ensure safety and prevent them from chewing on unsafe objects.
Dental treats and sticks are also good as they will reduce plaque buildup and are fun for the puppy. A variety of chew toys including hard, soft and edible will ease the discomfort and keep them occupied.
Let them bite on frozen treats and food
Frozen snacks are a great way to soothe sore gums for teething puppies. Healthy options like frozen carrots or bagels are fun and will give a cooling effect that will relieve teething pain.
Cold items like a frozen washcloth will also give teething puppy relief. These easy-to-prepare treats will help manage teething discomfort.
Give a gentle gum massage
Sometimes all a puppy needs is a gum massage to ease the soreness. It may sound weird but massaging your puppy’s gums with a clean finger will give you surprising relief. Here’s how to do it safely:
- Wash your hands first
- Rub your finger along their gums in small circular motions
- Be gentle don’t hurt them
This will soothe their gums and make them feel better. Plus it’s a great way to bond with your puppy when they are feeling a little extra needy.
How to help a teething puppy by redirecting their chewing
During teething they will chew on everything—shoes, furniture, your favourite throw pillow. While it’s easy to scold them, remember chewing is their way of coping with the pain. Instead of scolding try redirecting their chewing habits to more appropriate items. Here’s how to help a teething puppy by managing this behaviour:
- Redirection: When you catch them 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 so they learn faster.
Redirecting their chewing will not only protect your belongings but also teach them what to chew on which will benefit them beyond teething.
Create a calm space
A calm space will work wonders for a teething puppy. Teething will make them 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 comfy space with their bed, favourite toys and a blanket.
- Use white noise or soft music to create a calming environment.
- Encourage rest, sleep will help them recover from teething stress.
A little quiet time will go a long way in helping your puppy feel better during this tough time.
Stick to your routine
A daily routine reduces anxiety and gives security to teething puppies. Having a routine will help manage teething pain and overall health.
How to help a teething puppy – dental care!
The teething puppy remedies we’ve mentioned are important but taking care of your puppy’s teeth during teething is also important for their long-term oral health. While it’s natural to focus on soothing the discomfort it’s also important to establish good dental habits that will benefit them as they grow!
Start brushing early
Introduce tooth brushing to your puppy during teething and they will get used to the routine. Even though they are still growing their adult teeth, gentle brushing will prevent plaque and keep their gums healthy. Here’s how to brush your puppy’s teeth:
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush for dogs or a finger brush for more control.
- Start slow, brush for a few seconds at a time and gradually increase as your puppy gets used to it.
Never use human toothpaste, it’s harmful to dogs. Instead, try VETIQ Enzymatic Toothpaste. It’s specifically designed and has an advanced blend of ingredients that targets oral health issues. VETIQ Enzymatic Toothpaste also reduces oral bacteria, cleans teeth and freshens breath making it perfect for a teething puppy.
How to help a teething puppy – healthy dental chews!
Dental chews can be added to your puppy’s routine to clean their teeth naturally by reducing plaque and tartar buildup and also give them relief from teething discomfort.
Healthy Treats Denti-Care Teething For Puppies are yummy treats that soothe irritated gums and remove your dog’s plaque, reduce tartar and freshen breath. These treats have a dry outer shell with a cream-filled centre containing natural chamomile, peppermint and clove oils which are known for their soothing properties. They will reduce unwanted and destructive chewing by providing a solution to your puppy’s dental discomfort.
Check for dental problems
Teething can mask other dental problems so it’s best to keep an eye out for anything unusual. Red flags are excessive drooling, bad breath, bleeding that doesn’t stop or a puppy that won’t eat because of mouth pain. If you see any of these signs, consult your vet for advice.
How to help a teething puppy with VETIQ Teething Gel
Teething is tough 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 DIY remedies can help, sometimes a targeted solution like VETIQ Teething Gel can make all the difference in giving fast and effective teething relief to your puppy.
VETIQ Teething Gel is designed to soothe sore gums and give comfort during this tough stage. Its natural ingredients – chamomile, peppermint and clove oils – are known for their soothing properties and will ease your puppy’s discomfort fast. The gel will calm irritated gums and reduce unwanted chewing so you can manage your puppy’s behaviour during teething. Plus with the easy-to-use applicator nozzle, you can apply the gel directly to your puppy’s gums with ease.
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 relieving your puppy’s teething pain you’re giving them comfort during this vulnerable 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!
