Your Puppy and Teething

Just like human babies, puppies go through a time of teething. Puppies generally grow their baby teeth around two weeks of age and usually begin losing them a little after the last baby tooth grows in –around 12 weeks. While the permanent teeth start to come in, the puppy will experience teething symptoms such as swelling or pain and irritation.

The teething time can be very stressful for owners because a puppy will chew on everything it comes in contact with. The puppy’s baby teeth are also very sharp and can cause unintentional cuts or bite marks.

How to Handle Teething

Many pet owners have questions about how to handle their pets during teething. Some helpful tips include:

• Give your puppy items he or she is allowed to chew on. If you don’t, your puppy will chew on other items like furniture or shoes.

• To encourage your puppy to chew on the toy, you can put a small amount of peanut butter or bacon grease on the toy.

• Give your puppy ice cubes to chew on in his or her water bowl.

• You can wet a clean dishrag after dipping it in water and wringing it out. Twisting it into a tight rope and offering it to your puppy can help numb the gum pain.

• When sitting with your puppy you can help by massaging his or her gums.

Teething can last for several months but these tips can help make this time easier.

Contact Us

For more information about caring for your pet, contact your local Austin Veterinarian Clinic today.