Comforting and Relieving Pain:
* Cold Chews: Frozen washcloths, ice cubes wrapped in a towel, or commercially-available frozen chew toys can help soothe the gums.
* Kong Toys: Fill a Kong toy with peanut butter, yogurt, or other soft, tasty treats. This can help keep your puppy distracted and chewing in a safe way.
* Soft Food: For a few days, you can give your puppy a softer diet. Cooked chicken, rice, or commercial puppy food soaked in water are good options.
* Pain Relief: In severe cases, your vet may prescribe pain medication.
Things to Avoid:
* Hard Bones: Avoid giving hard bones or chew toys during this time. These can further irritate sore gums.
* Sharp Objects: Keep any potentially sharp objects out of reach.
* Rough Play: Avoid roughhousing or any activity that might accidentally hurt your puppy's mouth.
Important Note: If your puppy's gums are very red, swollen, or bleeding, or if they're having difficulty eating or acting lethargic, see your vet right away. They can assess the situation and determine if there's any underlying issue.