Puppy Teething Tips

As puppies grow, they lose their milk teeth and develop adult teeth. As these adult teeth come up, they cause pain and discomfort. A puppy that is teething engages in what looks like bad behavior, but is really just a response to pain and discomfort. A teething puppy is seeking relief from the pain in its mouth. Instead of getting frustrated with the puppy, find a way to make the process more bearable to it.

  1. Keep Hard or Durable Toys on Hand

    • Puppies that are teething naturally want to chew and if they are left unattended, they happily chew on your shoes or your clothing. Buy your puppy sturdy rope toys and strong plastic toys so that they can exercise this impulse. To help your puppy distinguish what toys are appropriate for it to play with and chew up, always keep them in a low bin that your puppy can reach. Change out the toys every few weeks to keep your puppy interested.

    Crate Your Puppy

    • Crating your puppy keeps it from chewing on things in your home or damaging the furniture, and it also gives your puppy a safe place to go. The constant discomfort and irritation from teething frustrates and stresses the puppy. The crate, once lined with a comfortable warm blanket and with a few appropriate toys added, becomes a comforting, cave-like place for the puppy.

    Inhibit Biting

    • During the teething process, the puppy will naturally try to chew on you. This is inappropriate behavior, even if it has a recognized reason. If your puppy starts to chew or mouth you, give it a firm, loud "no" and give it a toy to chew on. Praise the puppy when it chews on the toy, but if it persists in trying to chew on you, walk away and ignore it.

    Chilling Toys

    • Cold brings relief to aching jaws and gums. Throw a rope toy in the freezer for half an hour or an hour and then offer it to the puppy. The cold numbs the gums and gives the puppy a new sensation with which to play.