Just like human babies, puppies are born with no teeth! Their first set of milk teeth grown between 3-4 weeks of age. These fall out when your pup is around 4-5 months to make room for adult teeth. The teething process should be done by the time your puppy is seven months old, and by this stage, your puppy should have 42 teeth. Although this process can vary from breed to breed, the teething process may cause discomfort to your pup during this time.
What to expect when your pup is teething:
- Red, inflamed gums
- Drooling and bad breath
- Increased chewing behaviour
- Bleeding gums - a small amount of bleeding is normal. Excessive bleeding should be checked with the vet.
- Decreased appetite - puppies may eat slower or less because of the discomfort they experience.
- Lower mood - some puppies may whine or be more irritable than usual
What to do for your pup:
- Chewing is the most obvious sign that your pup is teething. Bored, teething puppies will turn to shoes and table or chair legs because they're low to the ground. To help them not alleviate the discomfort they experience in their jaw, but to also avoid them from chewing on your favorite shoe (or even worse electrical cords or cables), its best to provide specifically designed chew toys. Sturdy rubber toys, nylon bones, bully sticks, and other chews make a great choice for teething puppies because they are safe and long-lasting.
- Cold Chews. You may also opt for dog toys that can be frozen. The coldness can greatly help in soothing the aching gums and teeth of your pup.
- Another important aspect is adequate nutrition. Ensure your puppy has a healthy and balanced diet not only for the teething process but to ensure good health for the years to come!
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