When your puppy is 3 to 4 months old, they will lose their baby
teeth and new, permanent teeth will begin to emerge. As you might
imagine, this process can cause swelling, redness, and
irritation, and your puppy will seek out ways to soothe the pain.
The most common behavior? Chewing, and not always on items that
are appropriate.There are plenty of stories of pups chomping on
shoes, gnawing the sofa, and nibbling on the molding, but
fortunately, there are things you can do to help soothe your
palโs pain and protect your belongings in the process.
1. Provide One or Two Appropriate Chews
If you donโt give your pup something to chew on, they will find
something to chew on. Instead of leaving your buddy to their own
devices, offer them a chew or two --
and only a chew or two. If you offer your puppy too many options,
it will make it difficult for them to distinguish between what is
appropriate to chew on around the house and what isnโt. You can
entice your puppy to chew their new toys by smearing a bit of
peanut butter on them. And remember to supervise your puppy when
they are chewing, especially if they are munching on something
like a bully
stick or rawhide that
can break into small pieces.
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2. Freeze To Ease
Frozen items help to soothe teething mouths by numbing sore gums
and reducing inflammation. Offer your puppy an ice cube, wet down
a rag, twist it into a knot, and freeze it to create a satisfying
toy, or freeze a carrot and let the your pal munch on it. Carrots
are rich in Vitamin A and Potassium and make a great snack, but
because they are also high in fiber, you should feed them in
moderation to avoid an upset stomach.
3. Puppy-Proof Your House
Even if you offer your pup lots of safe and healthy chews, they
may occasionally still look for other things to nibble on.
Puppy-proof your house to make
sure that they wonโt ingest anything harmful, such as poisonous
foods or loose items on tables or shelves. You should also hide
electrical cords, which if chewed on could be fatal. If you want
to teach your puppy not to chew on something in particular,
consider purchasing some Bitter
Apple Spray. Bitter Apple Spray is a non-toxic, odorless
formula that can be sprayed directly onto furniture or items that
your pup is likely to go after. The taste is terrible to a dog,
so chances are they wonโt go back for a second bite.
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4. Monitor Your Pupโs Teeth
Teething usually lasts a few weeks to a month (youโll get through
it!), and you should keep an eye on your pupโs teeth and take
them for a vet visit during the process to ensure that all of the
new teeth are coming in appropriately. Retained deciduous teeth
can cause problems down the road, and it is better to catch the
issue early than face the medical and financial consequences
later.---How do you help your puppy with teething? Leave a
comment and let us know, and consider signing up for PetPlus to save on your pet's
medications, supplies, boarding, and more.
Caring for the Teeth of Your Pup
If you havenโt noticed, your pup has teeth and those teeth need
to be cared for. What a lot of dog owners donโt realize is that
their pups need proper dental care. Dental health has an impact
on the pupโs overall health. Your pup may not be able to
communicate his/her needs to you and because of that, they often
suffer in silence. Poor dental health can lead to many
complications. For example, the bacteria in the mouth can enter
your pupโs bloodstream and cause cardiovascular issues. In fact,
it can even affect the liver and kidneys. According to a survey,
around 85% of dogs above the age of 4 suffer from periodontal
disease. Periodontal disease refers to a range of oral health
conditions that can lead to infection and teeth loss. It is also
a highly painful condition.This is exactly why your pup needs
oral and dental care. So, to help you, weโve listed out a few
helpful tips and suggestions.
Getting started
The first step is obviously to get your pup used to you handling
his/her mouth. This will get him accustomed to the brushing and
cleaning and you wonโt have trouble even when the little guy/gal
grows up. There isnโt a specific time or hour to start the
process. You could just try to open his/her mouth or place your
hand over his/her muzzle when he/she snuggles up to you. Try to
talk to your pup in a loving and friendly tone when you are doing
this. Offer some praise and share treats. This will help your pup
think that thereโs something good going on and he/she wonโt
resist later. Do this as often as possible.
The basics
Once your pup gets used to you handling his/her mouth, you can
start off with some basic dental care.First off, you will need to
brush your pupโs teeth. This will help prevent issues such as
tar-tar. Try doing this on a weekly basis. Always approach your
pup, when he/she is calm and relaxed. Start off by using your
fingers and then, move onto using a brush. You can also consult
your vet on brushing techniques.The next step is to include some
oral care foods. You can start by feeding him/her premium pet
food that is kibbled and firm. Such foods will offer protection
against plaque formation because of the abrasive properties they
possess. In fact, some premium pet foods are made for this very
purpose. Similarly, there are dental treats that freshen up your
pupโs breath and prevent plaque. Plus, these treats are
flavorful, which makes things even simpler. Just hand out one or
two and your pup isnโt likely to refuse. Finally, take your pup
to the vet for periodical examinations and cleaning. Talk to your
vet about the visit schedule.
