Puppy Teething: A Guide to Easing Discomfort

Bringing home a new puppy is an exciting experience, but teething can be a challenging stage. Just like human babies, puppies experience sore gums and an urge to chew as their teeth develop. Knowing what to expect and how to help can make this phase smoother for both you and your pup.

Puppy Teething Timeline

Puppies start teething around 3 weeks old when their baby teeth begin to emerge. By 6 weeks, they typically have all 28 baby teeth. These are gradually replaced by adult teeth between 12 and 16 weeks, and by 6 months, most puppies have their full set of 42 permanent teeth.

Signs Your Puppy is Teething

Common teething symptoms include excessive chewing, drooling, swollen gums, whining, mild bleeding, loss of baby teeth, and a reduced appetite due to gum soreness.

Ways to Soothe a Teething Puppy

Provide chew toys, frozen washcloths, or chilled treats like carrots and ice cubes to relieve gum pain. Prevent destructive chewing by keeping tempting objects out of reach, using bitter apple spray, and redirecting your pup to appropriate toys. Gentle gum massages and early dental care, such as brushing with dog-safe toothpaste, offering dental chews, and scheduling vet checkups, can also help maintain oral health.

When to Consult a Vet

Teething is natural, but if your puppy has persistent bleeding, severe swelling, retained baby teeth, foul breath, or difficulty eating, consult a vet for guidance.

Teething is a temporary but crucial phase in your puppy’s growth. With patience and the right care, your pup will develop strong, healthy teeth. Keep plenty of chew toys available, and before you know it, this stage will be over! Have a teething puppy? Share your experiences in the comments! 🐶💬 Get updated articles on Berger Blanc Suisse at www.bergerblancsuisseus.com.