
Teething is a natural but sometimes uncomfortable phase in a puppy’s life. As their baby teeth fall out and adult teeth grow in, they experience sore gums and an irresistible urge to chew. Helping your puppy through teething requires patience, understanding, and the right chew options to provide relief while preventing destructive behaviors. By choosing safe and effective solutions, you can make this stage more comfortable for both your puppy and yourself.
Understanding the Teething Process
Most puppies begin teething around three weeks of age, but it becomes most noticeable between three and six months when adult teeth start replacing baby teeth. This phase can last until about eight months old. During this time, puppies may drool more, chew excessively, and even have swollen gums. If not properly managed, they might resort to chewing on furniture, shoes, or anything within reach. Helping your puppy through teething involves providing appropriate chew toys and treats to ease discomfort and prevent unwanted behaviors.
Safe and Soothing Chew Options
Choosing the right chew options is crucial for helping your puppy through teething. The best toys and treats should be durable, safe, and designed to provide gum relief while satisfying their need to chew.
1. Soft Rubber Chew Toys
Rubber chew toys designed for teething puppies provide gentle resistance that massages sore gums while being durable enough to withstand chewing. Some options can be stuffed with treats to encourage positive chewing behavior. Great choices include:
- Kong Puppy Toy
- Nylabone Teething Pacifier
- West Paw Zogoflex
2. Freezable Chew Toys
Cold temperatures help numb sore gums, making freezable chew toys an excellent choice. These toys can be soaked in water or broth before freezing to provide additional relief. Some options include:
- PetSafe Chilly Bone
- Nylabone Chill & Chew
- A damp washcloth twisted and frozen as a DIY solution
3. Edible Teething Treats
Soft, digestible treats help satisfy your puppy’s urge to chew while providing relief for sore gums. Choose natural, safe options that won’t splinter or pose choking hazards. Some popular choices include:
- Frozen baby carrots
- Bully sticks
- Himalayan yak chews
4. Rope Toys
Rope toys provide a textured surface that gently scrubs teeth and massages gums. They also help puppies develop strong jaw muscles. Always supervise rope toy playtime to ensure your puppy doesn’t swallow loose threads. Good options include:
- Mammoth Flossy Chews
- Booda Fresh N Floss
5. Soft Plush Toys
While plush toys aren’t suitable for heavy chewers, they can provide comfort for teething puppies. Some are designed with textured surfaces for gentle chewing. Consider options like:
- KONG Cozie Dog Toy
- SmartPetLove Snuggle Puppy
What to Avoid During Teething
Not all chew toys and treats are safe for puppies. Some can cause choking, digestive issues, or even dental damage. Avoid:
- Hard bones or antlers that can break puppy teeth
- Rawhide chews, which pose a choking risk and digestive problems
- Plastic toys that can break into sharp pieces
- Household items like shoes, socks, and furniture that reinforce bad chewing habits
Tips for Managing Puppy Teething
Helping your puppy through teething is about more than just providing chew toys. Here are some additional tips to make the process smoother:
- Supervise your puppy to prevent them from chewing unsafe objects
- Rotate toys to keep them engaged and interested
- Encourage good behavior by rewarding appropriate chewing with praise or treats
- Use frozen treats to provide additional gum relief
- Redirect chewing when they try to gnaw on furniture or personal items
Conclusion
Teething is a temporary but essential phase in your puppy’s development. Helping your puppy through teething with safe and soothing chew options will ensure they stay comfortable while learning healthy chewing habits. By providing appropriate toys, treats, and supervision, you can guide them through this stage with minimal stress and a happy, well-adjusted pup. Petsdogpuppy