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Between the 4th and 6th months of age, puppies or young dogs undergo teething. This process brings about certain behavioral changes and discomforts, which can be puzzling, especially for first-time dog owners. Here, you’ll find out what home remedies and chew toys can help and what to pay attention to during your dog’s teething phase.

1. Symptoms of Puppy Teething
   1. Tip #1: Choose Puppy-Friendly Chew Toys
   2. Tip #2: Offer Cooling Chew Toys
   3. Tip #3: Give Your Puppy Rest
   4. Tip #4: Choose Soft, Easy-to-Digest Food
   5. Tip #5: Check Your Puppy’s Teeth Daily
   6. Tip #6: Support Your Puppy’s Gut Health
2. When to Visit the Veterinarian for Teething
3. Puppy Teething – Not Just Hard for Dogs

Symptoms of Puppy Teething

Apart from loose baby teeth, teething in puppies often comes with other issues that can affect both the dog and the owner. These include:

• Fatigue
• Diarrhea
• Increased body temperature, even fever
• Increased desire to chew
• Excessive drooling
• Decreased appetite or refusal to eat

Teething from baby teeth to permanent teeth is demanding on the body and can lead to a general weakening. It’s important to make life easier for your dog during this time.

Tip #1: Choose Puppy-Friendly Chew Toys

When puppies are teething, their gums itch, swell, and hurt, and some teeth may be hanging on by a “loose thread.” During teething, puppies tend to have an increased need to bite and chew. Both of these actions massage the gums and can help loosen and remove baby teeth, which in turn relieves discomfort. Additionally, chewing and biting can keep them distracted.

Good options are:

1. Fabric tug toys: These are durable yet soft, can be rinsed off after they’ve been slobbered on, and even cooled in the fridge or freezer. You can also use them for engaging games if your teething puppy enjoys them.
2. Rabbit ears: Whether with or without fur, these chew items are perfect for puppies. They are light, soft, and thin.
3. Calf bladders: Here, we’re referring to whole dried calf bladders (not the twisted chew sticks). A full calf bladder is about the size of a handball or volleyball, thin, elastic, and surprisingly tough. Puppies, especially those of smaller or medium-sized breeds, may take hours or even days to completely chew through them.

Tip #2: Offer Cooling Chew Toys

During teething, puppies may not feel like chewing at all. This is understandable, as the transition to permanent teeth can be very painful and may lead to inflammation or injuries in the mouth. During these phases, it’s best to provide something cooling for your dog. Suitable options include:

1. Carrots or cucumbers: Place the vegetables in the fridge to enhance the cooling effect. These water-rich chews are low-calorie, inexpensive, and healthy.
2. Ice: Making dog ice treats is super easy. You can also freeze a lick mat. The licking cools your dog’s oral mucosa and alleviates the pain associated with teething.
3. Frozen Kong: Freezing a filled Kong will keep most dogs entertained for a longer period. Suitable fillings include special pastes, yogurt, or liverwurst. Besides the tasty filling, the rubber of the Kong helps cool the gums.
4. Teething rings: Rubber teething rings and toys for dogs can be placed directly in the fridge or freezer, without preparation or treats, and offered to your puppy. They are easy to clean and are a good choice if your dog experiences diarrhea during teething.
5. Chilled fabric pieces: Wet a washcloth, towel, or old T-shirt and freeze it. Clean, cold fabric pieces are a quick and simple remedy if you don’t have other cooling options available. Be mindful that your dog doesn’t chew or tear off pieces and swallow them, as this can pose a risk of intestinal blockage.

Tip #3: Give Your Puppy Rest

Some puppies lose their baby teeth suddenly, and the permanent teeth come through without anyone noticing. Others, however, may appear sick, tired, or irritable.

If your puppy falls into the second category, give them more rest. Focus on relaxed walks and ensuring your dog gets some exercise. Avoid intense training or exciting outings for a while.

Tip #4: Choose Soft, Easy-to-Digest Food

Many dog owners report that their puppies suddenly reject their usual food or develop diarrhea from something they previously tolerated well. The biggest complaints and loss of appetite usually occur with dry food.

Before you jump into a complete diet change and a series of vet visits, remember the teething phase!

Teething can make eating difficult and impact the stomach and intestines. Have you ever had significant tooth pain or gum inflammation? You probably didn’t feel like eating crackers or caramel candies. If your stomach also feels upset, your appetite likely takes a hit too.

For overall well-being, opt for soft food and, if necessary, a bland diet. Light, appetite-boosting meals are better for dogs during teething.

Tip #5: Check Your Puppy’s Teeth Daily

In my 40 years of dog ownership, I’ve seen it all. Some dogs undergo teething without any problems, while others struggle with it for months.

I strongly recommend daily teeth checks during this time, as:

1. Problems are noticed faster: Is your dog suffering from a painful infection? Is a tooth wobbly and already digging into the gums or tongue? The sooner you spot such issues, the sooner you can address them.
2. You can relieve discomfort early: Swelling, redness, or a loose tooth that pokes into the gums causing bleeding – daily checks help catch these problems. Numbing gels, cooling teething rings, ice, disinfection, or tooth extractions can alleviate pain and remove the issue.
3. You prevent misalignments or tooth damage: If a baby tooth doesn’t fall out on its own, it can lead to serious consequences, like infections, abscesses, or misalignments. If the permanent tooth pushes through despite the baby tooth, it increases the risk of tartar and cavities. By checking the teeth daily, you can remove the problem tooth early and address or correct other issues.

Tip #6: Support Your Puppy’s Gut Health

If teething is causing your puppy to suffer from diarrhea, this is usually not a major concern. As the baby teeth loosen and fall out while the 42 permanent teeth come through, the body releases prostaglandins, which are partly responsible for diarrhea.

However, in very slim and/or sensitive dogs, repeated diarrhea can become problematic. Perenterol or Dia Tabs are gentle solutions. Both help rebuild the gut flora and are helpful even after prolonged diarrhea.

When to Visit the Veterinarian for Teething

Teething in puppies can be completely smooth, or it may cause ongoing issues for months. Smaller breeds, in particular, often experience more significant discomfort. If your dog falls into the category of those with severe issues, a visit to the vet is recommended when:

• Fever lasts more than one day
• Persistent or severe diarrhea occurs
• Your dog refuses to eat
• Severe infections or swelling are present
• Baby teeth don’t fall out by the age of 7 months

If you’re unsure about pulling a very loose and bothersome tooth or if your dog refuses, a vet visit is wise to prevent further complications.

Puppy Teething – Not Just Hard for Dogs

During teething, dogs tend to chew and bite more. Create a safe area for your puppy that’s free of valuable or dangerous items. Also, regularly offer alternatives like chew toys or chews to support teething and protect your furniture, clothing, and limbs.