Tips To Help Your Teething Puppy
Getting a new puppy is an awesome experience. They are absolute balls of joy and will raise your serotonin to almost dangerous levels. However, there are aspects of owning a puppy that is not all fun and games. For instance, when a pup is teething, it’s usually not the best of times. Thankfully, there are a few ways to help your canine companion get through this 3 to 4 month period.
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First off, you’ll want to determine if your pup is teething. While speaking to Martha Stewart magazine, Dr. Andrea Y. Tu, D.V.M., shared that pup parents should keep an eye out for “spot-bleeding on their chew toys.”
"Whenever you see blood, you should check with your vet, but just know this can also be a sign of teething, especially when it's just a few pink-tinged spots,” stated Dr. Tu.
Another sign that your pup may be teething is if they are gnawing on all your belongings, which is never ideal. I don’t know about you, but I don't have the money to replace all of my shoes and furniture.
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To combat this behavior, it’s best to get some good chew toys. According to AKC, you should get a toy like a Kong. To provide even more relief, consider popping the toy in the freezer before giving them to your furry friend. During a November 2022 interview with Martha Stewart magazine, behavior consultant Lauren Novack encouraged owners to “stuff Kongs with cream cheese, peanut butter, or apple sauce” before freezing them.
Novack also shared that pup parents should keep a close eye on their teething pup to prevent mishaps.
"My rule with puppies is that they explore with their mouths, so it's our job to give them things to chew on that are appropriate. As your puppy makes better choices, you can give them more access to your home,” said the behavior consultant.
There are also some tasty treats that you can give your pup to soothe their gums. (Just a quick disclaimer, be sure to talk to your vet before introducing any new food to your puppy.)
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According to DMV360, carrots straight from the fridge are great to give your pup while they are teething. A frozen fruit, like bananas, or a frozen plain bagel will also do the trick.
Have you ever had a teething puppy? Let us know in the comments below!