Puppy teething
Puppies Teeth
The first baby teeth to come in are the canine teeth. These are the longer teeth on each side in the front of their mouth, which erupt around 3 or 4 weeks of age. The incisors, (tiny teeth in front) and the premolars, (larger side teeth), start coming in about 4 -6 weeks of age. The pups should have all their baby teeth by the age of 8 weeks, which total 28 baby teeth.
As most of you may know, puppy teeth are sharp as little needles when they are young. That is why people will start puppies on a gruel or mushy food about 3 weeks old. It makes life a little easier for the bitch, as the pups teeth will soon become uncomfortable for her. When this food is offered to the pups, it makes weaning the pups easier.
At or about 4 – 5 months old, the pups will begin shedding their baby teeth. By age 7 – 8 months, all the permanent incisors, canines, premolars and molars should be in. Most adult dog breeds have a total of 42 permanent teeth.
Puppy Teething
All puppies love to chew. They chew on things because it eases the discomfort of teething and they chew too, out of boredom. You may have noticed that the pups chew on or “mouth” each other. This is a form of playing with each other. When they are young it is natural for them to chew on things as they explore the new world. That’s just part of being a puppy and will continue as he grows and matures.
Although at a certain point in his life, he must learn, especially with his sharp teeth, that chewing on everything is not acceptable and must be taught to chew only on certain things like his toys and not to “nip” our hands or face. To train your pup to stop “nipping,” you can say the word, “no” in a stern voice and stop playing with him for a minute or two. He will learn over time, that you don’t like this ‘rough playing’ and will stop doing it.
I know that your first thought when the pup nips at your face or hands, would be to slap the pups mouth because it hurt you and you want to let the pup know that it hurt. This will only make matters worse. Hitting or slapping a pup or adult dog could lead to making him aggressive or even become hand shy, (meaning that if you raise your hand toward him, even if it’s to pet him, he will back up or cower down because he is afraid you might hit him).
This is why you need patience, time and love, to raise well-adjusted puppies that will do well when they go out into this big wide world, and not be afraid of anything or anybody.
Tips
For puppy teething, try giving your pup a large carrot to chew on to help relieve sore teething gums, or freeze a wet rope toy, as this would ease the pain of teething with a cooling effect on the gums. Try freezing beef broth in ice cube trays and giving him one to chew on. Also, puppy teething toys can be bought in Pet stores.
To help keep the pup (or adult dog), from getting bored, or from chewing on things he is not suppose to, let him have plenty of playtime and exercise.
Give the pup (and adult dog), plenty of safe toys to chew on. Never give him toys that pieces could be chewed off and swallowed. I found the safest toys for my dogs are Kong toys. Kong toys can also be filled with treats that could keep the dogs busy for hours, and they come in all sizes.
Always puppy proof your house. Keep electrical cords out of their reach. Basically – anything that doesn’t belong on the floor or in his reach should be picked up (pens, paperclips, pencils, TV remotes, garbage, medicine bottles, etc.), and use a baby gate because this will keep him out of any area you don’t want him in.