How to Ease a Puppy Through Teething

Give your puppy a toy designed to help him with teething.

Just like human babies, puppies go through a teething process that is often as uncomfortable, even painful, for them as it is for babies. At about four weeks of age, a puppy's teeth will begin to come in. These are referred to as "baby" teeth or "milk" teeth. They begin to fall out at around eight to twelve weeks of age. Teething refers to the time the adult teeth come in.

Things You'll Need

• Dog toys designed for chewing
• An old sock or towel
• Broth (chicken or beef)

Instructions

1. 

   Puppies need to chew on something to help with teething pain.

   Provide your dog with toys designed for chewing. Toys such as Kong chew toys or Nylabones are good for dogs who are teething. If you see your dog chewing on anything but the toy, bring over the toy and give it to him, swap it out for the wrong thing (a shoe or sock perhaps) and tell him "good dog." Tell him "this is your toy" and praise him lavishly.

2. Take a old sock or towel and tie a knot in it. It is important to tie a knot in it so that it does not resemble anything you might not want your puppy to chew on. Dip it in the broth and then freeze it in the freezer. This will provide a toy that will help to sooth your puppy's gums. Wash and re-use the sock/towel as needed. Toss it when it begins to fray or your dog may get the strings wrapped in his intestines.

3. Freeze some beef, chicken or vegetable broth in the freezer. You can put the broth in ice cube trays or in zip-lock baggies filled about a third of the way. Give your dog these frozen treats to chew on to ease the pain of chewing by applying ice.

4. Smear a thin layer of peanut butter on a Kong or other toy. This will encourage your puppy to chew on it. These toys are specially made for teething and chewing. There are also freeze toys you can purchase for your puppy at a pet supply store. These toys can be used over and over again.

5. Massage your puppy's gums and teeth. When she is lying on your lap or next to you, massage your puppy's gums with your finger. Keep a cup of ice water next to you to dip your finger in and massage your puppy's gums and teeth.

Tips & Warnings

• Massaging your puppy's gums and teeth will help your puppy get used to having your fingers in her mouth so that later when you need to brush her teeth, examine her gums or take something out of her mouth you can do so with no problems.

• Puppies teeth are very sharp, so stay away from cheap chew toys that will be ripped apart, they could pose a choking hazard to your puppy.

• Do not use rawhide bones, your puppy will not be able to fully digest them. Even when your puppy grows up, resist the urge to purchase rawhide bones, they can be dangerous.

References

• All About Goldens: Puppy Teething Help
• The Daily Puppy: Puppy Teething Pain

Resources

• Natural Dog Health Remedies: Dog Teething
• Muttropolis: Puppy Teething Rings