Everything You Need to Know About Puppy Teething

Puppy teething can be both an exciting and challenging time for pet owners. During this stage, your puppy’s teeth will fall out, making way for their adult teeth to grow in. While it’s a natural process, it can come with discomfort for your puppy and a few surprises for you—like chewed-up shoes or furniture! In this blog, we’ll explore everything you need to know about puppy teething and how to make the process as smooth as possible for both you and your pup. If you need more information or want to schedule an appointment, give us a call at Houston Pet Dental at (832) 702-7599.

What Is Puppy Teething?

Puppy teething is a developmental stage where your puppy’s baby teeth, also known as deciduous teeth, start to fall out to make room for their adult teeth. Just like human babies, puppies are born without teeth. Around two to three weeks old, their baby teeth start coming in, and by six to eight weeks, they have a full set of 28 baby teeth. However, these teeth don’t last long.

Between three and six months of age, your puppy will begin teething, and their baby teeth will fall out as their permanent teeth grow in. By the time your puppy is about six months old, they should have their complete set of 42 adult teeth.

This process can be uncomfortable for your puppy, causing them to chew on things to relieve the pain. It’s important to understand what’s happening and how to care for your teething puppy during this time.

Signs Your Puppy Is Teething

When your puppy starts teething, you’ll notice a few changes in their behavior and habits. Some of the most common signs include:

• Excessive Chewing: Puppies chew to soothe the discomfort of their new teeth pushing through. You may find them chewing on furniture, shoes, or even your hands. Providing appropriate chew toys can help redirect this behavior.
• Red or Swollen Gums: The teething process can cause inflammation in your puppy’s gums, making them red or swollen. This is a normal part of teething, but if you notice bleeding or extreme discomfort, contact us for an evaluation.
• Drooling: Increased drooling is another sign of teething. This can sometimes be accompanied by a slight odor, but if the smell is strong or you notice other issues, it’s best to have your puppy checked by our dental team.
• Loss of Appetite: Chewing can be painful for teething puppies, which may cause them to eat less than usual. If this happens, try offering softer food, but if the loss of appetite persists, contact us to rule out any other issues.
• Whining or Irritability: Teething can be uncomfortable, and some puppies may become more irritable or whine due to the pain.

By recognizing these signs, you can better understand what your puppy is going through and how to support them during the teething process.

How to Help Your Puppy During Teething

Helping your puppy through the teething process is important to ensure their comfort and prevent unwanted chewing behaviors. Here are a few ways you can make teething easier for your puppy:

• Offer Safe Chew Toys: Providing safe and durable chew toys is one of the best ways to help your puppy. Look for toys made specifically for teething, as they are designed to be gentle on your puppy’s gums while still providing relief. Avoid giving your puppy hard objects, such as bones or toys that could damage their teeth.
• Frozen Treats: Cold items can help soothe sore gums. Try offering your puppy frozen carrots or ice cubes to chew on. You can also freeze some of their favorite toys for a few hours before giving them to your puppy. These items provide relief while being fun for your puppy to play with.
• Supervise Chewing: It’s important to monitor what your puppy is chewing on to prevent them from swallowing anything dangerous or choking on small pieces. Make sure you’re always keeping an eye on them during this stage.
• Puppy-Proof Your Home: Since puppies tend to chew on anything they can find, it’s essential to puppy-proof your home. Keep shoes, wires, and other tempting objects out of reach to avoid accidents.
• Schedule Regular Checkups: Even though teething is a natural process, it’s still a good idea to bring your puppy in for a checkup, especially if you notice any unusual symptoms like excessive bleeding, severe discomfort, or loose adult teeth. We can ensure that your puppy’s teeth are growing in properly and catch any potential problems early.

When to Be Concerned About Puppy Teething

Most puppies go through the teething process without any major issues, but there are a few situations where you should contact a vet. Some of the red flags to watch out for include:

• Retained Baby Teeth: Sometimes, a puppy’s baby teeth don’t fall out on their own, which can lead to overcrowding and other dental pain. If you notice that one of your puppy’s baby teeth is still in place while their adult teeth are coming in, give us a call. Retained baby teeth may need to be removed to prevent complications.
• Broken Teeth: Teething puppies can sometimes break their teeth while chewing on hard objects. If this happens, it’s important to have the tooth checked to prevent infection or further damage.
• Extreme Discomfort: While teething can be uncomfortable, it shouldn’t cause extreme pain. If your puppy is in severe distress, won’t eat, is excessively whining, or doesn’t like you looking in their mouth, it may be a sign of an underlying issue. Bring your puppy in for an examination to rule out other causes of pain.
• Bleeding Gums: A small amount of bleeding is normal during teething, but if you notice a significant amount of blood or if your puppy’s gums appear to be infected, it’s best to schedule an appointment. Our team can assess the situation and provide treatment if necessary.

How Puppy Teething Affects Dental Health

Teething is an important part of your puppy’s dental development. As their adult teeth come in, they’ll be the ones your dog will have for life, so it’s important to care for them properly right from the start.

• Start Brushing Early: Once your puppy’s adult teeth come in, it’s a good idea to start brushing them regularly. Use a dog-specific toothbrush and toothpaste, and begin by brushing gently to get your puppy used to the process. Regular brushing helps prevent tartar buildup, gum disease, and other dental problems down the road.
• Provide Dental Chews: Dental chews can help clean your puppy’s teeth while also satisfying their urge to chew. Look for chews approved by veterinarians that are designed to promote good oral health.
• Schedule a Dental Exam: We recommend scheduling a dental exam for your puppy once their adult teeth have fully come in. This allows us to assess the health of their teeth and gums and catch any early signs of dental disease.

Puppy teething can be a challenging time for both you and your puppy, but with the right care and attention, you can help make the process smoother. Offering appropriate chew toys, keeping an eye on your puppy’s teeth, and bringing them in for regular dental checkups are great ways to support your puppy’s dental health. If you have any concerns about your puppy’s teething or dental development, don’t hesitate to give us a call at Houston Pet Dental at (832) 702-7599 to schedule an appointment. We’re here to help your puppy grow up with strong, healthy teeth!