If you’re reading this article, then it’s obvious that you’ve welcomed a new dog. This adorable, four-legged family member is going to bring you lots of joy and happiness and a few challenges like nipping and teething.
Small puppies’ mouths have 28 tiny sharp teeth that appear to be interested in nipping at your fingers and toes. Although an annoying behaviour, it is normal for puppies and can be controlled with proper training.
Why do dogs’ teeth fall out early?
Compared to humans, puppies get their baby teeth at a far younger age – as early as two weeks. And as dogs grow, they discover their world with their mouths.
When a pup is about 3 to 4 months old, the milk teeth begin to fall out to make room for 42 adult teeth. Making room for 42 new teeth can be a painful process for your little pup – its gums can be sore.
While teething occurs, you might find your dog drooling or see little blood spots on his toys. If this happens talk to your veterinarian, considering that both signs can also be associated with more severe issues.
By the time your puppy is six months old, his toddler teeth should have fallen out. However, if you locate that some did not fall out, be sure to inform your veterinarian.
Things you can do for your pup when it’s growing a new set of teeth
The teething process may be very uncomfortable for your dog. So your task as a caring owner is to provide something your dog can bite directly into to soothe sore gums. By doing so, you’ll be preventing the pup from chewing other things at your home, like your shoes, your couch, or your youngsters’ toys.
There are rubber teething toys that you may place inside the freezer, including edible dog teething jewellery and flavoured puppy chunk toys. Of course, the pup’s teething habit depends on its size and the kind of activity they do throughout the day.
If you are confused about what kind of toys will be best for dogs, it is best to consult your veterinarian to give you the safest suggestion. for example, allowing puppies and older dogs to bite anything very hard can harm their teeth. Check the toys periodically to make sure they aren’t falling apart. Your puppy may be capable of chewing chunks off or pulling portions of fibre or stuffing from them. This can be dangerous for its health.
How to stop your dog from continuous nipping?
Puppies nip at each other playfully while they’re growing up, and now and again they don’t realise how hard they can bite another canine. If they bite too hard, other dogs will make a loud yelp, cautioning the doggy that it hurts.
You may teach your puppy that biting hurts with a noisy, high-pitched “OW” if he bites you. Then deliver him a treat or verbal praise for backing off. However, beware that some dogs get even more worked up if you yell. In this situation, turn around quietly or walk away, or gently position the pup in its crate for a couple of minutes to relax.
In the first few months when your pup is teething, keep a good eye on your dog because they have a habit of chewing everything they find around them. If you observe something unusual in their behaviour, immediately take your pup to the vet. Dog insurance will help in emergency medical situations like a stomach obstruction, to make treatment a much easier decision because you know much of the cost will be covered. Don’t forget to compare pet insurance and buy one which caters to your dog’s needs.
