Understanding Teething Behavior in Puppies: Why They Get Bitey
Just like human infants, puppies go through a teething phase that is often marked by increased chewing and biting. This natural developmental stage can be challenging for puppy owners, but understanding the reasons behind the behaviors and knowing how to help can make a significant difference.
What is Puppy Teething?
Teething is a process where puppies lose their baby teeth and grow permanent adult teeth. Puppies start to develop their first teeth around 2 to 4 weeks of age. These are called deciduous or milk teeth, and by 6 to 8 weeks old, most puppies have all 28 of them. At this age, puppies are typically weaned and start eating solid foods.
The intense teething phase begins between 12 and 16 weeks of age when the baby teeth begin to fall out and adult teeth start to emerge. By the time a puppy is 6 to 7 months old, they usually have all 42 adult teeth.
Why Are Puppies More Bitey During Teething?
- Gum Discomfort: As teeth push through the gums, it causes irritation and soreness, prompting puppies to chew on anything to relieve the discomfort.
- Exploratory Behavior: Puppies explore the world with their mouths, and biting is part of their learning and play behavior.
- Behavioral Changes: Teething may cause minor behavior changes, including being more mouthy or nippy, especially during play.
Common Symptoms of Teething
- Increased chewing
- Drooling
- Minor gum bleeding
- Bad breath
- Reduced appetite
- Mild discomfort or irritability
These symptoms are usually mild and diminish once all adult teeth are in place. However, if severe symptoms appear, veterinary advice should be sought.
How to Help a Teething Puppy
Supporting a puppy through teething includes offering relief and preventing destructive habits. Consider the following methods:
- Chew Toys: Provide various safe and appropriate chew items like soft rubber toys, textured chews, and edible treats.
- Cold Therapy: Frozen carrots or toys can numb the gums and ease the pain.
- Avoid Hard Items: Stay away from bones, hard nylon toys, or antlers, as they can fracture teeth.
- Supervised Rope Toys: These can be helpful but should be discarded if fraying occurs.
Managing Biting and Nipping
Chewing on inappropriate items or people needs gentle correction:
- Redirect to appropriate toys with similar textures.
- Use a high-pitched “OW” or mimic a puppy yelp to startle and stop the behavior.
- Withdraw attention briefly to discourage rough play.
- Reward calm, gentle behavior consistently.
Promoting Good Dental Habits
Early dental care prevents future issues. Get your puppy used to:
- Being handled around the face and mouth
- Brushing with dog-specific toothpaste and toothbrush
- Dental chews and treats that support oral hygiene
Your veterinarian can guide you on techniques and products suitable for your puppy’s needs.
When to See a Veterinarian
While most teething cases are uneventful, some signs warrant professional attention:
- Retained baby teeth after 7 months
- Noticeable swelling or persistent bleeding
- Difficulty eating or excessive drooling
- Unusual mouth odor
Some breeds, especially brachycephalic or small breeds, are more prone to complications like retained canines, which may need surgical removal.
Conclusion
Puppy teething can be testing, but with the right strategies and plenty of patience, it’s manageable. By understanding that puppies are more bitey due to discomfort and developmental curiosity, owners can guide their pets through this crucial phase safely and effectively. Teething behaviors generally subside once adult teeth are in place, but lifelong chewing and dental care remain important aspects of canine well-being.
