Watching your puppy grow is exciting, but teething can be a challenging phase. Just like human babies, puppies go through a teething period when their baby teeth fall out, and adult teeth grow in. At Flower Pets in Kolkata, we understand how important it is to care for your puppy during this time. Here’s everything you need to know about puppy teething to ensure your furry friend stays happy and healthy.
What Is Puppy Teething?
Teething is a natural developmental stage where your puppy’s milk teeth (deciduous teeth) fall out to make way for adult teeth. This process typically begins when your puppy is around 3 to 4 weeks old and continues until they are about 6 months old.
Puppy Teething Timeline
- Weeks 2-4: Puppies begin to grow their baby teeth.
- Weeks 4-6: All 28 baby teeth are in place.
- Weeks 12-16: Baby teeth start falling out as adult teeth push through.
- By 6 Months: Most puppies have their full set of 42 adult teeth.
Signs Your Puppy Is Teething
- Increased chewing on toys, furniture, or other objects
- Swollen or red gums
- Mild bleeding in the gums (normal during teething)
- Whining or irritability
- Loss of appetite (occasionally)
- Drooling more than usual
How to Help Your Teething Puppy
- Provide Appropriate Chew Toys: Offer your puppy durable, safe chew toys to satisfy their urge to chew and soothe their sore gums. Look for toys designed specifically for teething puppies.
- Offer Frozen Treats: Cold items, like frozen carrots or ice cubes, can provide relief to sore gums. You can also freeze wet food or dog-safe broth in ice cube trays for a tasty, soothing treat.
- Supervise Chewing: Puppies are curious and might chew on unsafe objects. Keep an eye on them and remove anything hazardous, such as electrical cords or small objects.
- Maintain Oral Hygiene: Introduce regular tooth brushing with a dog-friendly toothpaste to keep your puppy’s teeth clean and healthy as they grow.
- Avoid Punishing Chewing: Chewing is a natural part of teething, so avoid punishing your puppy for chewing. Instead, redirect their attention to appropriate toys.
When to Consult a Vet
Teething is usually a straightforward process, but sometimes complications arise. Contact your vet if you notice:
- Persistent baby teeth that don’t fall out
- Excessive bleeding or pain
- Swollen jaw or facial swelling
- Signs of infection or bad breath
By being patient and providing the right support, you can help your puppy transition through the teething phase with ease. If you’re in Kolkata and need advice or supplies for your teething puppy, contact Flower Pets at 8013988082 or visit our website.