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The Tooth (truth) about Teething

Posted on April 14 2021

One of life's greatest joys is bringing home your new little fluff ball. There are the puppy cuddles and the boundless energy and not to mention watching them discovering the world all while wagging their precious little tails. Puppies will experience growing pains however and teething is unfortunately one of them. If your puppy is going for the furniture, your much beloved sheepskin slippers or even starting to gnaw on his bedding -  teething could be to blame!


When Do Puppies Start Teething?


Milk Teeth

Puppies start to get their little rice like sharpies at about 5 - 8 weeks of age and we call these milk teeth. These are the equivalent to baby teeth and can be uncomfortable when coming through. This is also the time where your pup will start to chew so it’s important to give your pup things to chew on like toys to encourage good behaviour.



Losing Baby Teeth

At about 12 - 13 weeks your puppies milk teeth will start to fall out and be replaced by their new adult chompers, this process usually starts with the incisors.This process can last a few months and can be particularly uncomfortable for your wee bundle of joy. As you can imagine the space where there were about 28 tiny teeth now has to make room for 42 big teeth! This increase in dental activity, makes them want to chew on everything


Molars

At 16 weeks your fur baby should have the adult molars coming through which is the last of the teeth to arrive. You should find that your puppy now has all their new adult chompers with their teething process complete. This is a good time to inspect your pooches teeth making sure they are straight, no overbite and not crooked and if you find any of these issues it’s best to get it sorted with your veterinarian as they can cause real issues later in your dog's life.

Common Problems with Teething?


Nipping

It is normal behaviour for your puppy to mouth at everything including bedding, other litter mates or your hands. When your pup bites hard on your hand or skin make a loud “ouch” noise or sharp whimper that signals to your puppy that you have been hurt. 

You will then want to swap your hand for a toy so your puppy knows what he is allowed to play rough with and what his isn't. This is particularly important if you have small children.Teaching your puppy “off” with a treat as a reward is also positive reinforcement and we are never short of treats at Pet Connect.


Chewing

Have you lost one of your new Nike air max? Has your favourite macrame couch cushion been ripped to pieces? Your puppy is chewing to relieve pressure on the gums and massage their mouths. 


So how can we minimize the destruction your cute little cherub creates? - Having a great range of toys with different textures and materials - Crate training, or isolating in a pen away from all the homes chewy attractions and appeals. - Taking responsibility for your belongings by keeping them away from your pup and discouraging them when they go near them - Stop Chew sprays are great for areas your dog revisits - Giving your puppy plenty of mental and physical stimulation 


Pain

Some puppies will bleed onto their toys or excessively drool, these are good indications that your pup is in pain. Sometimes your furry companion won’t want to eat their food. If your pup is hesitant to eat try feeding cold wet food, or slightly cold or semi frozen raw chicken mince. Having a good range of chew toys and treats not only helps with pain but also keeps them stimulated and preoccupied. 


Our Favourite Teething products



Venison Ears

Most ears, hooves, snouts and bully sticks are great natural New Zealand made options for your puppies to chew on. Venison ears are our favourite for puppies because they are slightly softer and lower in fat than other options. 




Bulls Chews

100% Natural and 100% NZ Made Bulls Chews are dried bull's pizzle that can last between 40 mins - 1 week depending on the size of the dog. These long lasting chew options are fully digestible and the chewy texture is great for massaging the gums and teeth.



Nylabone



Nylabone Puppy Starter Kit

The Nylabone Puppy Starter Kit includes a soft plastic Puppy Bone for teething puppies before they get any permanent teeth, a Nylabone Dura Chew chicken-flavoured bone for powerful puppies starting to get their permanent teeth, and a Healthy Edibles bacon-flavoured bone that is completely edible and recommended for puppies 6 months and older. 





Nylabone Puppy Teething Keys 

The Teething Keys  made from inert soft thermoplastic polymer to satisfy the chewing instinct of teething puppies, and encourage non-destructive chewing.



Kong Puppy 

The Kong Puppy is made from a softer rubber than its classic and extreme counterparts. Designed to meet the needs of a puppy’s 28 baby teeth, it helps teach appropriate chewing behaviour, while offering enrichment and satisfying a younger pup’s instinctual needs. Putting peanut butter inside or your puppy’s favorite treats keep them occupied and mentally  stimulated which will keep those wandering eyes off your favourite rug. You can even pop in foam treats and nut butters and throw it in the freezer for a cooling effect on your puppies teeth.




Rope Chewers

Rope toys are great for teeth as your pups teeth slide in between the rope fibres while withstanding a certain amount of chew. Pro tip is to soak the rope toy in water and freeze it. The cooling effect is great for when those baby teeth are popping through and will offer some kind of relief to sore gums.



Deer Antlers

For a New Zealand made treat that provides your four-legged with a natural long lasting chew treat, antlers can be a fantastic option. Antlers have high levels of natural vitamins and minerals and are great for gnawing on and improving dental health. The perfect option for teething puppies as it aids in massaging the gum bed and providing a hardy material for young milk teeth.


Teething is a natural and necessary process for every growing puppy dog and with appropriate toys, chews and introducing good dental habits can make it an easy transition for you and your pup. If your couch or favourite shoes sadly become a casualty, take it on the chin! I am sure they were not as nearly as cute as your new adorable whelper.

Jessa & Rollo Pooch

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