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Dogs will experience two teething phases in its life: the growth of the puppy teeth and the sprouting of the adult daggers. Both of these periods will bring discomfort and pain on your pooch. Also, mouthing and chewing will be more rampant as the pooch tries to soothe its sore gums. This makes many pet owners ask: what can I give my dog for teething pain?
For this post, we will help you get through the teething phase and what you can do to help your dog.
Is my dog teething already?
Imagine a teething baby – that’s exactly how your pup will be like once its daggers start to grow. It’s a painful process, which leads dogs to bite and chew things. Unfortunately, some dog owners perceive this as a behavioral problem.
So is your dog teething? If you’re a first-time canine owner, the following signs will help you determine if your pup’s little daggers are coming out:
*Blood spots on toys
*Increased chewing and drooling
*Sore and bleeding gums
*Decreased appetite
*Missing teeth (for second teething phase)
*Grumpy mood
If you notice these symptoms on your pet, don’t panic because you can do something. Below, we discussed some soothing solutions you can give your dog.
The teething timeline
The two teething phases of your pooch will take place within the first six months of its life. So if you adopted an older dog, you’re safe from this challenge. But for pet owners with young pups, it’s a must to know this teething timeline:
*0 to 2 weeks
There are no teeth yet, and the pup is still nursing from its mother together with its litter.
*3 to 4 weeks
At this point, the onset of the first teething phase occurs. You can see tiny, rice grain-like protrusions on your dog’s gums. For the next four weeks, your dog will be very irritated and grumpy. As the puppy teeth sprouts, it causes the gums to swell and ache.
*8 weeks
By this time, all the 28 itty-bitty puppy teeth should be in place. Your doggo will also bite you playfully or nibble on your toes.
*4 to 5 months
After a two-month respite, your pet will enter the second teething phase. By this time, their puppy teeth will start to fall off. This will be a painful experience, which is also accompanied by bleeding and sore gums.
*5 to 7 months
At this period, the adult daggers will start to grow. The first to sprout are the incisors followed by the canines and premolars. The molars are the last to come out. Again, this phase is mired with intense chewing and biting.
*6 months
Once your dog reaches its 6th month, you should book an appointment with the vet. This is so your dog will be checked for crooked teeth and other needed corrections before the adult teeth set in permanently.
*7 months
By this time, all the 42 adult daggers should be in place.
Potential dog teething problems
If the biting and nibbling aren’t enough of suffering, your dog may also encounter some problems while teething. The following are some of the potential issues:
*Jaw misalignment
Breeds with short muzzles like Pugs, Pit Bulls, Boxers, and Bulldogs, may experience jaw misalignment. It happens in the form of extreme underbite and overbite. Nevertheless, it can be corrected as long as you bring your dog to a vet before the permanent teeth sets in.
*Crooked teeth
This is common among canines when two teeth direct into one spot. It can also happen if a puppy tooth remained attached to the gums while the adult teeth grow. It’s easy to spot crooked teeth, and once you notice one on your dog, consult with a vet right away.
*Cracked teeth
Cracked or broken teeth may happen if your pooch chews on a very stiff material. When the tooth cracks, it may expose the nerve on the gums, which will lead to potential infections. Also, your dog will find it difficult to eat with cracked teeth.
*Puppy teeth not falling off
During the onset of the second teething phase, it’s possible that a puppy tooth may not fall off. This will cause crooked teeth and poor jaw alignment. Such puppy teeth have to be removed right away even before all the adult teeth come out. If not, it will block the growth of adult teeth, which will lead to the damage of the new teeth.
*Tartar buildup
Because your dog experiences pain due to teething, it can be difficult to brush their teeth. Failure to remove food bits in their mouth could lead to tartar buildup. Over time, this can cause gingivitis and tooth decay.
Should I see the vet?
Yes, you should bring your dog to the vet several times during the teething phase. This way, you can address any problems with the new teeth while arresting possible infections.
A veterinarian can also advise you on how to address teething problems. Also, take note that puppies may have a slight fever while teething. If the temperature climbs too high, it’s best to seek the attention of a vet right away.
As much as bleeding gums is normal during teething, you should be alarmed if you see pools of blood anywhere. This could be a sign of an infection or a serious dental problem.
Also, if you’re planning to give a home remedy, it’s best to ask the vet first. This way, you can assess the risks and benefits of the solution you have in mind.
What can I give my dog for teething pain?
Aside from the discomfort it could bring to dogs, teething will also stress pet owners. The biting, nibbling and destructive chewing can be tedious. Aside from that, it can be dreading to see your pooch suffer from the pain.
Below are some of the things you can give to your dog to soothe its gums. Paired with veterinary advice, the following tips should make teething less burdensome for you and your pooch.
-Give the right chew toys
Chew toys are necessary, so your dog won’t abuse its tiny daggers on stiff surfaces. However, you should choose the right stiffness to suit your dog’s age.
For teething puppies, plush chew toys are ideal. Since their puppy teeth are still small, it’s unlikely that they can shred this toy. Also, the softness of the toy will protect their sensitive gums from injuries.
For pups, we commend the Aipper Toy Set. It has various ropes and knots as well as plush toys that your doggo can chew on without hurting their gums.
For dogs teething for their adult daggers, the KONG Chew Toy is an ideal choice. This classic KONG toy has a hollow center where you can stuff frozen carrots and cold peanut butter. Your teething pooch will surely spend a great deal of time gnawing this long-lasting toy.
-Frozen chews are a big help
A great pair among commercial chew toys is frozen treats. For those on a budget, ice cubes can go a long way. The cold temperature can soothe sore gums, and it will also abate the bleeding. You can put carrot slices on the freezer as a treat later on. You can also purchase dental chews that your freeze.
-Try soothing herbs
If your dog is in great discomfort, you can consider giving some herbs. But before you do so, always consult with a vet first to prevent any untoward side effects. The likes of lavender and chamomile are excellent in soothing sore gums.
You can make tea out these leaves and adding ice cubes on it. Give your dog a small amount of this soothing tea on its dish. Aside from the cold drink, the antibacterial and antiseptic properties of chamomile and lavender will reduce the pain your dog is experiencing.
If there are leftovers, you can freeze it into cubes and give it as a treat to your teething pup.
-Don’t let them chew on furniture
Teething dogs will chew anything to soothe their dental discomfort. This means they may chew on hard surfaces like wood and plastic. As much as it will give them temporary relief, it will also injure their gums and give way to infection.
Again, it’s best to purchase chew toys so your doggo will vent their chewing habits into safer surfaces.
-Put up baby gates
For adventurous pups who like giving every furniture in the house a quick bite, baby gates come handy. This way, you can isolate the pooch to a specific area of the house during the teething period. This will also save you from the stress of wondering what your pet is chewing next.
If you have big and strong pups, look for a taller and durable gate. This will allow you to leave your pup without supervision if you have to finish some chores.
Even if your pup is restricted to a specific spot in your house, make sure that you supply it with toys and treats. You should also puppy-proof by removing valuables than may suffer the wrath of your doggo’s new daggers.
However, avoid giving small toys to your pooch if you’ll leave them unsupervised. This is to prevent choking.
-Prevent gum infections
Your dog is at a high risk of developing gum infections over the course of teething. As each tooth falls, it opens the gums for bacteria and fungus to attack. When infections occur, your dog will experience more discomfort.
Take note that dental problems can lead to heart complications. So if you notice that your pooch has gum infections, visit the vet to have it treated right away.
-Give the right diet
Even if your pooch is experiencing problems with its teeth, it should still eat right. Proper nutrition is much needed during teething to ensure that your pup has a strong immune system to fight off infections.
A healthy and balanced diet should be given to dogs, specific to their age. Also, get your dog used to brushing after the day’s last meal. This way, you won’t find it hard to groom them as adults.
-Be patient
Teething can be an excruciating process for both the owners and their dogs. But no matter how whiny and grumpy your pup becomes, always practice patience. This is a normal process which will be over after six months. Besides, your dog didn’t want to suffer from the pain either.
If you’re in doubt, a veterinarian can help you out. It’s always best to seek the help of a professional when it comes to your dog’s health.
In this video, dog trainer Robert Haussmann tells us more how to help teething dogs:
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do dogs lose teeth as they get older?
A: Yes, just like humans, dogs may lose their adult teeth for a variety of reasons. It could be due to tooth decay, accident, and so on.
Q: Can a dog die from bad teeth?
A: A tooth infection can branch out to serious health problems if not treated right away. Bacteria can enter the bloodstream through an opening on a bad tooth. From there, it will travel to the internal organs and cause complications.
Q: Can you use baby teething gel on puppies?
A: As long as the teething gel is made specifically for dogs, it will help soothe a pup’s gums. Usually, these products have peppermint, chamomile, and clove oils that will ease the pain in the mouth.
Q: Does teething make puppies sleepy?
A: It’s not teething itself, but the discomfort that makes puppies sleepy during teething. These pooches lose sleep at night and become irritated. This will make them tired quickly, which explains the sleepiness during the day. Also, some pups lose their appetite, which makes them appear weak.
Final words
What can I give my dog for teething pain? We receive this question often from distraught pet owners. As much as teething can be worrisome, there are some methods you can do to soothe your puppy. Besides, you can always tap the help of a veterinarian. Is your dog teething? How are things going? Let us know below!
