Young pups usually start teething when they are three to four weeks old. They grow 20 baby teeth before their adult teeth set in. And this process begins at six to eight weeks old. However, some puppies start teething earlier than others. The rate at which teething starts is dependent on their individual growth.
When their first teeth start popping through the gums, they get the urge to chew a variety of objects that gives them a soothing sensation. However, the things they are chewing may or may not be suitable for putting in the pet’s mouth. As a result, your pet may show signs of indigestion or vomit.
What are the Common Teething Problems in Dogs?
Most pups experience a mild discomfort and some drooling when their teeth are coming out. But in extreme cases, problems can arise with your puppy during teething, such as:
- Loose stool or diarrhea and vomiting are typical when your puppy chews on things they shouldn’t. However, indigestion can also be caused due to teething discomfort.
- Soreness in the gums.
How to Relieve Your Dog from Teething Issues?
Try some simple, natural remedies to ease your pup’s discomfort, such as:
1. Home Remedies
- Loose stool or diarrhea can be stopped by adding a small amount of pure pumpkin to your puppy’s food. It will help to firm up the stool and stop diarrhea. If you are giving canned pumpkins, make sure the product contains 100 percent pure pumpkins and not pie filling with lots of sugar and other flavorings.
- Apply a cold compress to your puppy’s gums to help soothe the pain. You can use a chilled wet towel or even ice cubes in a plastic bag.
- Provide plenty of fresh water and chew sticks to satisfy the chewing urge.
- You can also give your dog a special teething gel that contains benzocaine to ease the discomfort. Never use human pain medicine on your pet.
2. Massage Their Gums
Gently massaging your puppy’s gums can help to relieve the pain. Use a clean finger and rub in a circular motion.
You can also try massaging your dog’s gums with tea tree or lavender oil to fight teething pain. You can also rub some toothpaste (without fluoride) on its gums.
Make sure the toothpaste does not contain xylitol if your pup is still very young (under two years old).
3. Give Frozen Treats
Frozen treats, like those filled with frozen peanut butter or yogurt, can help relieve pain and keep the puppy occupied. Be sure to supervise your pup when he is eating these to avoid choking.
4. Distract the Puppy
Distracting the puppy with playtime or other activities will help to relieve teething pain. Offer plenty of chew toys and bones to help keep the puppy occupied and distracted from chewing on things they should not.
5. Talk to Your Vet
Consult a vet if your pup has other problems, such as excessive drooling, fever, or lethargy. It could be the warning signs of something more severe, like an infection.
Most puppies experience slight discomfort and mild problems when they are teething. You can try out some easy methods to relieve the pain and make your pup more comfortable. However, if your pup experiences any other problems, be sure to talk to your vet.
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