Puppies often chew to soothe their teething pain; you can help them by offering suitable alternatives like a puppy-safe chew toy.
Pet stores sell special toys designed specifically to soothe teething puppies. Rope toys can be submerged in water or frozen to provide pain relief, and any hollow rubber toy that can hold liquid, like Kong toys, can also provide soothing comfort.
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Frozen Toys
Freezable teething toys that can be filled with peanut butter or other treats that are safe for puppies provide a chewable distraction for puppies while encouraging them to work towards extracting the treat from within, helping reduce stress and anxiety as well as soothe any teething gums they might be experiencing.
Many pet supply stores carry teething toys designed specifically to soothe puppy gums while they chew. These toys may feature textures or small sprawling pieces designed to encourage chewing while simultaneously cooling their gums, and some even come odorless and with special processing to avoid sharp splinters that could potentially hurt pups.
Home-made teething frozen toys can also be made at home. Select a fruit that your puppy enjoys such as bananas, strawberries or seedless watermelons and combine it with dog-safe peanut butter or plain yogurt before filling ice cube trays with it for freezing. Finally give as a treat or play toy under supervision!
Ice Cubes
Teething puppies that are hungry often needlessly chew on things outside their toys; an occasional drink of water can help reduce this urge and ease gum inflammation.
An ice pack made out of a washcloth or hand towel submerged in cold water and frozen is an effective remedy for sore puppy gums, while also offering an alternative to harmful ice cubes that could potentially be swallowed by your puppy.
Get your pup some teething gel that’s specifically formulated for their breed – such as one made with chamomile or peppermint for optimal results. Studies have proven these gels help ease pain, inflammation and reduce discomfort.
If your pup refuses to eat due to oral pain, make their food more tempting by adding liquid supplements or food toppers with fish oil (though be wary as too much can lead to diarrhea). Soaking dry dog food with warm water may also help loosen up their teeth and relieve any associated discomfort.
Herbal Tea
An immobile or painful teething puppy will likely be searching for something to chew, as their newly formed adult teeth cause discomfort to their gums and make breathing difficult. Unfortunately, they’ll often turn to furniture or household objects not intended for chewing as a relief measure.
Make an herbal tea for your dog to drink to help ease teething pain by steeping one teaspoon of dried chamomile in eight ounces of boiling water for eight minutes and allow it to cool before offering in a bowl or using a syringe squirt gun to force their mouth open.
Freezing some healthy, dog-safe food may help provide relief to teething puppies. Nubby texture toys like frozen toys make excellent teething aids; while fruits such as bananas or strawberries provide additional nutrition.
Gel
At around 3-4 months old, puppies generally begin losing all of their baby teeth as their adult ones emerge and begin growing in. This period can be uncomfortable and painful for your puppy, which makes having teething gel on hand an invaluable resource.
A good teething gel for your pup should be natural and composed of ingredients that won’t irritate their gums, such as soothing ingredients such as chamomile or lavender extract. Chamomile extract also works to numb pain as does ginger root extract.
After providing your pup with teething gel, chew toys are also essential. You can purchase them at any pet supply store; options range from plush toys, chew sticks and rawhide bones – plus frozen treats can extend their shelf life!