3 Puppy Teething Tips That Will Save Your Stuff

By PetMD Editorial on Apr. 2, 2014
Image: holbox / Shutterstock

3 Puppy Teething Tips That Will Save Your Stuff

Puppy teething can be a difficult time for both you and your puppy. However, there are steps you can take to alleviate the challenge of puppy teething and mouthing to protect both your household and your puppy.


Image: Anneka / Shutterstock

Help For Your Teething Puppy

Teething is a normal part of puppyhood that occurs when puppy teeth are replaced by adult teeth. The process usually begins at approximately 3 months of age. This transition can be painful for pups, so it helps to have many appropriate dog chew toys that are specifically made for puppy teething for your puppy to gnaw on as she goes through this uncomfortable process.

 

Image: dezi / Shutterstock

1. Puppy-Proof the Environment

Always supervise your puppy to ensure she can’t latch onto household items, and use dog gates to block your puppy's access to areas that have potential chewing targets like cords, shoes and throw rugs.

 

The MyPet Windsor Extra-Wide dog gate extends up to 72 inches wide to help keep your pup from entering certain rooms, and it features childproof safety latches.


Image: Duncan Andison / Shutterstock

2. Use Dog Chew Toys

Introducing your puppy to age-appropriate dog chew toys early can also save your household items from becoming targets for teething. Chew toys designated for puppies are sized for smaller mouths and are softer than adult dog toys because puppy teeth can fracture more easily. However, they still should be durable enough to handle aggressive mouthing.

 

The Puppy KONG and Busy Buddy Puppy Twist ‘n Treat are two popular treat toy options that are made for puppy teeth. The Planet Dog Orbee Pup ball toy is also a great puppy teething toy that’s pliable and can be stuffed with treats.

 

Don’t leave your puppy alone with any chew toys until you’re confident that she’s unable to break off pieces that might present a choking hazard. 


Image: Monika Wisniewska / Shutterstock

3. Incorporate Healthy Eating

Caring for a teething puppy also means caring for the puppy's teeth. Choose puppy food to ensure your new puppy is getting a properly balanced diet, including vitamins and minerals such as calcium. This will help his or her new adult teeth to develop normally. Blue Buffalo puppy food and Taste of the Wild puppy food are options that are specially formulated growing puppies.