How Long Does a Puppy’s Teething in White Bear Lake, MN Last?

Do you have a new puppy? Is she starting to chew on everything in sight? Do you find yourself wondering frequently when she’s going to get out of this teething phase? If any of this sounds like you, then you’ve come to the right place!

In this article, we’ll explain more about puppy teething in White Bear Lake, MN and help you better understand what to expect from your puppy as well. Read through the information below to learn more about your puppy’s teething experience and understand when you may start to see this phase ending, too.

Length of Puppy Teething Phase in White Bear Lake, MN

Puppies, like humans, are born with no teeth. Within the first couple of weeks of life, they grow 28 baby teeth that will help them during the earliest stages of their puppyhood. During the growth of their baby teeth, puppies do not go through painful teething. They are still extremely young at this time and may not have even opened their eyes yet in some instances. They are incapable of being destructive at this stage, too, so the first set of baby teeth do not pose much of an issue for puppies.

When the baby teeth begin to fall out, however, the true teething process starts. Puppies start to lose their baby teeth and grow their adult teeth around four months of age. This usually begins with the front teeth, although it can begin with any of the teeth.

Puppies have usually lost all of their baby teeth and grown their adult teeth by around six months of age. In other words, it generally takes about two full months to go through the puppy teething process—although some may take even longer than this, and some may not take quite this long.

How to Ease Puppy Teething Pains in White Bear Lake, MN

Be on the lookout for signs that your puppy may be uncomfortable or in pain when eating or drinking. Roughhousing with other puppies or playing with toys can also sometimes contribute to pain when a dog is teething. Although some mild pain is to be expected, there should not be any significant or lasting pain from this process. Puppies who are in too much pain should go to the veterinarian in White Bear Lake, MN right away, as there could be an underlying problem that needs to be treated.

The best thing any puppy owner can do while a puppy is teething is to provide teething toys designed specifically for use by puppies. These toys are soft and bendable enough that they will not damage the puppy’s mouth or gums while teething, but they also encourage appropriate chewing that eases the pain and discomfort of losing her baby teeth.

As much as you might want to help your dog by pulling her loose teeth, try to refrain from doing this. They will come out naturally in most situations. If you notice a puppy’s tooth is not falling out naturally or has only fallen partially out, take her to the vet in White Bear Lake, MN rather than pulling it yourself.

Dealing with Puppy Teething Behavior in White Bear Lake, MN

Use Positive Reinforcement

Do not use negative reinforcement; do not yell at or punish your puppy for chewing on items she shouldn’t. She does not realize what she’s doing is wrong, and she is only trying to relieve the discomfort of teething by chewing on your favorite pair of slippers or gnawing on the sofa cushions. Instead, use positive reinforcement. When your puppy refrains from chewing something she shouldn’t and instead chews on her teething toys, reward her with a treat. It can be especially nice to give a teething puppy a piece of frozen fruit as a treat, because it will ease her pain at the same time as rewarding her.

Teach Your Puppy Commands

Start your puppy as early as possible learning to sit and stay. These important commands can help her calm down when she becomes a little too into biting while teething. They can also help you manage the common problem of nipping in young puppies.

The Teething Process Won’t Last Forever

Remember that this stage won’t last forever. It can be a frustrating time to have a puppy, but by the time your puppy has reached about eight months of age, she should have teething fully behind her. When she has finished teething, you can start working on other good behavior training, too!

Looking for Additional Guidance? Talk with Your Vet in White Bear Lake, MN

Now that you’ve had a chance to read through this article, you should be more well acquainted with the ins and outs of puppy teething in White Bear Lake, MN. Keep in mind, however, that some puppies teethe longer than others, and some shorter, so this is just general information to remember.

If you have any questions or concerns about your puppy’s teething, it’s important to work with a trusted veterinarian in White Bear Lake, MN. Taking your puppy to the vet is one of the many ways you can take good care of her, while she is in her puppy teething phase and beyond too!

If you have any questions about your puppy’s teething in White Bear Lake, MN give Birch Lake Animal Hospital a call at (651) 426-2246 or book an appointment online!