Chew on These Tips to Survive Your Puppy’s Teething Stage

by Rachel Leavy

Published: January 31st, 2022

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chew on these tips to survive your puppys teething stage

Ah, the terrible teething phase – it’s what every puppy parent dreads. To prepare for the biting times ahead, plan ahead with these drool-worthy teething tips.

Bringing home a new dog is a wonderful time in a pet lover’s life, especially when it’s a puppy. You get to experience them learning the ways of the world; teaching them how to behave; and watching them grow up. One of the harder parts about raising a puppy starts at around three months – teething. Puppies will lose their baby teeth and grow their adult ones, and this memorable phase lasts a few months.

Typically, we don’t realize our puppy is teething until their behavior changes. They might act a little bit more wild, and they will begin to bite things (including you), more frequently. You may notice blood and find teeth on the ground. Don’t be alarmed, this is completely normal. Here’s what you need to know to get through this stage in your puppy’s life without getting chewed up.

Be Patient

Teething is a painful process for a puppy, much like it is for a child. You’ll notice an increase in nipping, but it’s not because they’re mad; it’s because it hurts. Try to keep this in mind when your puppy is teething. If they begin to nip at you, replace your finger with a toy instead. They don’t necessarily want to chew on you; they just need to chew on something. If the puppy is nipping too hard and testing your patience, remove them from the situation for a few moments. Put them somewhere safe and quiet until they (and you) calm down. It’s never okay to yell at them or hurt them for this – it’s not their fault.

Wet Their Food

Because teething hurts, your puppy might be hesitant to eat. If you notice they aren’t eating their food with the normal gusto, add some water and let it soften. I don’t recommend adding wet food if that’s not part of their normal routine that will only make them picky in the future.

Freeze Their Toys

When teething, the puppy’s gums will swell and get quite painful. Take a rope toy, soak it in water, and then freeze it. Kong toys filled with peanut butter and frozen will work as well. The cold toys will help reduce swelling and ease your pup’s pain.

Chews, Chews and More Chews

Have a bunch of chews available for your puppy. Stay natural with Bully sticks, chew hooves, bones and antlers. Avoid artificially dyed products and rawhide because they can be dangerous for a young pup. Always make sure to supervise your puppy when it’s eating a chew for safety. It’s a great way to allow both you and your puppy to relax at the end of a night.

Offer Healthy Teething-Friendly Treats

If you’re worried about whether your puppy is getting everything that they need nutritionally due to their reluctance to chow down on their usual kibble, another way to offer something with high nutritional value is to provide some teething-friendly treats. One of the easiest options is simply to freeze a pet-friendly vegetable like carrots and allow your dog to chew on the frozen veggies. They will benefit from the vitamins that these options include while fact that it’s frozen will offer some much-needed pain relief.

Another option is to make puppy teething cubes. Take an ice cube tray and add some random treats and goodies to each of the individual cells of the tray. Some great options include blueberries, green beans (they can hang out of the cell, that’s fine), strawberries, pieces of watermelon (with no seeds), banana slices, green peas, or any other tasty treats. When you’re happy with the selection, pour a sodium-free chicken or beef broth over everything, filling the cells before freezing them. Your pup will love chewing the frozen cubes, revealing the various surprises.

Puppy Proof Your Dog’s Space

If you haven’t already puppy proofed the areas that your pup is spending most of their time, now is the perfect time to make that a priority. Teething puppies may be tempted to chew on objects that you would prefer they avoid, such as the table legs on your living room coffee table or your favorite pair of shoes. They don’t mean to be destructive; they just want relief. To set your pup up for success, try removing or blocking off any items that they may be tempted to gnaw on. Instead, replace it with chew-friendly options like the treats and chews mentioned already on this list.

Keep Your Puppy Busy (and Distracted)

If you notice that your puppy is starting to become destructive with their chewing, consider introducing a safe distraction. Not only will keeping your puppy busy help to provide the physical and mental stimulation that they need for proper development, but they won’t have time to focus on their teething pain. One great way that you can do this is with the use of puzzle toys and snuffle mats.

Keep an eye on the Progress

Routinely check the puppy’s mouth to see how it’s coming along. Teething can take weeks or months depending on the dog. Safely look into the mouth to observe and look out for problems. The puppy will be fussy so it’s a good idea to start this process before the teething process begins. Get in the habit of brushing their teeth and handling their mouth as soon as you bring them home. Keep an eye out for anything that looks strange – mainly teeth refusing to fall out. Sometimes the baby teeth will need to be pulled to avoid problems for the adult teeth. If you notice something strange, contact your veterinarian.

Start to Incorporate Regular Dental Care

Not only should you be checking your pup’s teeth regularly to make sure that everything is progressing properly, but this is also a great time to start introducing your pup to the ins and outs of the dental care routine that they will be experiencing throughout the rest of their lives. This includes introducing them to the dog toothbrush and toothpaste as well as helping them adjust to the feel of someone looking in their teeth and handling their mouth.

Not only will this make it easier for you to carry for their teeth and prevent dental problems in the future, but it will also make it easier for your veterinarian when they need to do a dental exam. After all, no one want to try to force their way into the mouth of a dog that’s uncomfortable with the situation. It’s a disaster waiting to happen!

Teething can be a painful process for everyone involved, but keep in mind that it’s only temporary. Your puppy is growing and eventually those adult teeth will grow in and the gnawing will stop. Be sure to puppy-proof your house at this time, because they will chew on anything to relieve the pain. If it’s out of control, hire a professional trainer to help. Otherwise, sit back and stay patient. Remember – how you handle this situation will impact the dog’s behavior for life.

Rachel Leavy lives in Rochester, New York with her dog, Virginia Woof. She’s loved animals all her life, and has owned her own dog training and walking company for five years. When she’s not playing with puppies, she can usually be found writing short stories, riding horses or out at a play.

Rachel Leavy

Rachel Leavy lives in Rochester, New York with her dog, Maria, and her gecko, Nigel. She has loved animals all her life, and has owned her own dog training and walking company for five years. When she's not playing with puppies, she can usually be found writing short stories, riding horses or out at a play.

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Are you searching for a pet-friendly camping solution for the upcoming travel season? If so, you’re in luck! Located in Kanab, Utah, the Best Friends Sanctuary offers a beautiful getaway for animal lovers.The location offers hiking trails, children’s activities, the Sanctuary store, the Angel Village café, and, of course, the animal sanctuary. Whether you plan on staying for a night or more, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy your trip while making a difference for the most vulnerable.Located on 3,700 acres, it is home to up to 1,600 animals on any given day. The animals in their care include cats, dogs, birds, bunnies, horses, pigs, and others.There are 18 RV sites with 30—and 50-amp power, septic, and water hookups. Free Wi-Fi is also available to visitors. While the sites can accommodate larger RVs and trailers, any over 21 feet may have difficulty navigating the roads within the sanctuary, and it is recommended that these guests have a separate vehicle to get around during their stay.If you don’t have an RV, cottages and cabins are also available on-site. The most significant differences between these two options are the guest capacity and location. Cottages can accommodate groups of up to six, while cabins are designed for only one or two people. Unlike the cabins, which share a group patio area, each cottage has its own dedicated patio or deck.Visitors can reserve a tour of the sanctuary to see the beautiful views and the incredible work the organization is doing or sign up to volunteer. It’s the perfect opportunity for those who want to give back, dedicating a small portion of your vacation to helping around the sanctuary and leaving you with the good feeling of knowing you made a difference.You can schedule a volunteer shift up to a year in advance with tasks including:Walking the animalsPreparing and serving foodQuality time playing with or petting the animalsCleaning (dishes, mopping, etc.)Making toys or treatsGeneral maintenance and upkeep on the groundsThe minimum age for volunteering depends on the task, with the Bunny House and Parrot Garden accepting volunteers as young as eight.If camping isn’t your travel style, no problem. Five minutes down the road, you will find the Best Friends Roadhouse and Mercantile, a boutique pet-centric hotel. The location offers 40 rooms and suites, a complimentary vegan continental breakfast, an on-site pet grooming facility, and a dog park complete with a seasonal splash pad.With an allowed maximum of four pets per room and no pet fee, the hotel takes “pet-friendly” to a whole new level!Are you traveling without your pet and need to get your “fix” of cuddles and playtime? You can also host a sleepover with a dog or cat from the sanctuary at the hotel. Simply contact the hotel in advance to arrange for a furry sleepover guest.Of course, if you fall in love with an adoptable animal during your stay, you can always apply to add that furry (or feathered) friend to your family before leaving.Make your reservation to stay at the Best Friends Animal Sanctuary on their website today!Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Is Aquarium Salt Safe for Plants?

All those in love with the fascinating world of aquatics know how sensitive and (sometimes) demanding pet fish and  aquarium plants are. The aquarium plant life in particular can be very vulnerable, reacting to the smallest changes in the tank’s environment. Naturally, this begs the question: could adding salt to your tank potentially kill its plant life? Or is salt beneficial for your aquarium’s flora? These are the questions that need to be answered carefully, as there are different types of salt used, and not all have the same effects on the many different aquarium plants. Let’s dive deeper into the topic!Is Aquarium Salt Safe for Plants? Aquarium salt, when used properly, has many uses in an aquarium setting. It can help with certain issues like treating fish diseases and promoting electrolyte balance in fish. But what about plants? The key to using salt with aquarium plants is moderation and research. There are different types of salt on the market, so you should inquire about their properties and possible effects on fish and plants. Secondly, always use it in moderation. When used in the right amounts, salt can be beneficial. However, the excessive use of salt can be harmful to plants, as it can disrupt their osmotic balance and lead to dehydration or nutrient imbalances. In fact, put too much of it, and you can kill all the plants AND the fish in the tank!But what is the osmotic balance? Like all living organisms, plants maintain a delicate balance of water and salts within their cells. When exposed to high concentrations of salt, such as those found in aquarium salt products, plants can experience “osmotic stress”. This stress occurs because the salt outside the plant's roots creates a higher concentration of solutes in the soil than inside the plant cells. As a result, water is drawn out of the plant, leading to dehydration and potential damage – and even death.Excessive salt in the aquarium soil can also interfere with a plant's ability to absorb essential nutrients. Sodium ions, which are a component of salt, can compete with other positively charged ions like potassium, calcium, and magnesium that plants need for healthy growth. This competition can disrupt nutrient uptake and lead to deficiencies, even if those nutrients are present in the soil.Another confusing factor is that some aquarium plants are much more tolerant than others. Halophytes, for example, are plants that have evolved to thrive in saline environments and can withstand higher levels of salt in the soil and water. However, most freshwater aquarium plants are not adapted to high-salt conditions and can suffer greatly when aquarium salt is introduced to the tank. You should also consider the types of salt available. Sea salt, for example, is much different and more complex than ordinary table salt. It contains sodium chloride, and minerals like potassium, zinc, and calcium. As such, it is only suitable for use in aquariums that have marine fish and  invertebrates, and plants naturally occurring in salt waters. 

Is Peanut Butter Safe for Dogs?

Ah, peanut butter –who doesn’t love a smear of this sticky butter on their toast? Whether you top it with bananas or jelly or something else altogether, spread on bread, mix in oatmeal, or add to smoothies, you likely enjoy the nutty goodness of peanut butter at least a few times a week. But can you share PB with your dog? While this tasty spread is generally safe for dogs as they have no issue eating peanuts in the form of butter, it’s the other ingredients that may be in the PB you’re eating that could harm them. This is what you should know before giving your pet peanut butter – whether as an ingredient of something else or on its own.Is Peanut Butter Safe for Dogs? To give you a short and straightforward answer, yes, peanut butter is safe for dogs when it’s made only out of peanuts as the single ingredient. However, that’s not always the case with commercially made peanut butter. To tweak its consistency, shelf life, or even modify its flavor, companies can add a variety of different ingredients to their peanut butter products, so it’s crucial to read the label before giving your pet even just a lick of peanut butter – and it wouldn't hurt to do so before eating it yourself, either. The most dangerous ingredient (for dogs) that could be added to peanut butter is  xylitol, or birch sugar, as it is sometimes labeled. This sweetener is highly toxic to dogs as even small amounts of xylitol can cause a rapid release of insulin, leading to hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), seizures, and liver failure in dogs.Another thing that could be problematic about peanut butter for dogs is not a matter of a sneaky ingredient but the fact that it’s a high-fat food. If not given in moderation, peanut butter can largely contribute to obesity in dogs, and in turn, promote health issues such as  pancreatitis at worst and upset tummy at best. It is also important to note that some dogs may be allergic to peanuts, the same as is the case with us humans. If you are giving your pet peanut butter for the first time, monitor them for signs of allergic reactions, such as itching, redness, swelling, or gastrointestinal upset, and consult your veterinarian if concerns arise.Benefits of Peanut Butter for Dogs and How To Incorporate It In Your Dog’s DietIn addition to being yummy, peanut butter is also beneficial for dogs. It might be high in fat, but it is predominantly unsaturated fats, including omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which support skin and coat health, joint function, and immune system function in dogs. It is also a rich source of plant-based protein and will support your pet's overall health when given in moderation. So how do you ensure you don’t overdo it with PB and that your pet reap only the benefits of this nutty spread? While an excellent reward to utilize when training with positive reinforcement methods, peanut butter should be given sparingly rather than every time your pooch does a good job. Use a small amount – a teaspoon will work well for the job. Alternatively, if your pet loves the taste of peanut butter but you’re trying to maintain their weight, opting for peanut butter-flavored treats is a perfect compromise. My dogs prefer crunchy treats and are big PB fans, so one of their favorites is  American Journey Peanut Butter Recipe Grain-Free Oven Baked Crunchy Biscuit Dog Treats.

What is the Best Dog Harness for Senior Dogs?

Final Thoughts – The Best Harness for Senior Dogs Many veterinarians and experts on the health and care of senior dogs will recommend using a harness. However, not all harnesses are created to meet the needs of every life stage. When selecting a harness for an older dog, there are unique factors to consider. This includes the weight and bulkiness of the harness, how easy it is to put it on/take it off, and the padding inside the harness for their comfort. Pay careful attention to ensure the design or fit doesn’t limit or impact movement. There are many great harness options on the market, including those made for regular wear and specialized lift support harnesses with convenient shoulder straps. If possible, visit your local pet store with your senior dog to check out your options firsthand. This will help you better assess the size needed and whether the design suits your dog’s unique needs. Most importantly, remember that there is no “one-size-fits-all” solution. You may find that you are using two different harnesses with two senior dogs in your home. That’s okay! The goal is to find the option that supports all your dog’s needs and helps you give them the best possible quality of life. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

How Can I Remove Plaque From My Dog's Teeth?

We love our dogs and many of us won’t say no to puppy smooches – but to be fair, not all furballs have the freshest breath out there. If your dog has  bad-smelling breath, the culprit might be plaque buildup and the bacteria overgrowth that comes with it. We all know that bacteria are responsible for all things smelly, and when it comes to oral hygiene, the reason why bacteria are there in the first place is bits of leftover food that slowly but surely turn into tartar on your pet’s teeth. The best way to prevent plaque on a dog's teeth is to brush them, but what about existing buildup? How can you remove plaque from your dog’s teeth at home – or is it something that has to be done professionally? Here’s what you need to know about plaque and tartar and how best to remove them.How Can I Remove Plaque from My Dog's Teeth?Maintaining good dental health in dogs is crucial for their overall well-being. Addressing plaque in your dog's teeth is not just about maintaining a bright smile; it's a key aspect that contributes to their overall health, happiness, and longevity. Regular dental care is an investment in your dog's well-being that pays off in various ways - it’s sure way to prevent dental diseases such as  gingivitis and  periodontitis, eliminate bad breath odor, avoid tooth decay and loss, and maintain your dog’s good appetite. After all, dogs depend on their teeth to eat properly. Just imagine the effect of bad or missing teeth. Unchewed food, indigestion, vomiting – the list is long. So it goes a long way to act on this ahead of time and prevent tartar buildup and remove any existing one. Here are just a few tips to consider when dealing with persistent dog teeth plaque:Prevent Buildup With Regular BrushingDogs need to brush their teeth just like us! They’ll need your help to do it, of course. Remember that it is never too late to start. Start slowly and gently with short brushing sessions, gradually increasing the time as your dog becomes more comfortable. Of course, you should use  a toothbrush that is designed specifically for dogs or a similar fingerbrush. The toothpaste also needs to be for dogs only (never use human toothpaste as it may contain ingredients harmful to dogs).

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