Puppies begin to teethe between three and six months of age. They chew everything they can find around the house to relieve pain and discomfort from gum pressure. The teething process of puppies can be facilitated by providing them with chew toys and simple aids such as ice cubes.
Chew toys are made of hard rubber or plastic, but they won’t harm developing teeth and gums. These toys not only help during teething, but also distract puppies from damaging household items like furniture and shoes during teething. The toys given for this purpose should also be fun and invite the puppies to play.
Kong chew toys are made from natural rubber and are a great option for puppies to relieve pressure on their gums. Running water over Kong Chilly Bones and placing them in the freezer provides soothing relief for sore gums. Nylabones are plastic dog chews in the shape of bones, wishbones, balls, and sticks that are flavored with chicken, bacon, or liver. Simple rope toys for dogs can be soaked in chicken or beef broth and frozen for a fun treat that also aids the teething process.
There are also puppy teething rings made from all natural materials that are easily digested. These products clean teeth, massage gums, and even freshen breath. Other hard rubber or plastic teething toys are available in various forms, just like for human babies, but are much stronger for canine chewing.
Some easy home remedies to relieve pain from swollen gums include making ice cubes or crushed ice with aloe vera juice. This substance is a natural anti-inflammatory and is found in health food stores. The ice can also be made with chicken or beef broth for a flavorful yet useful treat.
Owners can gently massage their pups’ gums with a finger or a soft dog toothbrush dipped in cold or ice water. This also teaches the animal to get used to having its teeth brushed for good oral hygiene.
Although human babies benefit from applying Anbesol or Orajel to the gums, this is not recommended for puppies. The ingredients in these and similar products could cause severe allergic reactions that would require an emergency visit to the vet. Rawhide bones should also not be given as chew toys to puppies, as they are difficult to digest, especially on young stomachs.
The best way to ease a puppy’s teething process is to give him chew toys specially designed to soothe this stage of pain and discomfort. It is better to give puppies just two or three toys to keep them occupied rather than too many. Owners can better monitor these toys and dispose of any that break down too much before their prized pet chokes on any small parts.