A normal though annoying behavior, all puppies go through a phase of seemingly chewing up everything in sight as their puppy teeth fall out and their adult teeth grow.
But when does this stage begin, and how long does it last? When do puppies stop chewing? These are the type of questions we take a look at in this article. With no further ado, let’s find out more about your puppy and what to do during teething:
Why do puppies chew?
Chewing is a perfectly natural behavior for any dog. Dogs who live in the wild or as a pet can be seen chewing bones for hours. Chewing helps to keep a dog’s teeth nice and clean and their jaws strong. Chewing can also be fun for dogs or just a way to relax and unwind. It helps them relieve stress and keep healthy.
And when your dog is still a puppy, they will want to chew more than ever! This is partially due to a pup’s desire to investigate the world around them.
However, the main reason why puppies chew is due to the pain and discomfort of their baby teeth falling out and their adult teeth growing in.
When does my puppy lose their puppy teeth?
Your puppy’s baby teeth will first begin to fall out at around 12 weeks. You may notice small white objects in their bed or on the floor, about the size of grains of rice. But, puppies generally swallow most of their puppy teeth, and this usually isn’t anything to worry about.
Some flat-faced, brachycephalic breeds, like the Bichon Frisé or Pug, retain some of their first teeth. If not dealt with, this can lead to your puppy’s adult teeth becoming misaligned, which can be uncomfortable for them.
So, be sure to keep an eye out for teeth that haven’t fallen out in your puppy. Your vet can remove these teeth as you get your puppy neutered or spayed if this is what you want to do.
When will my puppy have all their adult teeth?
All of your puppy’s baby teeth should have erupted, and all their adult teeth should have come out by the time they are six months old. At six months, your puppy’s urge to chew should also start to ease.
What should my puppy chew?
Chewing is the chagrin of dog owners everywhere! There are countless stories of dogs chewing something they really shouldn’t, whether just to their owner’s annoyance or putting them in danger. If you don’t provide the right things for your puppy to chew, they will find something else.
Many dog owners recommend giving your puppy an ice cube to chew. Ice cubes are perfect for numbing the discomfort of a dog’s emerging teeth.
Or for longer-lasting pain relief, a frozen wet washcloth is also ideal. If you want an option that won’t create puddles, there are also teething toys for puppies containing water and frozen.
Puppy teething rings
These toys may remain frozen for longer, giving your puppy better pain relief. Tough, chewable treats like bones, pig’s ears, or bully sticks are another excellent way for your dog to get a chance to chew while also getting some nutrition. The flavors of treats like these will keep your puppy chewing them for hours.
If you know when your puppy is most likely to want something to chew, give them their food in a puzzle toy. These toys are another way to keep your pup occupied for a long time and is a great way to keep them away from things they shouldn’t chew.
How can I keep my puppy safe during teething?
When your puppy needs to chew, it’s essential that they chew the right things. But it’s impossible to keep your puppy away from everything dangerous. So, if your puppy persistently chews an object that it shouldn’t, consider using a chewing deterrent.
Chewing deterrents are bitter, unpleasant-tasting sprays that you can buy in most pet stores. When sprayed on something you don’t want your dog to chew, like your skirting boards, furniture, or other fixtures, the odour will put your dog off chewing that object.
Chewing deterrents for dogs
If you decide to use a chewing deterrent, first, you should offer a little of the deterrent to your dog on a piece of cotton wool or cloth. Then, gently place this in your puppy’s mouth. Your pup may jerk away, shake its head, retch, or drool.
After tasting the unpleasant flavor, your puppy should have now connected the smell with the taste. Now when your puppy smells the deterrent on the objects they shouldn’t be chewing, they’ll just leave them alone.
Always supervise your puppy when you have given them something to chew. As your puppy’s teeth develop and their jaw power increases, your puppy will soon be able to break small, sharp pieces off their chews. So, watch your pup like a hawk as they chew and quickly remove sharp pieces from them before your puppy can eat them.
Any time you find your dog with something they shouldn’t be chewing, remove the item from their mouth and swiftly replace it with something they can chew. Then, praise your dog and make lots of fuss when they begin to chew the right thing. This way, they’ll come to know what they should chew.
Be careful not to confuse your dog by giving them old shoes or clothes to chew while expecting them to learn the difference between these shoes and the shoes you use, for example. Keep the lid firmly closed on all your bins, and make sure your dog can’t get into them. Bins are hazardous for any dog.
What about leaving my puppy alone?
When you go out, it’s essential to make sure your dog has no access to inappropriate things to chew. It’s an excellent idea to crate-train your dog and put them in their crate when you leave. Or, use a baby gate or dog pen to restrict them to a safe area.
Puppy pens and creates
- Zampa Portable Foldable Pet playpen
- MidWest Foldable Metal Dog Exercise Pen
- MidWest Dog Crate
- iCrate Dog Crate Starter Kit
When you go out, make sure your dog only has access to chew toys that are safe to use unsupervised. Rubber toys like Kong toys are a great option since any parts that can break off won’t be sharp and are natural.
So, when do puppies stop chewing?
Well, your puppy’s urge to chew should start to wane at around six months, when they typically have all their adult teeth.
But as long as you provide your dog with the right toys to chew and take measures to prevent them from chewing the wrong things, there’s no reason why your adult dog shouldn’t chew.
