All of the sudden your sweet, innocent pup is chewing up shoes, nipping at you constantly, and in general just gnawing on everything. What do you do? This is an issue many dog-owners face and aren’t always prepared for. Puppies go through a “teething” phase the same way an infant does! In this article, Rocky River Retrievers gives advice to help you navigate this stage to keep you and your pup happy!

Do puppies lose teeth?

Yes! Just like a young child loses their baby teeth, so do puppies! At about 3 and a half months old, your puppy’s teeth will begin the process of pushing out the baby teeth, to make room for the adult teeth to grow. Don’t be alarmed by this, it is a completely normal process. 

Puppies typically have a set of about 28 teeth, while an adult dog has around 42. So it will likely take some time to grow all of those new teeth. Most dogs finish losing teeth around 6 months old but it makes sense for it to take some time! 

What is teething?

Teething is the time in which new teeth are growing in, which may cause some pain and discomfort. During the teething process, puppies will likely chew on everything to relieve some of the discomfort. The pressure or cooling sensation on the gums can help. 

What will they chew on? Everything. While it may not be ideal, it’s highly likely that your dog will chew on just about anything they can fit into their mouth. This may mean shoes, couches, rugs, clothing, toys, and more. 

What should I do?

While teething can be a frustrating process, there are things you can do to help ease the discomfort for both you and your dog. Oftentimes this includes redirecting that biting energy to a better source. For example, chew toys! Soft toys or rubber toys often are best as they satisfy the need to bite but don’t injure the gum or create a risk of choking. 

There are also toys that can be put in the refrigerator. The cooling feeling can soothe sore gums and decrease inflammation. Chilled or frozen treats work too! This can provide immense relief and encourage your pup to relax, which in turn will help you relax as well. 

How long will it last?

While the teething process certainly isn’t comfortable, it will pass. Generally by about 6 months old, your pet will be doing much better and have a full set of adult teeth. By following this advice, you will be able to provide relief for both you and them. These tips can also teach your dog helpful habits such as what to chew and what not to and how to respond to discomfort. 

We hope this was helpful and as always, Rocky River Retrievers is your best source for healthy, happy white Labrador puppies! Let us know if you have any questions!