With puppies – teething, chewing and growing-up are all part of the journey to adulthood. This journey can be troublesome at times but with the right approaches you can make it fun for your pup and less stressful for yourself.
Pups have a strong urge to investigate and do so by using their paws and teeth, digging and chewing their way through life – it’s their natural instinct.
Puppy Teething
Let’s start with puppy teething. Puppy teething is a natural phase in a young dog’s life when their baby teeth are replaced by permanent adult teeth. Just like babies, puppies experience discomfort and sometimes pain during this process.
Puppy Teething Phases:
Puppies typically go through two phases of teething:
Primary Teeth: Teething in puppies starts around 3 to 4 weeks old, and by 6 to 8 weeks, they begin losing their baby teeth. This continues until about 4 to 6 months of age. During this phase, their gums may be sore and itchy, which leads them to chew on various objects.
Adult Teeth: Around 4 to 6 months, puppies’ permanent teeth start coming in. The discomfort might continue as the new teeth emerge. After the 7 month mark all permanent teeth will be present.
Chewing is a common behaviour during teething as it helps soothe their gums and provides relief.
However, by providing appropriate chew options we can help redirect their chewing behaviour away from destructive habits and alleviate discomfort.
Let’s discuss some appropriate chew options.
Chew Toys
Rubber or Silicone Toys: Soft and flexible rubber or silicone toys are great for massaging sore gums. Look for toys specifically designed for teething puppies.
Puppy Kong Toys: Kong toys are made of durable rubber and can be filled with treats, pate or organic jars. Stuffable toys provide mental stimulation and encourage positive chewing behaviour.
Frozen Toys: Soak soft toys in water and freeze them. The coldness can help numb the puppy’s gums and provide relief.
Rope Toys: Braided rope toys can be satisfying for puppies to chew on. Just make sure to choose a size appropriate for your puppy and monitor the toy for signs of wear.
Hard Rubber Toys: Sturdy rubber toys, like Nylabones, can be appropriate for some puppies. Choose the appropriate size and texture for your puppy’s chewing style.
Edible Chews
A long-lasting edible chew is a great way to provide your pup with something safe to chew on while also promoting dental health and alleviating teething discomfort. Another positive is that they offer entertainment and mental stimulation. We offer a wide range of options suitable for puppies in a variety of proteins. Check out the range here.
Remember that puppies teething is a temporary phase and providing appropriate chew options can help your puppy get through it more comfortably while encouraging positive chewing habits. Hence all these options will reinforce positive behaviour and deter them from damaging other household items.
Natural chews can be beneficial in various ways when used appropriately as part of a balanced training and feeding regimen.
Here are some pros of using long-lasting chews with puppies:
Bonding: Giving treats is an opportunity for you and your puppy to bond. Furthermore, it establishes a positive association between you and something enjoyable, helping to build trust and a stronger relationship.
Motivation: Treats can serve as a strong motivational tool, especially when training more challenging behaviours. Generally, puppies are often eager to please and will work harder for rewards.
Variety and Enrichment: Atlas & Tail offer a variety of options that are puppy friendly. Moreover, variety can provide mental stimulation and enrichment for your puppy, keeping them engaged and preventing boredom.
Dental Health: Chews that are long-lasting are designed to promote dental health by reducing tartar and plaque build-up. Additionally, chewing on certain treats can help clean a puppy’s teeth and gums.
It’s important to note that while chews have many benefits, they should be used in moderation. Overusing treats can lead to weight gain and nutritional imbalances.
Tips
Supervision: Always supervise your puppy while they’re chewing to prevent choking or ingestion of small parts.
Rotate Toys: Rotate different chew toys to keep your puppy engaged and interested.
Avoid Inappropriate Items: Discourage your puppy from chewing on furniture, shoes, or other household items by redirecting them to their designated chew toys.
Safety First: Avoid toys that are too hard and could damage teeth.
Our chew recommendations for teething pups
Cod Plaits are gently dried and plaited cod skins which make a tasty dental chew. A long-lasting chew that’s perfect for puppies – teething and chewing and helps to provide mental stimulation.
A Beef Hoof will keep your dog occupied and mentally engaged for a long time! It is great for a long chew or make it even more interesting by stuffing it with their favorite food – check out our pate range for a variety of protein options.
Buffalo Plaits are braided to make grooves, which helps to clean your dog’s teeth while they chew. Buffalo is an easily digested, novel protein, which means that it’s typically very well tolerated by dogs who suffer from food intolerances and allergies.
Firstly, Chicken Digs are rich in naturally occurring chondroitin and glucosamine, offering joint and mobility support. And to make these treats even better, they gently clean the teeth as your dog chews and chomps.
Atlas and Tail Beef Sticks are a healthy and natural dog treat. Good for a quick chew for teething pups. Beef is also a great source of high quality protein, rich in Zinc, Selenium, Iron and Vitamins B12, B3 and B6.
Atlas and Tail Pork Sticks are a healthy and natural dog treat that are a perfect snack between meals and aids in dental care.