How to Cope when Your New Puppy is Teething

You just added a new puppy to your family and he's teething. He demonstrates this fact by chewing up your shoes, books, sofa cushions and everything else he can get his teeth on. First of all, it is important to realize that teething is normal. Most puppies will begin teething between the ages of three to six months. Teething relieves the discomfort and helps the new teeth to break through the gums.

So what are you to do while your new pet is teething? If you're like most people you can't afford to have your belongings chewed to pieces. Don't panic. There are a few ways that you can help get your puppy through the teething process with minimal damage to your home and belongings.


Chew toys are for chewing.

Provide your teething puppy with a variety of chew toys to help keep him busy. The chew toys will not only keep your puppy busy but they will help the teething process by giving the teeth and gums a good workout.


Put teething pain on ice.

Give your puppy ice chips to chew on. Just put a handful in his food bowl and let him chomp away. The ice will help alleviate teething pain.


Set aside playtime.

Make sure you give your puppy plenty of playtime each day. Exercise is good for your puppy and allows the two of you time together. Play fetch with your puppy. Give him a rubber ball to bring back to you. It will be good for his teeth and provide him with adequate exercise. Getting plenty of playtime exercise will help him to release excess energy and sleep better.


Put important items out of reach.

In some ways pets are like children. You have to keep some things out of reach. Keep this in mind when it comes to phone cords, electrical wires, cleaning supplies and other items that can present potential dangers. Put chewable items that you don't want destroyed out of your puppy's reach as well. Put shoes in closets, books on high shelves, etc. If you remove the temptation you don't have to worry about the destruction.


Love is the best medicine.