Dealing with a puppy that bites can be a source of great frustration and pain for new pet owners. If you're struggling with a puppy that's suddenly become aggressive, our team of veterinarians at Perry is here to offer some helpful solutions to this problem.
Why does my puppy keep biting me?
Puppy teething can appear to be a lengthy process if your fur baby is chewing on anything they can wrap their jaws around. However, you should try to remain calm and remember that your puppy is not trying to be mischievous. They are trying to alleviate the pain and discomfort they are experiencing. It just so happens that chewing on the leg of your new sofa could be just what your pup needs to make his mouth feel better.
When do puppies start teething?
Different breeds may have slight variations, but puppies typically get their first set of teeth around 5–6 weeks old. When your puppy reaches around 16 weeks of age, they will begin to shed their sharp baby teeth, and adult teeth will begin to emerge.
How long does the biting stage last?
When your dog reaches 6 to 7 months old, they should have all of their adult teeth and will no longer be teething. However, many pet owners may encounter difficulties during the four to five months of teething.
Puppies will often chew on anything they can find to alleviate the pain, which may include furniture legs, expensive footwear, or even your fingers or toes due to their small size.
To relieve your furry friend's discomfort and protect your belongings, here are some suggestions from our veterinary team at Westmoreland & Slappey Animal Hospital.
How to Stop a Puppy from Biting
If you're wondering how to train a puppy not to bite, our Perry vets have a number of tips that could help curb your puppy's naughty behavior.
Store Some Puppy Friendly Teething Toys in the Freezer
Puppies, like teething babies, often experience discomfort while teething. Chewing on cold or frozen foods can help ease the pain. While there are teething toys available in pet stores, almost any dog toy can be frozen to provide relief for your dog. Kongs, rubber bones, and soft toys designed specifically for dogs are all good options.
Offer Your Pup Extra Durable Chew Toys
Nylabone puppy teething bones, for example, are sized appropriately for small, medium, and large breeds and come flavored to help encourage your puppy away from boring smelling valuables and toward a tasty, chewy treat, encouraging both healthy chewing habits and pain relief at the same time.
Edible Teething Sticks for Puppies
Many reputable dog food brands offer edible teething treats and bones for puppies, which can help relieve pain in their mouths. Your veterinarian may recommend a specific treat for your small dog, or you can visit a local pet store and choose from a variety of flavors and sizes. To ensure your dog gets the most out of their treat, choose the appropriate size.
Healthy Frozen Foods For Puppies to Chew
Many puppies enjoy tasty treats like frozen bagels, carrots, and other nutritious vegetables. If you intend to give your dog frozen food, always consult your veterinarian first to ensure it is a good choice for your dog.
My puppy keeps biting me. What should I do?
Nipping and biting is naturally how puppies play. When one puppy bites another too hard, the hurt pup will let out a high-pitched yelp.
If your young dog is biting and nipping at you, you must address this behavior before it escalates. When your pet bites you, one effective way to stop it is to imitate the yelp of a hurt puppy. A loud 'OW' in a high-pitched tone should startle your puppy and get them to stop. When your puppy stops biting and backs away, reward them for their good behavior.
If this approach leads your puppy to nip at you more aggressively, quietly stop playing with your puppy and walk away or gently put your pup in their crate for some quiet time.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.