Dog Toys: Teething Saviors

While a puppy is born deaf, blind, and toothless; the average dog accumulates forty-two permanent teeth in their mouth. It’s no surprise that young pups depend on chewing to cope with the loss of their baby teeth and to help position their permanent teeth. Teething can be a painful process for poor pups. Provide your growing canine with some helpful dog chew toys to avoid your favorite shoe falling victim to your pup’s phase. Supplying dog chew toys, dog bones, and rawhides will help keep your doggie’s teeth focused on items other than your furniture and belongings. If you notice your teething pooch gnawing your household favorites, firmly tell them no and replace the item with one of the chew toys before offering praise (“Here is your toy, good boy!”). If your pup does well with teething on their given toys, reward them with a delicious dog treat for their good behavior. Frozen rubber teething rings are also helpful for relieving some of the pain your pup’s cutting teeth create. If you can’t keep your pup from chewing the furniture it may be wise to also invest in a dog crate to keep your canine in while you aren’t home to watch them. Stay patient and re-load on dog chew toys as needed. Most dogs calm down after their terrible teething phase, but chewing is inevitable – keep prepared!