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 Poway is here to offer some helpful solutions to this problem.
Why does my puppy keep biting me?
Puppy teething can seem like a very long process if your fur baby is chewing on everything they can wrap their jaws around. But it's important to try and stay calm and remember that your pup isn't trying to be naughty. They are trying to relieve the pain and discomfort they are feeling. It just so happens that chewing on your new sofa's leg may be the perfect thing for making your pup's mouth feel better.
When do puppies start teething?
Different breeds may have slight variations, but generally, puppies will get their first set of teeth when they are about 5-6 weeks old. As your pup reaches around 16 weeks of age, they will start to shed their sharp baby teeth, and their adult teeth will start to grow in.
How long does the biting stage last?
Once your dog reaches 6 to 7 months old, they should have all of their adult teeth and will no longer experience teething. However, many pet owners may face challenges during the 4 to 5 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 Advanced Care Veterinary Hospital.
How to Stop a Puppy from Biting
If you're wondering how to train a puppy not to bite, our Poway vets have a number of tips that could help curb your puppy's naughty behavior.
Store Some Puppy Friendly Teething Toys in the Freezer
Similar to teething babies, puppies often experience discomfort during teething. Chewing on cold or frozen items can help alleviate this pain. While there are teething-specific toys available at pet stores, almost any dog toy can be frozen to provide relief for your pup. Some good options include Kongs, rubber bones, and soft toys specifically made for dogs.
Offer Your Pup Extra Durable Chew Toys
Specific puppy teething bones by brands such as Nylabone are sized appropriately for small, medium, and large breeds and come flavored to help encourage your puppy away from boring smelling valuables and over to a tasty, chewy treat - encouraging both healthy chewing habits and relieving pain at the same time.
Edible Teething Sticks for Puppies
Numerous reliable dog food brands provide edible teething treats and bones for puppies, which can help alleviate the pain in their mouths. Your veterinarian might suggest a specific treat for your little dog, or you can visit a nearby pet store to select from a variety of flavors and sizes. It is important to pick the correct size of the treat for your pup to ensure they gain the maximum benefit from it.
Healthy Frozen Foods For Puppies to Chew
Many puppies enjoy tasty treats such as frozen bagels, frozen carrots, or other healthy veggies. If you are planning to offer your pup a frozen food, always speak to your vet first to ensure it's a good option 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, addressing this behavior is crucial before it becomes a bigger issue. One effective method to stop this is by imitating the yelp of a hurt puppy when your furry friend bites you. A loud 'OW' in a high-pitched tone should surprise your puppy and make them stop. When your puppy ceases biting and backs away, you should 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.