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Feeding Tips for Your Teething Puppy
Feeding Tips for Your Teething Puppy

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What to Feed a Teething Puppy?

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Puppies grow quickly and have special nutritional needs to keep their bodies strong. The most noticeable period of a pup’s growth phase is known as the rapid growth stage, which occurs between 2 and 6 months of age. From about 3 to 6 months, most pups will lose their puppy teeth. In fact, you might find a tooth near the feeding dish or on the floor, and this is quite normal. However, you may also be left wondering what to feed a teething puppy. This is a perfectly normal query that tends to concern a lot of pet parents. 

 

During the teething phase, the young pup’s mouth and gums may be very sensitive, which could cause them to be a bit picky when it comes to eating. There's nothing you can do except to wait it out, even if their appetite is low for a couple of days.

 

Teething puppy tips

While teething is painful for puppies, there are a few things you can do to make them feel better. Here is a quick guide for you on what to feed a teething puppy and how to choose toys for them. 

 

  • Feeding a teething puppy

    Your puppy may seem uninterested in dry food during teething. But don't switch to a new formula to stimulate your puppy's appetite. Changing food at this time can cause additional stress and intestinal upset. The tips below could help your puppy make the change:

    • Mix their regular, premium dry food with premium canned puppy food to soften the dry food and make mealtime even more appealing. Or try some moist food to help him through this sensitive period.
    • Mix their regular, premium dry food with premium canned puppy food to soften the dry food and make mealtime even more appealing. Or try some moist food to help him through this sensitive period.
    • Soak dry food in warm water for 10 to 15 minutes before serving. Feeding dry food and biscuits loosens the teeth, so pups can get through the teething process quicker. If their appetite loss persists, see your veterinarian before you switch food.


 

  • Choosing chewing toys

    Encourage your young dog to chew on toys by choosing chew toys that are appropriate for their size. Also, pick a variety of textures to keep them interested in the toys. You can also try giving them frozen toys that are shaped like a bone. Always keep an eye on the puppies while they are busy chewing the toys, to ensure they don’t bite off chunks. If that happens, make sure to replace the toy immediately.


 

  • Other ways to alleviate teething pain

    You can also give your puppy a clean and damp washcloth, chilled for a few hours. Chewing on this will also provide some much-needed relief. Ensure that you supervise the puppy while they are chewing on this cloth so that they don’t ingest any sections of it.

 

A few other things to remember

Teething is a painful process for the puppies and can cause just as much inconvenience to the owners. Your puppy may lose their appetite and may experience a lot of pain and discomfort. But it is essential to get them through it all while also maintaining their diet. You can consult your vet for any major decisions or choices you make for your puppy during this time - the choice of toys, food, and other soothing methods. You will also have to keep constant vigilance to prevent your little companion from chewing on anything that may harm them, like shoes or the couch. These six months of the teething period may be hard, but you will certainly enjoy seeing them grow through this phase.


In addition to teething, ensuring excellent dental care for your dogs or puppies is of utmost importance. Discover our captivating blog post on dog dental care, and unlock a world of techniques to keep those pearly whites shining bright!


If you're looking for the perfect dog for you, try our Dog Breed Selector today and enjoy a lifetime of tail-wagging joy.

FAQs on teething puppies

  1. How long does teething in puppies last?
  2. The teething process for puppies may last for about six months.

     

  3. How can I help my puppy with teething?
  4. There are several ways through which you can help your puppies with the process of teething. Firstly, you can get safe chew toys for them. Secondly, you can help them get through the appetite loss. For this, you can prepare suitable teething puppy food by mixing regular dry food with parts of canned food. You can also soak their dry food in warm water for a few minutes. Apart from these steps, you can give your little furry friend a chilled clean and damp washcloth to chew on.

     

  5. What are the symptoms of a teething puppy?
  6. When your puppy is teething, you may see the following symptoms: drooling, bad breath, gum inflammation, gums bleeding, increased chewing tendency, missing teeth, and a loss of appetite.

     

  7. Will puppies stop eating when teething?
  8. Teething is painful for puppies and can cause them a lot of discomfort. Due to this, they may not feel like eating and can get even more reluctant to eat dry food. You can try giving them a mixture of their regular dry food with canned food or soaking their dry food for a minutes before serving.

     

  9. What can I give my puppy for teething pain?
  10. Two things that can soothe your puppy’s teething pain and discomfort are chew toys and a chilled clean and damp washcloth.

     

  • Puppy Basics: Spaying and Neutering
    Puppy Basics: Spaying and Neutering
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    What is Dog Neutering and Why is it Important?

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    Population control is as essential for pets as it is for humans. Overpopulation by unwanted kindle of kittens or puppies is difficult to manage by caregivers. Many newborn young kittens and puppies are either put up for adoption or sent to an animal shelter. Besides, reproduction can be a tedious journey for your furry friend. Hence, it is better to get them spayed and neutered at the right time. 
     

    Spaying and neutering are medical procedures performed on dogs to stop their reproduction process. Dog neutering and spaying is one the essential medical procedures for providing care to your fur baby. There are many benefits of neutering and spaying your canine friend. To understand more about this helpful medical procedure, read the following.
     

    What is the procedure for dog neutering and spaying?

    A neutered or spayed dog cannot reproduce as their heat cycle is eliminated. Dog neutering is a medical procedure performed on male dogs while spaying is performed on female dogs. Veterinarian surgeons perform a surgical procedure to remove ovaries and uterus from female dogs. Besides population control, spaying also prevents uterine infections and breast cancer in female dogs. Whereas neutering is a similar procedure performed on male dogs. Neutered dogs undergo surgery for removing both testicles and associated structures. Male neutered dogs are generally believed to be more well-behaved and calmer. The surgery also stops their breeding acts such as humping and the urge to run away.
     

    When are dogs neutered?

    Getting your dog spayed and neutered is essential for their psychological and physical well-being and behavior. Yet, when to spay a dog and when to neuter a puppy is a common query amongst pet caregivers. Well, it is best to get your pooch neutered or spayed at the earliest. It is best to get your fur baby neutered or spayed before it develops breeding instincts. Undergoing the procedure between 4 and 6 months is suggested. Most breeds of dogs reach redevelopment maturity around 6 months of age, yet some breeds can easily be neutered or spayed until 9 months or even after they turn over a year old. Hence, your pooch’s breed and size decide how soon it needs to be spayed or neutered.
     

    Reasons to get your dog neutered

    There are numerous reasons to opt for spaying and neutering for pets. By undergoing spaying and neutering procedures, pets can achieve better physical and psychological health. Neutered and spayed dogs are known to have better hormonal balance as their reproductive organs are removed which helps in neutralizing their breeding instincts. Mentioned below are a few more reasons why you should get your pets neutered and spayed.

    • Spaying and neutering help in controlling the pet population and overcrowding at animal shelters.
    • Both procedures are known to improve your pet’s health and behavior.
    • Spaying also prevents potentially life-threatening illnesses like mammary cancer, pyometra, and other uterine infections.
    • Neutered dogs eliminate their risk of suffering from testicular cancer and prostatic cancer.
    • Spayed and neutered dogs are also believed to have better bone health.
    • Male dogs often tend to run away on reaching breeding maturity. Neutering helps prevent such breeding instincts. The procedure also helps in controlling their general aggression and behavior.

    How to prepare your pet before getting them neutered or spayed?

    It is necessary to take some preventive measures to build trust and assurance before getting your pooch neutered or spayed. The following are a few things you should do to prepare your canine friend before getting it neutered/ spayed.

    • Get an appointment with their vet for a complete physical checkup. This checkup will primarily give you an idea about your pet’s health and if they are ready to undergo surgery.
    • Crate train your pooch so that it does not feel uncomfortable when kept in a crate at the vet’s clinic or after surgery for recovery.
    • Keep the house puppy-proofed to ensure your pooch doesn’t harm itself post-surgery.
    • Restrict food and water intake the night before surgery. Please consult your vet to know the exact hours of fasting required for undergoing this surgery.
    • Stay calm to keep your pooch away from unwanted tension. Your pet’s mood often depends on your mood. Hence, it becomes curial for caregivers to stay calm and composed to ensure their canine friend is stress-free throughout the procedure.

    How to ensure post-surgery recovery for neutered and spayed dogs?

    Neutering or spaying can typically take anywhere between 20 to 90 minutes depending on the size, breed, and health of your pooch. As a pet parent, you need to ensure the best care and support for your fur baby to ensure its complete and stress-free recovery post-surgery. Puppies and dogs often take up to 10 to 14 days to recover after getting neutered or spayed. The following are a few things you should do to ensure your puppy recovers well after getting neutered or spayed.

    • Proper rest: Your pooch needs to relax and rest well to get back to its bubbly mood as soon as possible. Resting is especially required for healing the surgery scars. It is suggested to avoid letting them run or jump right after surgery. You should also puppy-proof your house to limit any potential mishaps to protect them post-surgery.
    • Distant from other animals: Puppies and dogs tend to fight for socializing. However, post-surgery recovery requires your fur baby to relax and recover. Mingling with other animals increases their chances of getting into minor accidents which can potentially increase their recovery time. Hence, it is best to limit your pet’s interaction with other animals until it has fully recovered.
    • Avoid bathing: Do not bathe your pooch for at least 10 days post-surgery. This is to prevent their wound from getting wet and infected. It is also necessary to change the wound’s dressing to keep it clean and hygienic post-surgery.
    • Check-ups: You need to keep a close tab on the pooch’s recovery. Arrange for a vet’s appointment for conducting regular checkups and dressing changes. You should also check for redness, swelling, discharge, odor, and uneasiness to prevent infections and allergies.
    • Stay alert: Make sure the pet eats well and is in stable condition once it is back home. Get in touch with your vet immediately if you notice the pooch vomiting, not eating well, or if it suffers from diarrhea. You should also look out for signs of lethargy and discomfort during the recovery period.

    Managing the population is essential for strays as well as pets. When you get your pets neutered and spayed, you eliminate their chances of contributing to the overpopulation of dogs. Besides, spaying and neutering also help in managing your pooch’s aggression and urge to run away by controlling their hormones and making them calmer. Neutering and spaying also save your pooch from falling prey to infections and fatal illnesses like cancer. Hence, it is best to get your canine friend neutered or spayed at the earliest by consulting a vet.

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