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 Stuart is here to offer some helpful solutions to this problem.
Why does my puppy keep biting me?
If your pet is chewing on everything they can get their mouth around, puppy teething may seem like an extremely drawn-out process. However, it's crucial to maintain your composure and keep in mind that your dog isn't trying to misbehave. They're attempting to find relief from the hurt and discomfort they're experiencing. Coincidentally, chewing on the leg of your new sofa might be just what your dog needs to soothe his sore mouth.
When do puppies start teething?
Although there may be slight variations among breeds, puppies typically receive their first set of teeth between the ages of five and six weeks. Your puppy's adult teeth will begin to erupt as soon as they turn 16 weeks old, replacing their sharp baby teeth.
How long does the biting stage last?
Your dog won't go through teething again once they are six or seven months old and should have all of their adult teeth. However, during the four to five months of teething, many pet owners may experience difficulties.
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 Animal Care Extraordinaire.
How to Stop a Puppy from Biting
If you're wondering how to train a puppy not to bite, our Stuart 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 often feel discomfort during teething, just like babies do. Chewing on frozen or cold objects can ease this discomfort. Pet stores carry teething-specific toys, but you can freeze almost any toy to help your dog feel better. Rubber bones and dog-specific soft toys are a few excellent choices.
Offer Your Pup Extra Durable Chew Toys
Specifically sized for small, medium, and large breeds, Nylabone puppy teething bones come in a variety of flavors to tempt your puppy to switch from dull, smelling valuables to a tasty, chewy treat, which promotes healthy chewing habits and relieves pain at the same time.
Edible Teething Sticks for Puppies
Puppy teething treats and bones are available from several reputable dog food brands, which can ease their discomfort. For your small dog, your veterinarian may recommend a particular treat, or you can go to a local pet store and choose from a wide range of flavors and sizes. To guarantee your dog receives the most benefit from the treat, choose the appropriate size for them.
Healthy Frozen Foods For Puppies to Chew
Tasty treats like frozen bagels, frozen carrots, or other nutritious vegetables are popular among puppies. Always consult your veterinarian before giving your dog frozen food to make sure it's a healthy choice for them.
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.
It's important to deal with your puppy biting and nipping behavior before it gets worse. When your pet bites you, a good way to stop this is to mimic the yelp of an injured puppy. A sharp 'OW' in a high-pitched voice should startle and stop your puppy. Rewarding your puppy for good behavior should occur when they stop biting and retreat.
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.
