Do Puppies Get Sick When Teething? Symptoms and Ways to Manage Teething Discomfort

Teething is a significant developmental milestone in a puppy’s life, typically occurring between three to six months of age. During this period, puppies experience discomfort as their baby teeth fall out and adult teeth emerge. While teething itself is a natural process, many puppy owners wonder if it can lead to illness or other health issues. This article explores the teething process, associated symptoms, potential health concerns, and ways to manage your puppy’s discomfort effectively.

Understanding the Teething Process

Puppies are born with baby teeth, which usually begin to emerge around three weeks of age. By the time they are about six months old, these baby teeth start to fall out, making way for adult teeth. This transition can be uncomfortable and sometimes painful for puppies, leading to various behavioral and physical changes.

Common Symptoms of Teething

During the teething phase, puppies may exhibit several symptoms, including:

1. Increased Chewing Behavior

Puppies often chew on objects more frequently during teething. This behavior helps alleviate discomfort and provides relief from the pressure of emerging teeth.

2. Drooling

Increased saliva production is common as puppies chew on various objects to soothe their gums. Excessive drooling may be noticed during this time.

3. Loss of Appetite

Some puppies may experience a temporary decrease in appetite as they navigate the discomfort associated with teething. This can be concerning for owners but is generally short-lived.

4. Irritability or Discomfort

Puppies may become more irritable or restless as they deal with the pain of teething. They might whine, whimper, or display signs of distress.

5. Mild Fever

Occasionally, puppies may exhibit a slight increase in body temperature due to the teething process, but this typically does not exceed 101.5°F (38.6°C).

Is it normal for puppies to lose their appetite while teething?

Yes, it is normal for puppies to experience a temporary loss of appetite during teething. The discomfort associated with emerging teeth can make eating less appealing. However, this usually resolves quickly, and you can encourage your puppy to eat softer foods or soak their kibble to make it easier to chew.

Can Teething Make Puppies Sick?

While teething itself does not directly cause illness, the discomfort associated with it can lead to some health concerns:

1. Gastrointestinal Upset

Some puppies may chew on inappropriate objects or ingest foreign materials (such as toys or fabric) during teething. This can lead to gastrointestinal upset, including vomiting or diarrhea.

2. Infection Risk

In rare cases, if a tooth is not emerging properly or if there is trauma to the gums, it can lead to infections. Signs of infection may include swelling, persistent pain, or pus around the gums.

3. Behavioral Changes

Increased irritability and stress due to teething discomfort can make puppies more prone to behavioral issues, including anxiety or aggression, if they feel threatened or in pain.

Managing Teething Discomfort

To help your puppy cope with the discomfort of teething, consider the following strategies:

1. Provide Appropriate Chew Toys

Offering a variety of safe chew toys can help satisfy your puppy’s urge to chew while soothing their gums. Look for rubber toys, dental chews, or soft items designed specifically for teething puppies.

2. Cold Treats

Pet owners usually ask what can you give a teething puppy for pain and they should know that cold items can provide relief for sore gums. You can freeze wet washcloths, soft toys, or even specific puppy teething toys. The cold sensation can help numb the discomfort.

3. Maintain a Balanced Diet

Ensure your puppy is receiving a balanced diet to support their overall health during this developmental phase. If appetite decreases, consider offering softer foods or soaking kibble in water.

4. Regular Veterinary Check-ups

Routine veterinary visits can help monitor your puppy’s dental health and address any potential issues early on. Your vet can provide guidance on managing teething discomfort and ensuring your puppy’s teeth are developing properly.

FAQs:

1. How can I help my puppy with teething discomfort?

To ease your puppy’s teething discomfort, provide a variety of safe chew toys and consider offering cold treats, such as frozen washcloths or special teething toys. Maintaining a balanced diet and ensuring regular veterinary check-ups will also support your puppy’s dental health and overall well-being during this developmental phase.

2. Should I be concerned if my puppy’s teeth don’t fall out?

If your puppy’s baby teeth do not fall out by six months of age, it may be a concern known as retained teeth, which can lead to dental issues. It’s essential to consult your veterinarian for a check-up to determine if any intervention is needed, such as extracting retained teeth to prevent complications.

What are the worst weeks for puppy teething?

The worst weeks for puppy teething typically occur between 12-16 weeks when most puppies are transitioning from their baby teeth to adult teeth. During this period, they may experience heightened discomfort and irritation as multiple teeth emerge simultaneously.

Are there specific foods that can help soothe teething pain?

Soft foods or wet dog food can be easier for teething puppies to eat and may help soothe their gums. Some owners find that freezing soft fruits or vegetables, like bananas or carrots, can provide relief when chewed. Always supervise your puppy while they enjoy these treats to ensure they don’t choke.

Conclusion

Teething is a natural and necessary process in a puppy’s development, and while it can lead to discomfort, it typically does not cause serious illness. Understanding the signs of teething and knowing how to manage your puppy’s discomfort can help make this transition smoother for both you and your furry friend. If you notice puppy teething symptoms or behaviors, always consult your veterinarian to rule out any underlying health issues. With proper care and attention, your puppy will emerge from the teething phase with a healthy set of adult teeth and a happy disposition.