How to handle ‘teething’ problems in pups…
Nurturing a puppy can actually give you hands on training on how to look after a baby if you haven’t had any exposure till date. Yes, they also go through exactly similar phases in their transition towards adulthood and ‘teething’ is perhaps the most prominent of them all.
Just like human babies, puppies are also born toothless. By the 6th or 8th week they have around 28 teeth. These are known as ‘deciduous teeth’ or ‘milk teeth’. Although these are temporary, they help in the process of chewing. They eventually fall off between 4 months – 1 year thus paving way for the permanent ones. The incisors grow between 3-6 months of age, while the premolars develop between 4-6 months. The canines and molars appear between 5-7 months. Unlike human babies their teething process is complete by 8-9 months of age.
Some puppies drool excessively during this period as they develop an affinity for chewable stuff. However, this acts as a lubricant which sets the stage for tooth growth. Although drooling is a very common phenomenon during this phase, sometimes it could also be an indication of underlying problems like upset stomach or gum disease. In case you feel all is not well with your buddy rush him to a vet.
There are several ways in which you can take care of these problems. Always keep a towel handy so that you can wipe their faces and paws with it. Provide them with plenty of chewable toys. However, ice cubes or wash cloth dipped in water are the safest bets. The ‘itchy’ sensation in their gums sometimes ensues bad behavior. To ease their discomfort you can sit beside your puppies and slowly run your fingers on their gums.
Sometimes, a few deciduous teeth remain as they don’t fall off. So, if you don’t get them extracted they won’t allow the permanent ones to sustain resulting in improper jaw alignment or malocclusion.
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