Taking care of a puppy is a big challenge, and it can be even harder when they start teething – but one ‘game-changing’ towel trick could help soothe them ‘instantly’
Looking after a puppy is no walk in the park for most people. It’s crucial to provide proper training for your furry friend as it matures to prevent behavioural issues later on, and ensure it has access to suitable food for growth and receives appropriate veterinary care.
While puppies are undeniably cute, they require a lot of effort and can be quite challenging – particularly if you’ve never had a dog before. Therefore, it’s essential to consider carefully before committing to a puppy rather than an adult dog. One aspect many people overlook when adopting or purchasing a puppy is teething.
Similar to human children, puppies start growing baby teeth at around three to six weeks old, which is before they’re separated from their mother to join new homes.
Since your puppy already has teeth when you bring them home, you might assume they’re permanent. However, around the age of three months, your puppy will start losing their baby teeth and develop adult ones – that’s when the real teething challenge kicks in.
By the time they’re six months old, puppies usually have their full set of adult teeth. But during this period, they’ll want to gnaw and chew on virtually anything they can get their jaws around. This chewing behaviour can persist until they’re over a year old as they adjust to their new teeth.
A woman has shared a simple trick on TikTok that “instantly” stopped her puppy from gnawing at her furniture.
She revealed that she was advised by commenters to freeze a towel and then give it to her puppy. The moment she tried this, her cute little dog was instantly comforted.
The video shows the puppy happily trotting around with the frozen towel in its mouth, its tail wagging joyfully as it relishes the soothing effect of the cold towel against its gums.
Viewers of the video offered further suggestions for other frozen treats, including frozen cucumbers, carrots, and chunks of banana. Some were simply grateful for the towel tip, as they, too, were dealing with teething puppies.
One user commented: “My pup had a horrible time teething. The frozen washcloth definitely made her more comfortable!”
Another added: “This is a great idea! I want to give my puppy ice cubes to play with, but I’m worried, as someone said they can choke on them! So this is the perfect option to help her little mouth.”
How to help soothe a teething puppy
1. Keep your puppy active and busy
According to PetPlan, sometimes chewing can be caused by boredom rather than teething. To avoid this, ensure your puppy has plenty of mental and physical stimulation every day. This can include short walks, training sessions, and fun games like fetch.
2. Use teething toys
Much like human children, puppies also find relief in teething toys that they can bite down on as their new teeth come in. Some of these toys have textured areas that are designed to massage their gums, while others can be placed in the freezer to offer a cooling sensation. Offering your dog a wide selection of toys also means they’re less likely to get bored.
3. Offer a cold treat
PetPlan recommends giving your puppy a frozen carrot to chew on, as this can help to ease their sore teeth and gums, as well as improve their dental health.
4. Speak to your vet
Teething is a normal part of the developmental process for puppies, but if you’re worried your dog might be suffering beyond ordinary discomfort, it’s always best to speak to your vet. They’ll be able to assess your dog and advise if there are any other steps you can take to help the process.