Tip Number 1:
Offer frozen mini bagels, plain or fruit variety, not onion. Allowing them to chew, and eventually consume, the bagels helps to numb the gingiva, easing discomfort. The denseness of the bagel may actually help to remove loose baby teeth.
Tip Number 2:
Cold carrots, while offering vitamins and minerals, may help relieve discomfort. Just don’t offer more than one whole carrot a day, because of its high fiber content.
Tip Number 3:
Frozen fruit, such as strawberries or bits of banana. The ‘cold pack’ may help relieve oral discomfort and the fruit is edible, although it might get a little messy.
Tip Number 4:
Wet a dishrag or towel, twist it into a rope-like shape and freeze. The cold helps relieve oral discomfort, and the chewiness of the towel helps encourage proper biting behavior.
Tip Number 5:
Offer puppy-specific toys, such as a Chilly Bone or Kong. These can also be frozen.
> Don’t ever take over-the-counter pain medications without the express permission of your veterinarian. Even holistic remedies, such
as clove oil, are not recommended for puppies.
> Don’t give ice cubes to puppies. Puppy teeth are fragile and more likely to break.
> Do take your pet to the veterinarian to check the occlusion of the teeth as the puppy ages. Your veterinarian will address any malalignment quickly to prevent permanent issues when your puppy becomes an adult dog.
