The day’s a-dawning and your pup is at it again; chew, chew, chew. Adopting a puppy is one of the great joys in life, but like all things, it doesn’t come without its problems. If you’re wondering why your puppy can’t seem to stop chewing then you’ve come to the right place. Here at TastyBone, we’ve taken a deep dive into this unruly behaviour so that you know what to expect. Find tips on how to deal with a puppy that has destroyed every pair of shoes in the house and get back on track with a little help from TastyBone.
Teething
Unlike humans, puppies actually get their baby teeth as early as two weeks old. 28 razor sharp peggies to be exact. When they’re 3 or 4 months old, these baby teeth begin to fall out, making room for 42 adult teeth. That’s when the fun really starts. Your pup is likely to be plagued with sore gums and may instinctively choose to chew up your furniture for a bit of pain relief. Don’t worry, there’s a light at the end of the tunnel; puppies normally have all their adult teeth by 6 months old. It’s worth noting that baby teeth normally fall out on their own but if some of them don’t, you should tell your vet as they may need to intervene.
Separation anxiety
Sure, you might have only stopped for a quick pint, but for your puppy, that hour you’ve spent apart may have felt like a million years. Many pups chew more than usual when they’re feeling anxious or missing their owners. Make a note of when your pup’s chewing behaviour intensifies and if it correlates with when you’ve been out the house, take this as a sign that your puppy is missing you.
Hunger
Puppies need plenty of calories for their physical and mental development. If your pup is chewing more than usual, it is probably worth considering how much you’re feeding them and check if the amount is in line with their weight and breed. Puppies tend to chew more when they’re feeling a bit peckish so it might just be that they need slighter larger portions at mealtimes. You can also split their food into several different meals and feed them at regular intervals throughout the day. Of course, by their very nature dogs have insatiable appetites so always check your packaging and be careful not to over-feed. Yes, puppies are cute when they’re a bit on the chubby side but carrying extra weight isn’t good for their health in the long term.
Just for the fun of it
It has to be said. Chewing is perfectly normal behaviour for puppies (and adult dogs!) so it kind of goes with the territory of being a pup parent. Puppies like chewing just for the hell of it; it helps them keep their teeth clean, it keeps them busy and they have a lot of fun doing it!
Tips from the experts
There are some things you can do if your pup is a serial chewer. TastyBone offers an amazing range of flavour-packed nylon chew toys and bones. You’re sure to find the perfect one for your pup’s breed when you shop on our website, just remember to check the product is suitable for puppies. We also offer a great range of dental TastyBone chew toys, so you can keep your pup’s adult teeth spick and span as soon as they emerge. Our collection can withstand even the most aggressive chewing, but is still important to check the toys regularly to make sure they aren’t falling apart. Discover the full range online today!
