Should You Soften Puppy Food During Teething? Can They Eat Hard Food?

It's a common concern for pet parents: does puppy food need to be softened during the teething phase? The short answer is no, you don't necessarily need to soak your puppy's kibble. While your puppy's mouth might feel a bit uncomfortable during this period, encouraging them to chew is actually beneficial for their dental development.

Dry vs. Softened Puppy Food During Teething

During the teething phase, puppies experience discomfort as their adult teeth push through. However, there's no need to switch to exclusively softened food. Allowing your puppy to chew on dry kibble aids in the natural shedding of baby teeth. The act of chewing helps to loosen those milk teeth, and the kibble provides the necessary resistance to promote a faster and more efficient tooth replacement process. Offering hard kibble can prevent issues like double rows of teeth (retained baby teeth) that can occur when puppies consistently eat soft food. If the milk teeth do not fall out on their own the pet may require veterinary intervention to remove them to allow the permanent teeth to erupt normally.

Important Considerations During Puppy Teething

1. Chewing and Teething Toys

Teething puppies have an intense urge to chew. To satisfy this need and protect your furniture, provide your puppy with a variety of appropriate chew toys and teething treats. These help soothe their gums and encourage healthy chewing habits.

2. Calcium Supplementation

Adequate calcium intake is essential during the teething phase for proper development of adult teeth. While a balanced puppy food will generally provide the necessary nutrients, you can supplement their diet with calcium-rich foods like egg yolks, bone broth, fish, dried shrimp, and tofu. You can also consult with your vet about puppy-specific calcium supplements. Additionally, ensure your puppy gets some sunlight exposure to aid in calcium absorption.

3. Pain Relief

Teething can be painful for puppies. You can offer some relief by providing safe things to chew such as frozen wet washcloths. The cool temperature can help soothe their gums. Avoid giving your puppy ice cubes, as ingesting large quantities can cause diarrhea. The frozen washcloth is a perfect alternative for relief without the upset stomach.

By following these tips, you can help your puppy navigate the teething phase comfortably and ensure they develop a healthy and strong set of adult teeth.Don’t miss out on this:Pet Breeding

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Can Corgis Eat Fruit? A Guide to Safe and Healthy Options

Image
Corgis can indeed eat fruit, but it's crucial to understand that not all fruits are suitable for them. Therefore, when feeding your Corgi fruit, you must choose wisely. Offering your Corgi moderate amounts of fruit can provide beneficial nutrients such as Vitamin C. Furthermore, fruit can be a great addition if your Corgi is experiencing constipation or a poor appetite. The fiber and water content in fruit promotes healthy digestion, while the refreshing and sweet taste enhances palatability for your Corgi. It's important to remember that moderation is key when feeding fruit to your Corgi. What Fruits Can Corgis Safely Eat? 1. Bananas Bananas are a great source of quick energy for dogs, just like humans. They are packed with dietary fiber and contain oligosaccharides, which help increase beneficial bacteria in the gut, aiding in digestion. Bananas are especially recommended for Corgis prone to constipation or sensitive stomachs. Feeding bananas in moderation to a Corgi can be a...
Read more

Shiba Inu's Forbidden Food List: What Not to Feed Your Shiba

Image
It's crucial to know what foods are harmful to your Shiba Inu to ensure their health and well-being. This article details a list of foods that should be strictly avoided. Chocolate Chocolate contains theobromine, which is toxic to dogs. Ingestion can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, excessive thirst, heart arrhythmias, seizures, and in severe cases, death. The darker the chocolate, the more dangerous it is for your Shiba Inu. Onions and Garlic Onions, shallots, leeks, and garlic contain thiosulphate, which can damage a dog's red blood cells, leading to hemolytic anemia. Even a small amount can cause severe hematuria (blood in the urine). Avoid feeding your Shiba Inu any foods containing onion or garlic, such as burgers, curries, or soups. Bones While it might seem natural to give a dog a bone, it's not recommended. Large bones can splinter and cause injury to the esophagus and stomach, potentially leading to gastrointestinal bleeding. Some bones, after being thoroughly cooked in...
Read more

How to Tell if a Shiba Inu is Purebred and When They Start Bonding

Image
Determining if a Shiba Inu is purebred involves observing specific characteristics of their head, tail, color, and eyes. Head Characteristics A purebred Shiba Inu has a well-rounded forehead, broad and flat. Their ears are triangular, small, and thick. Tail Characteristics A purebred Shiba Inu's tail is thick and sturdy, curving towards the neck to form a beautiful arch, aligning almost parallel with the neck and back. The tail is also set high on their body. Color Characteristics The standard colors for a purebred Shiba Inu are red, black, and sesame. If your Shiba Inu is not one of these colors, it may not be purebred. White tail tips, parti-coloring, long hair, and white Shibas are disqualifying characteristics. Eye Characteristics Purebred Shiba Inu eyes are almond-shaped, with a slightly triangular, flat appearance. They often have a deep, mischievous look. When do Shiba Inus Start Bonding with Their Owners? Shiba Inus typically start bonding with their owners around three mon...
Read more