Can puppies chew bones when teething?

When a fluffy puppy enters our lives, every move of theirs tugs at our hearts. During the growth process, puppies will go through the special stage of teething. At this time, they often show a strong desire to chew, which makes many owners wonder: Can puppies chew bones when they are teething?

Puppies generally start teething when they are 3 to 6 months old. Just like human children going through the teething process, this stage is not easy for puppies. As their baby teeth fall out and permanent teeth emerge, their gums will feel itchy and painful, which prompts puppies to relieve the discomfort by chewing on things. They may search around the house, and sofas, table and chair legs, slippers, etc. are all within their reach. This is not because they are being naughty, but rather driven by the physiological needs during the teething period. Seeing the puppy restless due to gum discomfort, the owner always wants to do something for them. At this time, bones seem to be a good option.

From a positive perspective, allowing puppies to chew on suitable bones does have certain benefits. Firstly, chewing on bones can massage the puppies' gums, help loosen their baby teeth, and promote the smooth emergence of permanent teeth. It's like giving the gums a "comfortable massage", which can effectively relieve the itching and pain caused by teething. At the same time, the chewing action exercises the puppies' masticatory muscles, which is helpful for the development of their facial muscles and makes the puppies' facial lines more beautiful as they grow. Moreover, by focusing on chewing bones, puppies can distract their attention and reduce the irritability caused by the discomfort of teething, which also has a positive effect on their mental health.

However, not all bones are suitable for puppies to chew on during the teething period. Sharp poultry bones, such as chicken bones and duck bones, are extremely likely to break during the chewing process of puppies, forming sharp fragments. These fragments may scratch the puppies' mouths, esophagus, or even intestines, causing serious trauma and internal bleeding, which is extremely dangerous. Some large animal bones, such as beef bones and pork bones, although hard in texture, may be too hard for puppies during the teething period. Puppies may damage their teeth, such as tooth fractures or looseness, if they chew too hard, which runs counter to the original intention of letting puppies chew bones to help with teething.

So, how can we choose suitable bones for puppies? Pet-specific molar bones are a relatively ideal choice. These molar bones are usually specially designed and processed, with a moderate hardness. They can not only meet the chewing needs of puppies but also minimize the risk of harm to them. Their shapes and sizes are also more in line with the oral structure of puppies, making it convenient for puppies to grasp and chew. If you choose natural bones, oxtail bones and lamb shank bones are relatively suitable. They are relatively tough in texture, not easy to break into sharp fragments, and of moderate size. But before feeding them to puppies, be sure to clean the bones thoroughly to remove surface impurities and bacteria. It is best to steam or boil them properly, which can not only sterilize but also make the bones slightly softer, making them more suitable for puppies to chew.

When puppies are chewing bones, the company and supervision of the owner are crucial. Ensure that puppies chew in a safe environment to avoid accidents caused by the rolling of bones during the chewing process or the puppies being overly excited. At the same time, pay attention to observing the puppies' chewing situation. If you find that the puppies are chewing too hard, chewing for too long, or showing uncomfortable symptoms, such as vomiting, diarrhea, or oral bleeding, stop immediately and consult a veterinarian in a timely manner.

It is feasible for puppies to chew bones during the teething period, but the owner needs to carefully select the type of bones and provide careful care and supervision. We hope that every puppy can smoothly go through the teething period and grow up healthily and happily. This process is not only a critical period for the physical growth of puppies but also an opportunity for the owner to further deepen the emotional bond with the puppies. Through our careful care, puppies can gradually grow up in a comfortable and loving environment and become the most intimate and loyal partners in our lives.