What to pay attention to during dog tooth replacement

When we welcome a cute puppy, every moment of its growth is like a shining star, decorating our lives. The period of changing teeth in dogs is a particularly critical stage in their growth process, like the hibernation before breaking out of the cocoon and becoming a butterfly, full of changes and challenges. During this period, as the most caring guardians of dogs, we need to pay extra attention and safeguard their smooth tooth replacement.

The tooth replacement period for dogs is generally between 3 to 8 months old, small dogs usually take 3-6 months, medium dogs take 4-7 months, and large dogs take 5-8 months. This is a natural physiological process, just like our human children changing teeth, which is an important sign of dog growth. But at this stage, dogs will experience many discomforts and require more attention and care from us.

During tooth replacement, the most obvious manifestation of dogs is that they like to bite things. The eruption of new teeth stimulates the gums, causing itching and discomfort that urgently need to be relieved through biting. At this point, the sofa, shoes, table legs, and other items at home may become their 'grinding tools'. Looking at the furniture that had been bitten and scratched, although somewhat helpless, the thought of the dog being in a special period of tooth replacement made me feel more heartbroken and understanding. In addition to biting, dogs' appetite may also change. Some dogs may experience a decrease in appetite due to gum pain and discomfort when eating; Some dogs, on the other hand, may have an increased appetite due to the need for more energy for tooth replacement.

To help dogs smoothly pass the tooth replacement period, we first need to meet their biting needs. It is essential to prepare some specialized grinding toys and grinding rods. Teeth grinding toys should choose safe, non-toxic, and durable materials, such as rubber toys. Their soft texture can effectively alleviate the discomfort of dogs' gums without causing damage to their teeth. Teeth grinding rods can be made of natural cowhide or chicken jerky, which not only can grind teeth, but also provide certain nutrients. When the dog is focused on gnawing on the grinding toy, it seems that all the discomfort of changing teeth can be temporarily forgotten. Looking at its serious appearance, my heart is full of satisfaction.

In terms of diet, it is also necessary to adjust according to the changes in the dog's appetite. If a dog's appetite decreases, it may be due to gum pain. At this time, you can soak dog food to soften it or choose some soft and easy to chew canned foods. Softened dog food can ensure nutrient intake without putting too much burden on the dog's gums. On the contrary, if a dog's appetite increases, it is also important to control its food intake and avoid overeating that can lead to obesity. A reasonable diet arrangement can provide dogs with sufficient nutrition during the tooth replacement period without affecting their health due to improper diet.

Oral hygiene is equally crucial during the dog's tooth replacement period. When changing teeth, dogs' gums are relatively fragile and susceptible to bacterial infections. We can use pet specific toothbrushes and toothpaste to regularly clean the dog's mouth. At the beginning, the dog may not be very cooperative, which requires us to be more patient. First, let the dog become familiar with the smell of toothbrush and toothpaste, gently stroke its mouth to relax, and then slowly start brushing its teeth. When brushing teeth, be sure to move gently and carefully clean all surfaces of the teeth according to the correct method. Maintaining oral hygiene can effectively prevent oral diseases and enable dogs to have a healthy mouth during the tooth replacement period.

In addition to taking care of our dogs in daily life, we also need to pay attention to their emotional changes. The discomfort during the tooth replacement period may make dogs irritable and restless, as they may become more prone to losing their temper or relying more on their owners than usual. At this point, we need to provide dogs with more companionship and comfort, interact and play with them more, and divert their attention. A warm hug, a gentle touch, can make dogs feel our care and relieve their discomfort.

The period when dogs change their teeth is a precious moment for us to witness their growth. Every careful care and patient companionship is like sunshine and rain, nourishing the dog to grow strong and healthy. When we see a dog successfully passing through the period of tooth replacement, with a healthy and neat set of teeth, and happily running and playing around us, the satisfaction and happiness are indescribable. Let us accompany dogs through this special stage of growth with love and responsibility, becoming their most solid support on the road to growth. In the days to come, when we recall the bits and pieces of our dog's teeth changing, the busyness and worries of the past will turn into the most beautiful memories, becoming a unique emotional bond between us and our dog.