BASIC INFO ON TEETH AND TEETHING

Puppies have 28 teeth which get replaced by approximately 42 teeth when they are grown dogs. Puppies’ teeth, like humans, fall out and are replaced by a second set from 4 through 7 months old.

Incisors are the first teeth to go. Incisors are the teeth between the canines in the front of the mouth. There are generally 12 of them, six above and below. The next in line are premolars which are directly behind the canines on the top and bottom. Molars come in for the first time next, like human babies.

CHEWING CONTROL

Royal Frenchels are pretty easy when it comes to both teething and chewing.

Overall, give them a hoof or a bone in their crate, a few toys and they are good to go.

Make certain you show them consistently what they are not allowed to chew by transferring them to what they are allowed to chew in your presence. If they go back to it, tell them again. I have rarely seen it take more times than that unless it is something like a dog being left in an area alone who gets bored. And that is not a good situation for any regular care. These dogs are typically not chewers and are easily distracted to a better chew choice when given the opportunity. Remember, they like to please so keep their needs met and your job will be easy.

WHAT CHEWS TO OFFER

The best chew items that we have found are really well made stuffed toys. Royal Frenchels love stuffed toys in general. Others are hooves and bones that you can get that are natural with the marrow in them. You can get them at your local pet store generally. Be aware that you don’t want those bones that are treated with all sorts of junk on them. They are not good for the dog and they smell bad!

DO NOT USE RAW HIDE CHEWS. Raw hide typically gets chewed enough to soften and then the pups swallow it. Raw hide can remain in the stomach for a very long time undigested, causing all sorts of problems. So bones, hooves, toys are best! And remember to always use dog safe toys. Not just any toy that children use as well. Button eyes and the like can do very serious damage to intestinal the track.

CHANGES DURING TEETHING

Some days may show a little different eating pattern during some of the teething period. If your dog misses a meal, eats less a time or two, or eats more than usual, no problem. If either of these persists, check it out. Otherwise, they have some days when they just don’t want as much food over those gum and that is ok. Other days they want to break them through and use them and they are very appreciative of more toys, chews and extra food that hits the spot!!

Some dogs can even get a little loose stool during this period. So the key is, watch and see if it passes or take you pup for a vet check. Remember this is between 4 and 7 months old, then you’re done!