Given that my Louis just turned one on Monday and our unexpected addition, Ella Bean is just six months old, the past 9 months of my life have been steadily preoccupied with issues like potty training, basic obedience, diet and of course teething.

Teething happens in multiple stages for dogs. Their first set of teeth, known as milk teeth, appear within a puppy’s first month. When you acquire a puppy, the milk teeth are usually the first nippers you’ll see. At about four months old, these milk teeth will start falling out.

While teething begins at around four months, it can last up until their first birthday.

Teething is the bane of most dog owners existence. Teething can result in lost shoes, furniture and other damage if the pup is not monitored or confined at all times. It is also necessary to train puppy to chew on appropriate objects and toys through positive reinforcement. Chewing helps to aleviate the pain and pressure of the teething process. For dogs of all ages, it also relieves tension and provides stimulation. It is vital to have appropriate chews as your puppy goes through the teething stage.

Puppy breath is another issue that may be related to teething. A raw diet like I feed Louis and Ella eliminates a lot of smells, Louis and Ella never never get that ‘dog’ odor and the diet even reduces the stink of their stools. Louis, past teething always has great breath except after raw feasting or snacking on poo. Even though Ella is on the same diet, her breath smells. I have been training her to get used to toothbrushing, which helps the breath, but ultimately, with all of the teeth she is losing and growing, she is retaining some of her baby teeth and bacteria and food and gunk gets stuck between the ‘double’ teeth. When she has her spay surgery, the vet will also pull any baby teeth that haven’t yet fallen out to avoid this double tooth issue. This is very common in tiny breeds and is nothing to worry about it.

Just keep on observing puppy’s progress and if you see double teeth, consult with your vet to decide a timeline for when, if necessary, to do manual extraction.

Get the pup used to brushing using an enzymatic toothpaste before she or he grows his permanent teeth so you don’t meet resistance! Make is a positive experience with treats and praise! Raw diets promote dental health, which is a major issue in doggie health care. Know that the same plaque on a dog’s teeth is that plaque that builds up into the heart and bloodstream. Ewwww.

So anyway, Ella Bean is a little embarrassed that I shared her breath issues, but I assure her that informing other pups that its normal will make them feel better.

Ella also wants to share that a few drops of Bach’s Flower Essences Rescue Remedy directly on the gums helps to relieve teething pain. It can be bought by clicking the link above and its available at health food stores and some holistic pet shops.

In the mean time, Ella is a stinky tooth fairy, but we all know its just temporary. We are keeping her comfortable and trying to find the itty bitty lost teeth to save as keepsakes!

Dog pictures courtesy of Kara Sommer, photographer extraordinaire, and the fur kids aunt

Rescue Remedy image via www.rescueremedy.com

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