Shih Tzu Puppy Teething
Overview
Navigating the teething phase with a Shih Tzu puppy can be challenging for both a pet parent and the pup. However, this period doesn't have to be stressful. By following some key guidelines and taking appropriate steps, you can help your Shih Tzu through teething with minimal discomfort and without harm to your belongings. Being prepared and well-equipped is essential, and this guide will cover all you need to know to successfully manage this phase.
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What is Teething?
Newborn puppies are initially toothless, but by the age of 3 weeks, they begin to develop milk teeth (aka deciduous teeth), with all 28 typically fully grown in by 6-7 weeks. This set of teeth is temporary and will eventually be replaced by 42 permanent adult teeth. Puppy teething is the natural developmental stage when a young dog's deciduous teeth fall out and those adult teeth grow in.
Note: As milk teeth fall out, their roots are absorbed back into the body, and the small teeth often go unnoticed by pet parents, as they may be swallowed by the pup.
The Age of Teething
Shih Tzu puppies typically begin teething around 3-4 months and it is complete by 7-8 months, though some may be early or late. The teething sequence usually follows the order of incisors, premolars, back molars, and canines.
Teething Challenges
Teething in Shih Tzu puppies can cause itching, discomfort, and sometimes swelling of the gums, leading to a strong urge to chew for relief. The intensity of oral discomfort varies, often depending on which teeth are erupting, with molars typically causing more pain due to their larger surface area.
This variation can lead owners to think their puppy is coping well, only to encounter increased chewing behaviors as the teething progresses. The two main challenges during this phase are puppies chewing on inappropriate items and, in some cases, nipping or gnawing at their owner's hands or fingers.
How to Handle a Shih Tzu Puppy's Teething Phase
Handling teething in Shih Tzu puppies involves simple but crucial steps. Ensuring you have the necessary tools and consistently applying rules are key to managing this phase effectively. The primary objectives are to eliminate temptations of non-toy objects, discourage chewing on large immovable items, provide effective teething toys to soothe discomfort and itching, and respond correctly to any issues that arise.
Staying committed to these strategies will help both you and your Shih Tzu navigate the teething phase successfully.
A teething puppy naturally chews on almost anything within reach to alleviate discomfort. Your role is to minimize these temptations, both to protect your belongings and ensure your puppy's safety. Here's what to do:
2. Protect your puppy by using cord concealers for exposed electrical and cable cords, a potentially life-saving measure. Opt for a high-quality concealers, preferably made in the USA to ensure safe materials without harmful chemicals or odors. A recommended option like the PetCords Dog and Cat Cord Protector acts as an effective barrier, though it doesn't mean your Shih Tzu should chew on cords freely. It's a precautionary measure for instances where a puppy might access a cord.
During their teething phase, restrict your Shih Tzu's movement to prevent both housebreaking and chewing issues. Keep them by your side when possible, using a harness if needed to prevent them from wandering away, and use a playpen when you can't supervise directly. Playpens aid in potty training, reduce separation anxiety, and keep teething puppies safe.
, is easy to move from room to room, is sized perfectly to hold toys, a bed, water, and an area for pee pads, does not feel confining, and has a cute yet secure door for entry and exit. 
Chew toys are vital for teething puppies, providing relief from discomfort. Key qualities of effective teething toys:
- Appropriate Size: Easy for puppies to mouth and chew.
- Varied Textures: Offers relief for changing oral sensations; includes tiny nubs for gum massage and braided textures as 'scratchers'.
- Cloth Toys: Able to be soaked in water and then frozen; cold chew toys can ease pain and reduce gum swelling.
- Enticement: Scented or flavored toys can maintain the interest of hyper puppies.
This set offers a puppy lots of options; it comes with four balls of various textures including a colorful rope ball. And their 2-inch diameter is sized great for Shih Tzu puppies.
2. Petstages Mini Bone Tug Toy.
This is a cute toy with three interconnected pieces covered with small nubs that feel good on a teething puppy's itchy gums.
For those like to chew on fabric items, this set of toys is ideal. This is a collection of six animals, without stuffing but with small squeakers in the head and tail and crinkle paper in the body. These are a great size that puppies can cuddle up and chew on at the same time.
Like rope toys, this fabric teething toy can also be wet and frozen to offer relief to sore or itchy gums. We really love this one because it's sized really well for Shih Tzu puppies, it's super colorful, and it has small pieces of durable fabric that a pup can maneuver into just the right spots.
This is a bone-shaped teether that has small nubs all over it, which is ideal for puppies that are trying to relive their itchy gums. It's sized perfectly for most Shih Tzu puppies and is made in the USA.
To address a teething puppy's instinctual chewing on non-toy items:
- Prevent Access: Limit access to non-approved items through proofing and restricting, as covered earlier.
- Interrupt: If your puppy chews non-toy items, use a loud clap or firm 'No'. For stubborn cases, a behavior interrupter like the Pet Corrector by The Company of Animals which releases a safe, quick hiss of air can be effective.
- Redirect: Immediately offer an approved teething toy.
- Praise: Enthusiastically praise your puppy when they chew the toy.
- Repetition: Regularly repeat this process to instill good habits. Most puppies learn within a few weeks.
To address a teething puppy nipping at your fingers:
- Withdraw: Immediately pull back and say 'No' firmly.
- Redirect: Offer an approved teething toy.
- Praise: Enthusiastically praise your puppy when they chew the toy.
- Time-Outs: Use short time-outs to calm an overly excited puppy, repeating as necessary.
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Related:
Shih Tzu Puppy Care - A comprehensive list of the most important care tips if you have a Shih Tzu puppy (for dogs under 1 year old).
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