Yes, puppies do bark more when teething. The discomfort and pain caused by teething can lead to increased restlessness and irritability, making them bark more often. You can use teething toys and soothing remedies to help relieve their discomfort and curb their barking.
Puppies are known for their adorable antics and playful nature. You may notice a sudden increase in barking when they’re teething. You may notice that they sleep more when teething, too.
My Cavapoo, Bean, certainly did, and he most definitely barked more!
Today I’ll explore whether puppies bark more when teething, talk about why this might be, and share some practical tips on how to help your pup through the teething process.
What is teething?
Teething is the process of a pup losing his or her baby teeth, and their adult teeth coming in. It begins 4-6 weeks after they are born which can cause them pain leading them to bite, chew, become frustrated and, you guessed it, bark more.
Learn about whether puppies lose weight after birth.
Your pooch may also bark at anything new or strange as they start to explore the world with their mouth, lips, and teeth, because it’s one way to express their curiosity.
If you have a new puppy, read "Are puppy pads a good idea?"
What symptoms does a puppy have when teething?
The symptoms of teething include:
- A tendency to bite.
- Fever.
- A lack of focus.
- Tiredness.
- A bit of blood in his or her mouth and inflamed gums.
- Dribbling and bad breath.
- An upset stomach.
If the pain seems too severe, seek advice from your vet.
Now let’s find out more about the link between barking and teething.
What’s the link between teething and barking?
Puppies bark more when teething to manage the symptoms. The inflammation associated with teething causes the release of endorphins which will likely make puppies more excited, so they bark more.
Dogs may also bark more because of the anxiety they experience during teething. If they become overwhelmed by all the new things they’re experiencing, they might bark more to cope with all that’s unfamiliar. They may bark to seek reassurance.
Some pups may also have bursts of energy through the teething process, and bark more often as a result.
How to deal with barking when teething
There are several things you can do to lessen your pup’s barking when teething.
- Give them plenty of chew toys to help with the symptoms. See “What is the best chew toy for a puppy.” This lets them use up excess energy and helps with the pain caused by teething.
- Give them a welcoming, safe environment to explore. You might set up a cosy spot for your pup to enjoy so that he or she can feel safe.
- Be patient with your pup during teething. It’s normal for dogs to bark more at this stage of their development. Give them praise and food, which might help reduce the amount of barking.
- Give them lots of activity and mental stimulation to help them use up any extra energy.
- Give them frozen treats or an ice cube to chew to help soothe inflamed gums. Be careful not to give them anything that might damage their teeth though.
When should you take your puppy to the vet for teething problems?
It might be a good idea to seek advice from a vet if:
- Your puppy is barking constantly, communicating possibly severe discomfort.
- They don’t respond well to support or changes of environment.
- They display behaviours that indicate distress, including panting or pacing.
A vet will make sure your furry friend gets the appropriate care, attention, and treatment. They may also offer more advice on what you can do to help your pup through teething.
What happens when teething ends?
When their adult teeth have come through, dogs might become less excitable and prone to bark, though this will vary depending on the dog.
They will typically become calmer in their surroundings, and they won’t feel such a keen desire to chew things. Instead, they’re likely to become increasingly curious about the world around them, become more independent, confident, and able to amuse themselves.
This is a perfect opportunity for owners to introduce new exercises into their training and give them a lot of exercise, love, and attention at this time of their lives. That’s how you’ll avoid issues around boredom or behavioural problems. That’s what I did with Bean, and it worked wonders.
Conclusion: Do puppies bark more when teething?
Teething is a natural process puppies go through as they grow. Puppies may well bark more when teething due to discomfort and pain, but some pups might not.
You can help them deal with it by giving your pup teething toys, using positive reinforcement training, and seeking advice from a vet if needed.
Remember, patience, consistency, and understanding will your pup grow into a well-behaved and happy adult.
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