As freshly minted dog parents, a whole set of teething problems (quite literally) can come about from welcoming your new four-legged member to the household. Being primed for what’s to come like separation anxiety, potty training, puppy nipping and chewing will help you feel more confident on how to care for your new puppy.

Did you know that puppy teeth fall out just like human babies once their adult teeth start erupting? This usually happens when they are about three to four months old.

Puppies will explore their newfound world through sniffing and through their mouths by chewing. And most times, this period of teething right before their adult teeth set in may likely cause swollen, irritated and sore gums, causing them to chew on something to soothe their gums. Here’s a non-exhaustive tally of what Clash, our resident beagle at The Grateful Dog raked up during her teething period:

• Small stones
• Slipper straps
• Brassiere clasps
• Jacket zippers
• Christmas tree ornaments
• Socks
• Soles of shoes
• Shoelaces

So what’s a dog owner to do when your puppy is displaying natural behaviour unintentionally on your things at home? Here are three steps to cope with a teething puppy you can implement at home that can save you and your puppy from downright frustration, emergency trips to the vet and everything else in between.

Make bite-free zones at home a thing
Just like how bees are attracted to honey, puppies somehow have an affinity for furniture, appliances and shoes. Block off areas in your house or elevate things that you won’t want them to get their chompers on. Make temptations less visible and reachable to them. Put loose wires in cable tubes to prevent any nasty shocks. In short, place them in a setting where they are primed for success (because no puppy enjoys being yelled at).

Chew toys/treats will become your other best friend
It’s important to divert your puppy’s chewing prowess on puppy-appropriate chew toys and natural chewing sticks. Adult chew toys are not suitable for puppies as they are tougher then puppy chew toys and puppy teeth are more prone to fracture. Make your own cold treats at home so that they can enjoy chewing and get relief for their gums from the cold at the same time. Try braiding thick strips of non-fraying clean cloth, soaking it in water with half a teaspoon of coconut oil or a dab of peanut butter, and leave it to freeze in your freezer before giving it to your puppy.

Some of the best chew toys for puppies come in the form of natural treats, like the long-lasting yak chew made from Himalayan yak’s milk. This lifesaver will leave your puppy entertained for hours. Not only is it all-natural and 100% organic, the yak chew is also lactose and gluten-free, it also has a mild smoky aroma which your puppy will love.

Get your puppy on the right foot paw with its diet
We all know how important the right diet is for our canine companions—from their puppy years through to their adult and senior years. Providing them with a well-balanced, natural diet (ideally one without kibble) from early on will reap immeasurable benefits. Do make sure that your puppy is also getting adequate vitamins and minerals such as calcium to ensure that teeth can develop properly.

We hope you’ll have the best time watching your puppy grow and blossom into a dog that will one day provide you care in their own special, doggie way.