puppy questions?

Question

Does my little puppy, Duckie have a vitamin deficiency? He keeps bringing in wood pieces and chewing on our back deck? Is it just a puppy thing or what? I am worried he will get splinters in his little mouth...

Also, he has a broken tooth..is that bad.. he's only 14wks.. I am pretty sure it's a baby tooth, but when will it fall out..I didn't see any exposed nerves and it's not effecting his eating, but I don't know if it's bad or not...

One more thing. We have down comforters and he shredded one of them..feathers were every where.. do dogs have like fetishes (only not a fetish, I don't know the word for it) for things, or could it be the scent of the comforter..or even could he have been angry that we left him alone..I know he hates to be left alone, he usually occupies himself after we leave, what's going on inside our little Duckies head?

Thank you all,
Ally
__________________

I am a dog loving person and know a lot about them, but not everything.. the vitamin deficiency question came from the pregnant woman craving odd things (like dirt-iron deficiency)
He has tonz of chew toys..but none of them catch his eye like that comforter..

Answer 1

puppies and even adult dogs will chew things up when left alone...the comforter was most likely chewed because it smelled like you...most pets like their owners and want to be close to them so they will find something and do with it what they know how to do...dogs shred bedding so that's why the comforter was all chewed up...even tiny chihuahuas will chew things up...if you don't put your puppy in a crate while you're gone, you may find it on your bed when you come home...any place that smells like you will attract it...leaving chew toys out can help, but get the kind that you can put peanut butter in so it takes a long time to get to the food, you can also put in kibble, but make sure it's something the puppy likes to eat and it will be busy most of the day just trying to get to the food...hope this helps...

Answer 2

Not sure if he has a vitamin deficiency problem, would check with the vet. However, it is normal for a pup to chew on random objects especially in the teething stages as your pup is in. My puppy is a little bit older and he still chews on random sticks,rocks, anything really. You should always supervise them however I wouldn't advise chewing on any of the objects especially with splinter/choking problems. Might want to invest in some bitter spray to deter chewing on unwanted objects, they are babies after all.

His baby teeth should start falling out soon, mine has lost a considerable amount of teeth in the front. He grew them back in a few days. I would recommend giving them variety of chew toys and rawhide bones(with supervision - do not let them have it unsupervised). This will help with teething and maybe curb out less of the wood/deck chewing.

The chewing thing goes back to as a release of energy for dogs, so if he is destructive then he might not be getting enough exercise. Try jogging him more often, that will probably help his destructive behavior. Dogs just love to chew, but don't give in. Redirect him to his toys if he chews on somethign hes not supposed to. Could also try crate training, don't know where I would be without one - good for pottytraining and when he can't be supervised.

But all in all he is still a puppy, don't expect a fully trained puppy at this age.

Answer 3

He's a puppy! Thats what they do, destroy things... All he needs is some obedience training.

Now, I hope that you have at least tried to read all about your dog's breed before getting your dog. There are already too many homeless dogs out there already.

Again, with some training and patience, Duckie will get over this phase.

Make sure he has plenty of chewing toys, but nothing that would resemble something you don't want him to chew on. Example, no old shoes, dogs can't tell the different between brand new ones and old ones!

Answer 4

Chewing on wood is not good, use something nasty tasting like Bitter Apple to make him quit it. Broken puppy teeth are nothing, it will fall out. 14 week old pups should be crated or confined in a safeplace when left alone. Dogs do not get angry, they get bored and if left with stuff to tear up he will. If a pup is left loose in the house you will go thru lots of stuff while he grows up and he may never be reliable in the house. Prevent problems with a crate or safe room when you are gone. If left in the house he may chew a cord and get electrocuted.

Answer 5

Since Duckie is only a puppy he's still teething to help him lose his teeth. AS for his broken tooth, it will fall out sooner or later, and keep things you don't want him to chew out of his reach. I know this cause my dog went through the same thing, chewing everything he saw.

Answer 6

No, your dog does not have a vitamin deficiency. Think about it. How can a dog recognize a deficiency and prescribe a remedy and carry that out? Dogs are smart but not that smart. Puppies explore their world with their mouth, they chew. Broken tooth at 14 weeks, probably a milk tooth. How did that happen anyways? You dog tore up the comforter because you have not taught it good behavior. You need to enroll in puppy classes and learn about dog behavior and how to teach your dog good behavior.

Answer 7

Puppies like to chew and chew and chew. I am sure there are some puppies out there that migh not be chewers as much as others. I have owned Golden pups and have had them chew on cabinets, chairs, baseboard. Make sure your puppy has his own toys to chew on and plenty of them. Like rubber toys, squeeky toys even some hard bones are safe for puppies. You need to nip this problem in the butt now. I used "Bitter Apple" on things that my puppy would start to chew on that I didn't want to to chew on. You do need to be careful as to what he is chewing though, because he could swollow something that is harmful or that could cause an obstruction.

Because of your puppies age his tooth was a baby tooth and will fall out 4-6 months of age. I believe their puppy teeth are pretty strong but not as strong as their adult teeth. If the puppy seems to be uncomfortable then have the vet check him. You can mention it to the Vet at one of his well visits that I assume you are going to for vaccinations.

As I said Puppies like to chew and it usually doesn't much matter what it is. Sometimes it is for attention. I know dogs that have eaten socks, underwear, and some that love to chew on shoes and slippers.

I would take your Puppy to some training classes. This should help to teach you how to curb this behavior.

! thing I stress possitive reinforcement.....and that your puppy has to earn his/her freedom. My dog is 19 months old ans she still is not given full rein of the house without me knowing where sheis or what she is doing. This is more for her protection and some what because she can still get into trouble, plus we also have a cat.

Some toys I like for my dog are:
1) Kong
2) Nyla bones
3) Hard rubber balls
4) Zannie squeeky toys
5) Tennis balls (but my dog likes to defuzz them)
6) Hard marrow bone

Good Luck!! Congrats on your Puppy.

What kind is he?

Answer 8

Oh I know where you are at! this behavior is normal. I have a boxer/pitbull pup he loves to chew on everything!!! Hes Teething! First off I wouldnt leave him home free roam of your house/apartment I crate trained mine! He Loves his cage and also it saves your home while your gone for awhile and keeps duckie safe. They have this spray at petsmart I have it All I have to do is spray it and my puppy knows EWW!! its called "Grincks bitter apple spray. Try it. My puppy also has a chipped tooth its more than likely a baby tooth he will be fine!

If you need anymore info just email me!

Answer 9

Ally,

chewing is normal for puppies.... you need to guide him to the correct things to chew. Chewy's are good for puppies. His tooth needs to be looked at by a vet to make sure it isn't infected. Teeth will fall out but you will probably never know. You should also try containing him while you are gone. A doggy crate is excellent. That way they stay out of trouble. You should never leave your puppy unattended they are so curious.

Answer 10

o dont worry all puppys do that he is teething witch means that his little teeth are itching cause he is going to get his new ones, and no that tooth will be perfectly fine it just the prossecs of the teething , and the sheets his h little mouth is itchy and he is doing every thing he can to scratch them all the problems connet he is chewing and shredding thing cause his teeth are going are started to fall out and they itch
hope this helps..
good luck=]