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Teething Puppies Excessive chewing, blood and tooth-loss are all common signs that a puppy is teething – here's what to do Puppies can be both a handful and a mouthful – they have 42 permanent teeth and 28 temporary (deciduous) teeth, which arrive around four weeks of age and are lost during weeks 14-30. Much like a teething baby, puppies can have a lessened appetite and an increased desire to chew. Be sure to offer a teething puppy plenty of hard rubber chew toys and rawhide to keep them from gnawing on furniture, magazines, shoes, etc. If you find your puppy chewing on something it shouldn’t, take it away and give her a toy while offering positive reinforcement such as, “Chew on your toy, good girl!” This switch will reinforce that the toy is what you want her to chew on. Be prepared to perform this routine over and over until puppy understands the difference between what is hers and what is yours. Also, teething puppies will bleed as they lose teeth. If you notice blood on a toy or on fabric, there’s no cause for concern. Offer your dog a cold chew toy designed for teething puppies, which is available at your local pet store. If you notice any of the following, consult your veterinarian for further information: • Prolonged loss of appetite • Extreme bad breath • Broken permanent teeth • Red, inflamed and bleeding gums • Excessive drooling Copyright © CTW Features
Adopt a pet at
PetFinder.com (Results will appear on PetFinder.com)  Ways to Welcome Home a New Feline
From Allie Phillips of King Street Cats, a cat-rescue group in Alexandria, Va., which holds open adoptions at downtown locations every Sunday
A new home can seem huge, intimidating and overwhelming. So find a room that will allow the cat to get accustomed to the smells and sounds. Placing a cat-calming Feliway plug-in device in the room may also help.
Make introductions slowly
If you have other cats or pets, a several-step introduction is best. First, allow your current pets to see the new cat through a baby-gated doorway or by someone holding the new cat while your current pet is held and petted (to reduce anxiety and jealousy.) Cats will invariably growl and hiss during introductions. Keep petting and talking to all pets. Let the pets decide when they want to get closer to sniff each other, which may take days or even weeks.
Kitty-proof your home
If this is your first cat, be sure electrical cords are hidden or secured to avoid chewing; check tables and shelves for breakable items; beware of lit candles on low tables; and be sure basements and other areas don’t have small openings to the outdoors. Lock away cleaners, chemicals, fertilizers and other toxins with baby-proof hinges. Have at least one litter box per cat.
Provide supervision
During the first weeks of allowing your new cat to roam free in your house, it's best to be watchful. You can help it locate litter boxes and food/water bowls and you'll discover its hiding places. And if you have other pets, you can ensure there are no conflicts.
Give lots of love
Keep your level of attention for existing pets consistent when a new cat arrives. If you suddenly stop or reduce the level of play and interaction with current pets, jealousy can ensue and the new cat could become the target of attacks. Engage in playtime with all the cats together.
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