Q:  I have a 4 1/2 month old German Shepherd puppy.  She has started following me around the house whining.  I just don't know what she wants.
 

A:  As long as you have checked with your vet to rule out any other health issue, I am reasonably certain your puppy is teething.  Pups teeth anywhere between 3 1/2 months to 6 months of age. The later in the time span, the bigger teeth they are cutting. I have always used Hyland's Homeopathic Teething Tablets as recommended by Dr. Pitcairn who is well known in the field of natural health for dogs and cats. I don't know the weight of your pup but a GSD would need a couple of the tablets every few hours. By 6 months you might give 3 tablets every few hours. If she is really in pain you could give 1 tablet every hour. You don't have to worry about side effects or interference with any other medications.

Please note: If you are not familiar with homeopathy, don't touch the tablets. The healing elements are on the outside of the little pills. Shake a couple of tablets into the cap, open the pups mouth by placing your thumb and middle fingers over the muzzle and gently squeeze. The mouth will open allowing you to toss the tablets into the mouth. Then hold the mouth shut while the tablets dissolve.  The tablets are available at any good health food store.

©  Shannon Schaefer