Welcoming a new puppy into your home is an exciting time, and ensuring their comfort through the teething process is a top priority for any loving owner. Puppies begin teething around three weeks of age, experiencing discomfort as their delicate milk teeth give way to their permanent set by about twelve weeks. By six to seven months, they typically have a full set of adult teeth. During this sensitive period, providing appropriate chew toys can significantly ease their discomfort and redirect their natural urge to gnaw away from your furniture and fingers. This guide, drawing on veterinary insights, will help you select the best toys for your teething puppy.
As dog owners, we want to make each phase of their lives as easy and pain-free as possible. This is especially true when our puppies start teething around three weeks. And then again when, at around twelve weeks, their “milk or baby teeth” fall out and are replaced by permanent ones. By six or seven months, a puppy typically has all of its “adult teeth.”
During this entire process, owners often look to toys to relieve their beloved pups. Toys, in fact, are preferable to our hands and feet, which puppies seem all too eager to accept as playthings. And teaching them that our appendages are appropriate for them to gnaw on is dangerous for you and your entire family! But you may be asking yourself, “What toys are the best? Which ones are safe?” Great questions! The following information from veterinarians should be helpful. Understanding puppy teething toys can save your belongings and your puppy’s health.
Toys to Avoid for Teething Puppies
Most veterinary dentists strongly advise against allowing puppies to chew on anything excessively hard. This includes items made from materials like nylon, natural bones, and antlers. A good rule of thumb is to avoid toys that do not have any flexibility. Furthermore, it’s wise to steer clear of toys that closely resemble household items you don’t want your puppy to chew, such as shoes.
Specific features to look out for and avoid in puppy toys include:
- Long strings and ribbons: These can be easily ingested and cause internal blockages.
- Squeakers inside: While entertaining, the small parts can be a choking hazard if chewed off and swallowed.
- Foam stuffing: This material offers little resistance and can be easily torn apart and consumed.
- Sharp angles or corners: These can potentially harm a puppy’s gums or mouth.
Crucially, always ensure that any toy is larger than your puppy’s mouth to prevent accidental swallowing and choking. Exploring options like plush toys for super chewer dogs might seem counterintuitive for teething, but softer materials can sometimes be acceptable if they don’t break apart easily.
Safe Chew Toy Options for Teething Puppies
While no toy can be guaranteed 100% safe, as puppies have a strong instinct to chew almost anything, your veterinarian can recommend toys appropriate for your dog’s specific breed and size. Regardless of the toy chosen, constant supervision is essential. Regularly inspect toys for signs of wear and tear, and discard any that appear damaged or past their prime to prevent your puppy from ingesting small pieces.
Chewing toys play a vital role in soothing a puppy’s aching gums and teaching them appropriate chewing behaviors.
Rope Toys
Opt for high-quality rope toys made from durable, natural fibers. Inferior products can easily break, leading to your puppy ingesting dangerous strands. The overall quality standard should be a priority for all toy selections, ensuring both safety and longevity.
Durable Rubber Toys
This category is a favorite among owners of teething puppies. The ideal rubber toy offers a balance of firmness and flexibility. A simple test for suitability is the “fingernail test”: if you can easily leave an indentation in the toy with your fingernail, it’s likely of the right consistency – firm enough to withstand chewing but soft enough not to damage delicate gums. Many owners find best dog chew toys for big dogs can offer good durability.
Frozen Chew Toys and Teething Treats
Toys designed to be frozen can provide significant relief for sore gums. Additionally, food-safe toys can be filled with palatable treats and then frozen, offering a longer-lasting distraction. Special teething treats formulated for puppies are also available. For a budget-friendly alternative, consider tying a wet washcloth into a knot and freezing it, or offering ice cubes (though consult your vet, as some professionals advise against this).
Recommended Teething Toys
Several specific products are highly regarded for their effectiveness and safety for teething puppies:
- KONG Puppy Toy: Often voted best overall for its durability and treat-dispensing capabilities.
- Nylabone Puppy Chew: A popular and often most affordable option.
- Apasiri Chew for Aggressive Chewers: Praised for its exceptional durability.
- Nylabone Puppy Starter Kit: A great choice for a variety of options.
- Benebone Wishbone: Known for its appealing flavors.
- CHIWAVA Standing Stick Animal Chews: Recognized for their cute and fun design.
- Benebone Zaggler: Voted best for interactive play.
- Nylabone Chill & Chew Puppy: Highly recommended for soothing sore gums.
- Petstages Mini Bone Tug: A versatile toy suitable for various play styles.
- ZHEBU Dog Chew: Considered excellent for dental cleaning properties.
- Nylabone Wishbone Chew: Easy for puppies to grip and chew.
When looking for alternatives, consider stuffed toys for dogs that chew if they are made with tough, reinforced materials and lack small, detachable parts.
Additional Recommendations for Teething Puppies
Introducing your puppy to teeth brushing early on is beneficial for their long-term dental hygiene. This practice not only prevents common dental ailments but also helps you safely retrieve objects from your dog’s mouth. Always use dog-specific toothpaste and brushes, as human products can be harmful. Your veterinarian can demonstrate the proper technique and recommend suitable products. Introduce this routine gradually, allowing your puppy to explore the brush and paste curiously before attempting to brush their teeth.
Will My Dog Stop Chewing?
Chewing is a natural and essential behavior for dogs throughout their lives, aiding in exploration and environmental adaptation. While the intensity of chewing may decrease around 18 months of age, it rarely stops entirely. If chewing behaviors become excessive or aggressive, seek professional advice from your veterinarian. Understanding the difference between normal chewing and problematic behavior is key, and toys designed as soft dog toys for aggressive chewers can sometimes be a part of the solution.
Seeking Expert Advice on Puppy Teething Toys
Selecting the right teething toys is crucial for your puppy’s comfort and safety. By considering your dog’s breed and size, and by following the guidance of your veterinarian, you can find suitable toys that support them through puppyhood and beyond. These toys are instrumental in teaching puppies what is appropriate to chew on, protecting both your belongings and your family.
Remember, consistent supervision is paramount when your puppy is playing with any toy. Discard toys that show significant wear to prevent your dog from ingesting small, potentially dangerous pieces. Such incidents can lead to serious health issues and costly veterinary bills. If you have further questions or need personalized recommendations for the best puppy teething toys, don’t hesitate to consult our veterinarians during your puppy’s next examination. To schedule an appointment, please call our animal hospital at (732) 671-3110. Remember to explore the best dogs toys for heavy chewers for durable options.
