Welcoming a new puppy into your home is an exciting time, filled with playful energy and adorable antics. However, as devoted dog owners, we also want to ensure their comfort and well-being through every stage of their development. This is particularly true when puppies begin teething, a process that starts around three weeks of age and continues as their deciduous “milk teeth” fall out, making way for their permanent set by six to seven months. During this time, puppies explore the world with their mouths, and owners often seek safe and effective toys to redirect their chewing instincts away from furniture and, more importantly, human hands and feet. This guide, drawing on veterinary expertise, aims to help you select the best toys for your teething puppy.
Toys to Steer Clear Of
Veterinary dental professionals generally advise against allowing puppies to chew on anything excessively hard. This category includes toys made from materials like nylon, as well as natural items such as bones and antlers. A good rule of thumb is to avoid any toy that does not have some degree of flexibility. Additionally, it’s wise to avoid toys that closely resemble household items you don’t want your puppy to chew, such as shoes. More specifically, toys to avoid often feature:
- Long strings and ribbons
- Internal squeakers
- Foam stuffing
- Sharp edges or corners
It’s also crucial to ensure that any toy is larger than your puppy’s mouth to prevent choking hazards.
Safe Chewing Options for Your Puppy
While no toy can be declared 100% safe, as dogs can sometimes chew on unexpected items, your veterinarian can provide recommendations tailored to your puppy’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 significantly damaged or past their prime. Chewing is a natural and important behavior for puppies; it helps soothe their aching gums and teaches them appropriate chewing habits.
High-Quality Rope Toys
When selecting rope toys, opt for those made from durable, high-quality rope. Lower-quality products can break apart easily, leading to the ingestion of fibers, which can be harmful. Investing in top-quality toys not only enhances safety but also ensures longevity.
Durable Rubber Toys
Durable rubber toys are a popular choice for teething puppies. The ideal consistency is firm yet pliable. A simple test for suitability is the “fingernail test”: if you can leave an indentation in the toy with your fingernail, it likely possesses the right balance of hardness and flexibility.
Frozen Chew Toys and Teething Treats
Toys designed to be frozen can provide significant relief for swollen and sore gums. You can also find food-dispensing toys that can be stuffed with treats and then frozen. Specialized teething treats formulated for puppies are also available. For a budget-friendly option, consider tying a wet washcloth into a knot and freezing it, or offering ice cubes, though consulting your vet about ice cubes is recommended.
Some highly-rated toys for teething puppies include:
- KONG Puppy Toy
- Nylabone Puppy Chew
- Apasiri Chew for Aggressive Chewers
- Nylabone Puppy Starter Kit
- Benebone Wishbone
- CHIWAVA Standing Stick Animal Chews
- Benebone Zaggler
- Nylabone Chill & Chew Puppy
- Petstages Mini Bone Tug
- ZHEBU Dog Chew
- Nylabone Wishbone Chew
Additional Recommendations for Teething Puppies
Introducing your puppy to dental hygiene practices early on, such as brushing their teeth, can be beneficial. This not only promotes good oral health, crucial as dental issues are common in dogs, but also helps you safely retrieve objects from their mouth if necessary. Ask your vet for advice on appropriate toothbrushes and pet-specific toothpaste, and request a demonstration of proper brushing techniques. It’s important to introduce this routine gradually, allowing your puppy to explore the tools with curiosity rather than force.
Will My Dog Ever Stop Chewing?
Chewing, biting, and licking are natural behaviors that dogs use to explore, learn, and adapt to their environment. While the intensity of these behaviors may decrease around 18 months of age, they typically do not cease entirely. If your dog’s chewing remains excessively aggressive, seeking professional advice from your veterinarian is recommended.
Consult Your Veterinarian for Personalized Advice
Selecting the right teething toys for your puppy involves considering their breed, size, and individual chewing habits, with guidance from your veterinarian. Providing appropriate outlets for their chewing instincts is vital for their development and your family’s safety. Remember, vigilant supervision is key to ensuring your puppy’s safety during playtime. Discard worn-out toys promptly to prevent ingestion of small pieces, which can lead to serious health issues and costly veterinary bills. If you have further questions or require more specific recommendations for puppy teething toys, please don’t hesitate to ask our Holmdel, NJ, vets during your puppy’s next examination. To schedule an appointment, call our animal hospital at (732) 671-3110.
