Puppies are bundles of joy, full of energy, curiosity, and, yes, the tendency to chew on just about everything. Teething, a natural stage in a puppy’s development, can be particularly challenging as they seek relief from sore gums and incoming teeth. During this period, providing your puppy with appropriate toys to chew on can ease their discomfort and save your belongings from becoming chew targets is an important step in welcoming a new puppy into your home. Let’s explore some of the best chew toys for teething puppies, why they work, and how to choose the right ones to keep your furry friend happy and healthy.
Understanding Teething in Puppies
“Puppyhood” generally consists of three phases: Neonatal, Weaning, and Adolescence. Puppy teething generally begins during adolescence, around four months of age, and can continue until puppies are about six months old. During this time, puppies lose their baby teeth and grow their adult teeth. The discomfort in their gums can make puppies chew more frequently, so providing safe and effective chew toys is essential.
Without proper toys, puppies may turn to less desirable options, such as shoes, furniture, or other household items, which could lead to unsafe or destructive behaviors. The right chew toys can offer relief and keep your pup engaged in healthy play habits.
What Makes a Great Chew Toy for Teething Puppies?
When selecting chew toys, it’s essential to consider factors like durability, texture, and size. Here are some features to look for in teething toys for puppies:
- Durable Material: Puppies can be surprisingly tough on their toys, so it's important to choose durable but flexible materials like rubber that can withstand vigorous chewing but also avoids potentially hurting young teeth.
- Appropriate Size: Pick toys that are not too small (to avoid choking) and not too large so they’re easy for your puppy to grip. Reputable brands will have weight ranges on their packages.
- Safe and Non-Toxic: Ensure the toys are made from non-toxic materials. Since puppies tend to chew extensively, safety is paramount. If in doubt, ask your veterinarian.
- Textured Surfaces: Toys with ridges or bumps can massage sore gums, providing additional relief and stimulation.
Let’s dive into some of the best chew toys for teething puppies, highlighting their benefits and why puppies love them.
1. Bones
Bones are the perfect toy for puppies! Throw them in the kennel to assist in crate training or use them as a great distraction to help with nipping. They are great for mental stimulation too.
Our recommendation is the Playology Teething Bone is designed with spikes to satisfy a puppy’s need to chew while relieving sore gums. This bone is infused with all-natural scents, like peanut butter, which keeps puppies engaged longer without making a mess. It also squeaks!
The Teething Bone offers a firm yet flexible surface that is gentle on a puppy’s developing teeth. Its scent technology engages your puppy’s sense of smell, making it more enticing and ensuring they return to it rather than household items.
2. Balls
Balls double as a chew toy and as a great fetch toy for your energetic pup. A great way to get some exercise and wear our all that extra energy.
We recommend the Playology Teething Bounce Ball is another excellent choice for teething puppies. With its fun, bouncy design and soft spikes, this toy offers soothing relief for sore gums and the chance for interactive play. It is also infused with a delicious beef or peanut butter scent to keep your puppy interested.
The bounce and scent combination make this toy irresistible, encouraging them to chew and play. Its durable material ensures it lasts through the teething phase, while the scent keeps puppies engaged and focused on their toy.
Another great option is the Playology Teething Ball! Covered in nubs, it helps with teething and provides stimulation. With its solid rubber construction and embedded scent, it is a great choice for teething puppies.
Teething balls stimulate interactive play, bonding you and your puppy through fetch and gentle chewing.
3. Rings
The Playology Dual Layer Ring is perfect for teething pup. With its dual layer construction, textured surface, and embedded scent, your puppy will stay entertained for hours.
The Dual Layer Ring is a great toy to transition your puppy from teething into adulthood.
How to Introduce Chew Toys to Your Puppy
Introducing a new toy to your puppy can be a fun process. Start by showing the toy to your puppy and engaging them in play to build interest. Rotate toys to keep their interest fresh and supervise them with any new toy to ensure it’s safe and suitable for their chewing strength.
Monitor for Signs of Wear: Check toys regularly, especially during the teething phase, when puppies tend to chew more intensively. Discard toys worn, torn, or damaged to keep your puppy safe.
Why Choosing the Right Toy Matters
Providing the best toys for teething puppies isn’t just about keeping them entertained; it’s about ensuring their safety and promoting healthy habits. With options like the Playology Teething Bone and Teething Bounce Ball, you’ll find effective ways to support your puppy through teething. You’re helping them grow into happy, well-adjusted dogs with strong teeth and healthy habits by giving them toys that cater to their needs.
Fun Facts
Did you know puppies get their puppy teeth as early as two weeks old? Puppies also have 28 baby teeth and eventually 42 adult teeth – 10 more than a human. It is also completely normal for puppy teeth to occasionally fall out while chewing on toys. Don’t be alarmed if you find any!