Bringing a new puppy home is an exciting time for any dog owner. Ensuring your furry friend has a comfortable and pain-free experience as they grow is a top priority, especially during the teething stages. Puppies begin teething around three weeks of age, and a more significant transition occurs when their baby teeth fall out and are replaced by permanent ones, typically by six to seven months old. During these crucial periods, providing appropriate chew toys is essential not only for your puppy’s comfort but also for protecting your hands and furniture from their natural urge to gnaw. This guide, informed by veterinary expertise, will help you navigate the world of puppy teething toys, ensuring you choose safe and effective options.
It’s crucial to understand that puppies often explore their world with their mouths. This natural behavior can be directed towards toys rather than your hands and feet, which can lead to accidental bites and injuries for the whole family. Therefore, selecting the right toys is paramount.
Toys to Steer Clear Of
Veterinary dental professionals generally advise against allowing puppies to chew on anything excessively hard. This category includes items made from materials like nylon, as well as natural options such as bones and antlers. A good rule of thumb is to avoid any toy that is rigid and does not bend. Additionally, it’s wise to refrain from giving your puppy toys that closely resemble household items you don’t want them to chew, such as shoes.
When selecting toys, be mindful of those that contain:
- Long strings or ribbons that can be easily ingested.
- Squeakers, which can be a choking hazard if removed.
- Foam stuffing that can be torn out and swallowed.
- Sharp angles or corners that could potentially harm your puppy.
Furthermore, ensure that any toy is larger than your puppy’s mouth to minimize the risk of choking or accidental ingestion.
Safe Chew Toy Recommendations
While no toy can be guaranteed 100% safe, as dogs can chew on almost anything, your veterinarian can offer tailored recommendations based on your puppy’s breed and size. Regardless of the toy chosen, constant supervision is key. Always monitor your puppy while they are playing with a toy and regularly inspect its condition. Discard any toys that show significant signs of wear and tear, indicating they have been thoroughly enjoyed and may no longer be safe.
Chewing is a vital activity for puppies, helping to soothe their gums and teaching them appropriate chewing behaviors.
Rope Toys
When opting for rope toys, prioritize those made from high-quality, durable rope. Lower-quality products are more prone to breaking, allowing your puppy to pull off and ingest fibers, which can cause digestive issues. The overall quality of any toy should be a primary consideration for safety and longevity.
Durable Rubber Toys
Durable rubber toys are a favorite among teething puppies. The ideal consistency is firm yet pliable. A simple test to gauge this is the “fingernail test”: if you can leave an indentation in the toy with your fingernail, it’s likely to have the right balance of hardness and give.
Frozen Options for Soothing Relief
Toys designed to be frozen can provide excellent relief for your puppy’s sore gums, helping to reduce swelling and discomfort. You can also find food-safe toys that can be filled with treats and then frozen. Specialized teething treats formulated specifically for puppies are also available. As a budget-friendly alternative, you can tie a wet washcloth into a knot and freeze it, or offer ice cubes, though consulting your vet about ice cubes is recommended.
Some highly-regarded 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 Tips for Teething Puppies
Introducing your puppy to having various items in its mouth, beyond just toys and food, is beneficial. Dental brushing is an excellent practice for maintaining oral hygiene, which is crucial as dental problems are common in dogs. It also helps your puppy become accustomed to having its mouth handled, making it easier to retrieve objects if necessary, without the risk of a bite. Seek advice from your veterinarian on the appropriate brushes and toothpastes for dogs (never use human products!) and ask for a demonstration of the correct brushing technique. It’s important to introduce this routine gradually, allowing your puppy to explore and become curious about the items before attempting to brush.
Will My Dog Ever Stop Chewing?
While the intensity of chewing behaviors may decrease as your dog matures, reaching a more settled state around 18 months of age, the need to chew doesn’t entirely disappear. Chewing, biting, and licking are normal ways for dogs to interact with their environment and learn. If these behaviors become excessive or aggressive, it is advisable to consult your veterinarian for behavioral guidance.
Finding the right chew toys for your teething puppy is a critical part of their development and well-being. By considering your dog’s breed and size, and seeking professional advice, you can select toys that are safe and suitable. Remember that attentive supervision remains the most important factor in ensuring your puppy’s safety during playtime. Promptly discard any worn-out toys to prevent your puppy from ingesting small pieces, which can lead to serious health issues and costly veterinary care.
If you have further questions about the best puppy teething toys or need personalized recommendations from our Holmdel, NJ, veterinarians, please don’t hesitate to ask during your puppy’s next examination. To schedule an appointment, call our animal hospital at (732) 671-3110.