Teething Toys for Dogs: How to Choose the Best Toys for Your Pup's Comfort and Development

Published on October 9 by Olivia

Teething is a natural part of a dog’s growth, especially during puppyhood. Between the ages of 3 to 6 months, puppies experience discomfort as their baby teeth fall out and adult teeth come in. During this time, they have a natural urge to chew to soothe their gums and relieve the pain. Providing appropriate teething toys can not only offer relief but also prevent your dog from chewing on shoes, furniture, or other household items. This article will explore the best teething toys for dogs and what to consider when choosing the right ones for your pup.

Why Teething Toys Are Important

1. Relieves Discomfort: Teething toys help massage sore gums and provide relief during this uncomfortable phase of a puppy’s development.
2. Encourages Healthy Chewing: Puppies naturally want to chew, and providing toys designed for this purpose helps develop good chewing habits and prevents destructive behavior.
3. Promotes Dental Health: Some teething toys are designed to clean teeth and gums, reducing the buildup of plaque and tartar, and promoting overall oral hygiene.
4. Aids in Jaw Development: Chewing on teething toys helps strengthen jaw muscles and aids in the proper development of your dog’s adult teeth.

What to Look for in a Teething Toy

Not all toys are suitable for teething puppies or adult dogs with strong chewing habits. Here are key features to consider when selecting a teething toy:

1. Durability

• Chew Strength: Choose a toy that can withstand your dog’s chewing strength. Puppies with strong jaws may quickly destroy soft or weak toys, leading to potential choking hazards.
• Material: Look for toys made from high-quality, non-toxic rubber, nylon, or other durable materials designed for chewing. Avoid toys that easily break apart.

2. Size

• The toy should be an appropriate size for your dog. Small toys can become a choking hazard for larger breeds, while oversized toys may be too difficult for small dogs to enjoy.

3. Safety

• Ensure the toy doesn’t have small parts that can break off and be swallowed. Always opt for toys labeled as safe for teething, and inspect them regularly for any signs of wear or damage.

4. Texture

• Different textures, such as ridges, nubs, or bumps, can help soothe your dog’s gums during teething and promote dental health. Textured toys are especially beneficial for puppies as they massage the gums.

5. Interactive and Engaging

• Look for toys that are not only chewable but also engage your puppy’s interest. Toys that can be stuffed with treats or peanut butter encourage longer playtime and mental stimulation.

The Best Teething Toys for Dogs

1. KONG Puppy Toy

The KONG Puppy Toy is a classic option for teething dogs. Made from a soft, durable rubber, this toy is specifically designed for puppies to chew on. Its hollow center can be filled with treats or dog-safe peanut butter, keeping your pup entertained for longer periods. The unique shape provides unpredictable bounces, making it great for interactive play as well.

• Best For: Puppies of all breeds and sizes.
• Pros: Durable, can be stuffed with treats, promotes mental stimulation.
• Cons: Some puppies may need supervision if they are strong chewers.

2. Nylabone Puppy Chew Toy

Nylabone offers a range of chew toys made from nylon designed for teething puppies. These toys come in various shapes and flavors, including bacon and chicken, to make them more appealing. The textured surface helps massage gums and promote dental hygiene by reducing plaque and tartar buildup.

• Best For: Small to medium breeds or moderate chewers.
• Pros: Long-lasting, dental benefits, available in different sizes and flavors.
• Cons: Not ideal for aggressive chewers, as the material may wear down.

3. Benebone Puppy Chew

Benebone is a flavored chew toy made from durable nylon, shaped like a wishbone for easy grip. The toy is infused with real flavors like peanut butter, bacon, or chicken, making it highly attractive to puppies. Its ergonomic design allows puppies to hold it with their paws while chewing.

• Best For: Puppies who love flavored toys and moderate chewers.
• Pros: Real food flavoring, durable, helps with teething discomfort.
• Cons: Not for heavy chewers, as pieces may wear down over time.

4. Petstages Cool Teething Stick

The Petstages Cool Teething Stick is designed specifically to soothe a teething puppy's sore gums. This toy can be soaked in water and frozen, providing a cooling effect that relieves discomfort. The soft fabric covering is gentle on gums, and the various textures add extra sensory stimulation.

• Best For: Small puppies and teething relief.
• Pros: Cooling effect, easy to freeze, soft on gums.
• Cons: Not suitable for older or more aggressive chewers.

5. Hartz Chew 'n Clean Teething Ring

This teething ring is made of durable nylon and polyurethane, with a textured surface that massages the gums and promotes dental health. It has a built-in treat that makes it extra enticing for puppies, helping to encourage healthy chewing behavior.

• Best For: Puppies and moderate chewers.
• Pros: Durable, promotes oral health, includes a treat.
• Cons: Can wear down quickly with heavy chewing.

6. Rubber Bone or Ball Toys

Rubber toys like rubber bones or balls are also great choices for teething puppies. They are tough enough to withstand chewing but still soft enough to soothe gums. Many rubber toys are designed with hollow centers that can be filled with treats or frozen for added relief.

• Best For: Puppies of all sizes and breeds.
• Pros: Durable, interactive, can be used with treats, easy to clean.
• Cons: Some strong chewers may eventually wear them out.

DIY Teething Toys

If you’re looking for a homemade option, you can create simple teething toys from household items:

1. Frozen Washcloth: Wet a clean washcloth, twist it, and freeze it. The cold texture helps relieve gum discomfort while the fabric provides something soft to chew on.
2. Frozen Carrots: Large frozen carrots can be a soothing and safe snack for teething puppies. Just make sure to monitor them as they chew to prevent any choking hazards.

Tips for Using Teething Toys Safely

1. Supervise Playtime: Always keep an eye on your dog when they’re chewing on teething toys, especially if they’re known to be an aggressive chewer.
2. Inspect Toys Regularly: Check toys frequently for signs of wear and tear. Discard any toys that are damaged or have small parts that could break off.
3. Rotate Toys: Keep a variety of toys on hand and rotate them regularly to keep your dog’s interest.
4. Freeze Toys: Some toys, especially those made of rubber or fabric, can be frozen for extra soothing relief.

Teething is an important developmental phase for puppies, and having the right toys can make the experience much more comfortable for your dog. Choose toys that are durable, safe, and designed for your puppy’s chewing needs. By providing the best teething toys, you can help soothe your puppy’s sore gums, encourage healthy chewing habits, and promote good dental hygiene, all while protecting your belongings from being chewed up in the process!