Published on November 25 by Julia
Teething is an inevitable phase in a puppy's life, usually occurring between 3 to 6 months of age. During this time, puppies experience discomfort as their baby teeth fall out and their adult teeth come in. The urge to chew increases significantly, often leading to destructive behavior if their teething needs aren't addressed with proper teething toys.
Luckily, the right teething toy can help soothe your puppy's sore gums, prevent destructive chewing, and encourage healthy oral habits. With so many teething toys available, it can be challenging to find the right one. To help, we've rounded up some of the best teething toys for dogs, based on factors like durability, safety, and effectiveness.
Puppies are born with baby teeth that eventually fall out as their adult teeth emerge. This teething phase can cause soreness and discomfort, leading puppies to chew on anything they can get their paws on, including shoes, furniture, and wires. Teething toys serve multiple purposes:
Best For: Gentle chewers and puppies who love fetch.
Why It's Great: The KONG Puppy Rubber Toy is a classic favorite among pet owners. It’s made from a softer, puppy-specific rubber that’s gentle on young teeth while still being durable enough for chewing. The hollow center can be filled with treats or peanut butter, keeping your puppy engaged for longer periods. Plus, its bounce and unpredictability make it perfect for interactive play and fetch.
Best For: Puppies that need a variety of textures and types of chewing resistance.
Why It's Great: The Nylabone Puppy Chew Starter Kit offers a variety of chews that cater to your puppy's different teething stages. The set includes a softer chew for initial teething, a more rigid one for when your puppy’s adult teeth are emerging, and a bacon-flavored chew that keeps them entertained. These chews are excellent for promoting dental health, as they help clean teeth and massage gums.
Best For: Puppies who are heavy chewers.
Why It's Great: Benebone is known for making some of the most durable dog chew toys on the market. Their Puppy Chew Toy is perfect for puppies that chew with a lot of intensity. Infused with real bacon flavor, it will keep your pup engaged while soothing their teething discomfort. The shape is easy for puppies to grip, and the nylon material is tough enough to withstand aggressive chewers.
Best For: Puppies who need mental stimulation along with teething relief.
Why It's Great: The Hide-A-Squirrel puzzle toy provides both teething relief and mental stimulation for your puppy. While the plush material may not be ideal for aggressive chewers, it’s perfect for teething puppies who need something soft to gnaw on. The squeaky squirrels inside create an extra level of fun, encouraging your puppy to problem-solve while providing comfort for their sore gums.
Best For: Puppies who need cooling relief for sore gums.
Why It's Great: The Petstages Cool Teething Stick is a great option for puppies who need some extra relief for their teething pain. You can freeze it for a cooling effect, which helps reduce gum inflammation and discomfort. The stick’s design makes it easy for puppies to grip and chew, and the material is durable enough to handle extended chewing sessions.
Best For: Durability, heavy chewers, and fetch lovers.
Why It's Great: The Zogoflex Hurley Dog Bone is perfect for puppies who are tough on toys. Made from a highly durable material, this bone can withstand intense chewing while being gentle on your puppy’s teeth. It’s also great for outdoor play, as it floats in water and bounces erratically, making it ideal for games of fetch. The material is safe, non-toxic, and even recyclable.
Best For: Puppies that need a soothing chew toy with a flexible texture.
Why It's Great: The KONG Puppy Teething Stick is a soft and flexible option for puppies that are still adjusting to chewing. The material is designed specifically for young, developing teeth, and it provides the right amount of chew resistance. Like other KONG toys, it can be stuffed with treats or peanut butter for added fun and distraction.
Best For: Puppies who enjoy natural chewing and need something to help with their teething phase.
Why It's Great: If you're looking for a natural option to help with teething, Pawstruck Bully Sticks are a fantastic choice. These all-natural chews are free of harmful chemicals and provide long-lasting chewing satisfaction. As your puppy chews, the sticks help clean teeth, massage gums, and satisfy their chewing instincts. They’re also digestible, making them a safer alternative to some plastic-based chews.
The right teething toy can make a big difference in how your puppy experiences their teething phase. Whether you choose a classic like the KONG Puppy Rubber Toy, a cooling option like the Petstages Cool Teething Stick, or a durable chew like the Benebone Puppy Chew Toy, make sure to select a toy that suits your puppy’s chewing habits and teething needs. Not only will the right teething toy help alleviate their discomfort, but it will also promote healthy chewing habits and keep your belongings safe from destructive chewing!4o mini
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