As any puppy parent knows, teething can be a challenging time for both the pup and their human. It’s a phase where the young ones need something to gnaw on to relieve their discomfort. But not just any toy will do. It’s crucial to choose safe, durable toys designed specifically for teething puppies.
Finding the right teething toys can be a bit of a minefield. With so many options on the market, it’s tough to know which ones are safe and effective. This article aims to take the guesswork out of that process, providing you with a guide to the best and safest toys for your teething puppy.
Understanding the teething process in puppies
Before diving deeper into the nitty-gritty of puppy teething toys, it’s important to understand the process that puppies go through. Just like human children, puppies have baby teeth that fall out; a process that is usually complete when they hit the 6-month mark.
Usually, a pup’s teething phase kicks off when they’re about 3 weeks old. That’s when their first set of puppy teeth, also known as “milk teeth”, begin to appear. By the time they’ve reached the 6-week mark, most puppies will have a full set of 28 milk teeth.
Fast-forward a few weeks to when the puppy is around 12 weeks old. Here’s where the real transition begins. Those milk teeth will start to loosen and fall out, making room for their adult set.
Here’s where it gets really interesting: puppies will grow a full set of 42 teeth! That’s quite a significant upgrade from their original 28. This transition is typically finished by the time they’re about 6 months old, but it can vary slightly between different breeds.
The teething process can be a testing time – both for your pup and for you. Beware the hallmark signs: excessive drooling, a sudden interest in chewing everything in sight, and even a loss of appetite. Understandably, this process isn’t exactly a comfortable one for your furry friend. Their gums might be sore, and teeth that haven’t yet erupted can cause pain.
To help alleviate some of their discomfort and meet their need to chew, it’s crucial to equip them with toys that are safe, durable, and designed specifically for teething puppies. We’ll delve deeper into the types of toys to consider – and those to avoid – in the next section.
What to look for in safe teething toys
When choosing teething toys for puppies, here are a number of qualities and considerations to keep in mind.
First and foremost, safety is paramount. The toy should be big enough that the puppy can’t swallow it and sturdy enough that it wouldn’t break apart easily. Puppies’ teeth are sharp, and a broken or swallowed toy can create unnecessary health hazards.
The next key aspect is material. Rubber is a preferred choice due to its durability and gentleness on a puppy’s gums. Some rubber toys even come with hollow centers where one can insert a tasty treat making them extra appealing to the young dogs. It’s also good for the toy to have varying textures to stimulate and massage their gums.
Size and shape are also fundamental to consider. It should fit the puppy’s mouth but also be challenging enough to keep them engaged. Look for designs with grooves, ridges, and nubs. These provide different feelings when chewed, enhancing your puppy’s teething experience while also cleaning their teeth.
To enhance your puppy’s enjoyment, consider toys with interactive features. Squeaky toys, tug-of-rope toys, or those with hidden compartments for treats can keep a puppy entertained for hours, taking their mind off the discomfort of teething.
| Consideration | Description |
|---|---|
| Safety | Big and sturdy enough not to be swallowed or break apart. |
| Material | Preferable choice is rubber due to its durability and gentleness. |
| Size and Shape | Should fit the puppy’s mouth and have grooves, ridges, and nubs. |
| Interactive Features | Toys that squeak, tugs, or hides treats can help keep the puppy entertained. |
Top 5 safe and durable teething toys for puppies
Choosing the perfect toy for teething puppies is no small task – safety and durability are key. With that in mind, here are the top five picks for safe and long-lasting teething toys that puppies will love.
1. Kong Classic Puppy Toy: These toys are a staple in the pet industry. Made of soft, flexible rubber, they’re gentle on puppies’ developing teeth. They’ve got an added benefit: one can fill their hollow centers with tempting treats, extending playtime and keeping puppies entertained.
2. Nylabone Puppy Chew X Bone: This chew toy from Nylabone is perfect for pups who love to gnaw. It’s made from a soft, bendable material designed to imitate the texture of real bone, and infused with a tasty beef flavor that’ll keep pups interested for hours.
3. GoughNuts Maxx 50 Stick: GoughNuts pet toys are known for their sturdy design. This particular model is virtually indestructible and perfect for more aggressive chewers. Its circular design makes it easy for puppies to grip and carry around.
4. West Paw Zogoflex Hurley Dog Bone Chew Toy: This toy’s Zogoflex material is built to last, but still gentle on puppy teeth. Its bone shape is familiar to pups, and it’s floatable—an excellent choice for pups who like their playtime to happen in the water too.
5. Benebone Real Flavor Wishbone Dog Chew Toy: Benebone makes this wishbone-shaped nylon chew imbued with real food ingredients for a flavor that lasts. Its wishbone shape makes it easy for puppies to grip and chew.
While these toys bring loads of fun, remember supervision is vital. A puppy’s teething toy is not a set-it-and-forget-it solution. Regular inspections for wear and tear ensure the toy remains safe for the pup to use. Wouldn’t want those precious pups coming to any harm, would we?
Toy 1: Rubber chew toys
Often proving to be a favorite among the litter, Rubber Chew Toys provide excellent relief for pups going through the not-so-painless teething stage. They’re made of strong, tough material, which is soft on the gums while still allowing for a good, satisfying chew. These toys can be especially helpful when it comes to keeping those eager puppy teeth occupied and away from furniture or shoes.
One of the front-runners in this category is the Kong Classic Puppy Toy. It’s specially designed for growing teeth and is perfect for filling with tasty treats. Kong toys come in different sizes to match the breed and size of your pooch, ensuring that it remains safe and fun for them.
Let’s not forget about the GoughNuts Maxx 50 Stick. It’s a fantastic rubber chew option with a built-in safety feature. The toy is designed to expose a bright red color when it has been chewed to the point of no return, letting the owner know when it’s time for a replacement.
But why do puppies love Rubber Chew Toys so much? One theory suggests it’s due to the shape and texture similarities with sticks or real bones. It’s also true that they enjoy the bouncy and unpredictable movements that these toys make when thrown.
Though these toys are designed to be as safe as possible, they are not indestructible. Puppies can gnaw through even the toughest rubber. Supervision and regular inspections are crucial. The moment there’s a sign of wear, or the toy breaks into pieces, it’s time for it to go. Your pup’s safety always comes first.
Next up on our list, we introduce the greatly appreciated dental chew toys. Used not only to appease a teething pup’s discomfort but also to promote dental hygiene, these toys are a great addition to your furry friend’s toy basket.
Toy 2: Frozen treats and toys
Frozen treats and toys take a unique twist on your puppy’s teething journey. These type of offerings don’t just serve as a plaything but they also provide soothing relief to gum discomfort, thanks to their cold temperature.
Let’s look at two popular, top-notch frozen items for puppies. First is the Petstages Cool Teething Stick. This toy undergoes a simple freeze-and-play process. With a chilled gel inside its core, it helps alleviate teething pain and inflamed gums making it a perfect relief-provider on a balmy day. The distinctive shape also encourages a commitment to chew, which aids in strengthening the budding teeth.
For a tasty and engaging twist, we recommend Welch’s Puppy Popsicles. These are not your typical popsicles, they’re a blend of dog-safe fruit purees that not only satisfy your puppy’s sweet tooth but also give them essential vitamins and minerals. The idea is to freeze these popsicles, and let your puppy chew through them. They’ll help soothe tender gums while keeping your hopeful companion occupied. Here are their benefits:
- Calming effect on aching gums
- Delicious and enjoyable treat
- Vitamin enriched for puppy’s growth and development
Remember though that frozen goodies like these should be an addition to, and not a replacement for, your pup’s diet. Supervision is important while they’re chowing down on these chilly delights – you certainly won’t want your puppy to bite off more than they can chew. Dog-safe commercial items like the mentioned Petstages Stick and Welch’s Popsicles are generally safe, but homemade recipes need to ensure ingredients used are canine-friendly.
After frozen items, let’s look at plush chew toys next. Toys with a difference, they have play appeal with varying textures for your young canine. Keep reading to learn more about these plush options.
Toy 3: Rope toys
When it comes to chewing, puppies often enjoy a good tussle with rope toys. These provide a great solution for those sharp little growing teeth without causing harm.
A popular choice among puppies is the multipurpose Flossy Chews Cottonblend Color Rope Tug. This isn’t just a traditional rope toy but is designed to floss your puppy’s teeth while they play. It’s crafted from premium cotton blend materials, offering a safe, sturdy, and fun option for your puppy’s teething needs. Flossy Chews ensures pup’s dental hygiene doesn’t have to be a hustle for the parent – it’s as simple as playtime!
Now these days, there’s even a flavored option. Infused with all-natural flavors, the Nylabone Just for Puppies Petit Chicken Flavored Puppy Dog Ring Bone is another rope toy that’s big with pet owners. It’s significant to note that these flavored toys offer two benefits in one – they help with teething and at the same time make for an exciting play experience.
However, there’s an important reminder to caretakers while using rope toys. Puppies, with their desire to chew hence, can loosen fibers over time. And on swallowing, these can cause digestive disturbance. This isn’t to dissuade one from rope toys, but to imbibe responsible playtime habits. Always be on the lookout for loose fibers and replace the toy once it starts getting frayed.
Shifting focus, introducing the easiest homemade alternative – DIY Frozen Rope. Just soak a regular cotton rope in water then freeze it. This makes for a perfect chew toy for a teething puppy, providing a soothing cooling effect on their gums.
And finally, there’s the Gomma Kong Braidz Giraffe Dog Toy. It’s soft, but the tightly braided design makes it durable enough to withstand those sharp puppy teeth. Plus, it squeaks, which adds to the overall fun.
With rope toys, your puppies get the perfect blend of chewable material and resistance, making those teething days a bit easier. Remember, though, monitoring is crucial.
Toy 4: Dental chew toys
In their quest to explore and soothe their teething worries, puppies are big fans of gnawing. That’s where dental chew toys step in. As the name suggests, these specially designed toys effectively support good dental health while providing a safe outlet for puppies to chew.
One universally loved dental chew toy is the ‘Benebone Bacon Flavored Wishbone Chew Toy’. With a unique wishbone shape that’s easy for puppies to grip and gnaw, it’s a big hit in the puppy community. The added bacon flavor also keeps puppies intrigued, helping to extend chew times.
For young puppies with sensitive gums, the ‘N-Bone Puppy Teething Ring’ is an excellent choice. Infused with DHA and calcium to support healthy growth, these rings soften as your pup chews, providing soothing relief.
Remember not to leave your puppy alone with a dental chew toy, though. They can be a choking hazard if left unsupervised. Always monitor your puppy during chew time and if you notice the toy getting drastically reduced in size, it’s better to replace it.
Another good pick is the ‘KONG Puppy Teething Stick’. This toy is durable and fills up with treats to keep your pup’s interest piqued. Coating the exterior in peanut butter or cream cheese before freezing it can be an added bonus for puppies dealing with teething discomfort.
However, bear in mind that while dental chew toys can supplement oral hygiene routines, they’re not a substitute for regular veterinary dental checks. Regular vet appointments help ensure that your puppy’s teeth are growing as they should and that any potential oral health problems are detected early on.
Toy 5: Kong toys
Moving on to another favorite, meet the renowned “Kong” toys! Synonymous with versatility and reliability, Kong toys cater to canine needs, and those of teething puppies are no exception.
Kong’s Puppy Toy line features stimulating shapes, textures, and flavors that appeal to curious puppies. Kong toys are not your typical chewie! They’re known for their durability and the capability to hold treats. Offering an interactive asset most chews don’t share makes these toys stand out from the crowd.
So, why does this puppy-friendly line make our list? Here’s why:
- Durability: Kong toys are virtually indestructible, even for the most vigorous of chewers. It offers a safe and satisfying chew to your growing pup and reduces the risk of them moving on to non-toy items, like your shoes.
- Interactive Feature: Especially with active puppies, Kong toys make a great boredom buster. The central cavity, designed to hold treats and puppy-safe peanut butter, heightens a puppy’s motivation to keep chewing. In turn, it provides some much-needed gums massage and works as an effective behavior training tool.
- Variation in Texture: The Kong puppy line has a range of toys with varying textures, which can soothe different stages of teething. These textures also improve the puppy’s sense of touch and encourage more improved chewing habits.
However, it’s essential to select the appropriate Kong toy suitable for a puppy’s size and breed. Larger breeds often need more durable Kong toys, and smaller breeds may require less intense versions. It’s best always to match the toy’s size and durability with your fur baby’s needs. And as always, be sure to supervise your puppy while they’re engrossed with their Kong. Despite their durability, Kong toys are no exception from the rule: Puppies should always have human supervision while chewing on toys. These safety measure mitigates any potential risk and ensures the lasting fun of these ever popular Kong toys.
Conclusion
So, it’s clear that Kong toys are a fantastic choice for teething puppies. They’re durable, interactive, and offer a range of textures to soothe your pup through every stage of teething. But remember, it’s not just about picking any Kong toy. It’s essential to choose the right size and breed-appropriate toy for your little furball. And while Kong toys are designed to keep puppies entertained and satisfied, they’re not babysitters. Always keep an eye on your puppy during playtime. With the right Kong toy and a little supervision, you’ll help your puppy navigate through teething safely and happily. Here’s to happy, healthy teething!