The Ultimate Guide to the Best Toys for Teething Puppies
Is your adorable new puppy turning into a tiny, chewing tornado? Are your shoes, furniture, and fingers bearing the brunt of their sharp little teeth? You're not alone! The puppy teething phase is a completely
normal, albeit sometimes challenging, part of their development. This is when their baby teeth fall out to make way for their adult set, and the discomfort can lead to a whole lot of chewing.Why Are Teething Toys So Important for Puppies?
Pain Relief: The pressure from chewing on a toy can help alleviate the discomfort of their gums as new teeth emerge. Dental Health: Chewing helps to clean their teeth and gums, promoting good oral hygiene from a young age. Discourages Destructive Chewing: By redirecting their chewing instinct to appropriate toys, you teach them what is and isn't acceptable to chew on. Mental Stimulation: Engaging with different types of toys keeps their minds active and prevents boredom, which can also lead to destructive behaviors. Positive Association: Providing a variety of fun and engaging toys helps to build a positive association with playtime and strengthens your bond with your puppy.
Understanding the Puppy Teething Timeline
2-3 Weeks: Their tiny baby teeth (deciduous teeth) start to emerge. 4-6 Weeks: All 28 of their baby teeth have usually come in. 3-4 Months: The teething process begins! Their baby teeth start to fall out, and their adult teeth begin to erupt. This is often when you'll notice the most intense chewing. 6-8 Months: Most puppies will have all 42 of their adult teeth by this time. The intense chewing may start to subside, but it's important to continue providing appropriate chew toys.
The Best Types of Toys for Teething Puppies
Rubber Teething Toys
KONG Puppy Toy: This classic toy is a must-have for any puppy owner. Its unique shape and bouncy rubber make it fun to chase, and you can fill it with treats or puppy-safe peanut butter to keep them entertained for longer. Nylabone Puppy Chew Toys: Nylabone offers a wide range of chew toys specifically designed for teething puppies. They come in various shapes, sizes, and flavors to entice your pup. West Paw Zogoflex Hurley Dog Toy: This durable toy is great for both chewing and fetching. It's also dishwasher-safe, making it easy to keep clean.
Soft and Plush Teething Toys
GoDog Checkers with Chew Guard Technology: These adorable plush toys are made with a special Chew Guard Technology to make them more durable than standard plush toys. ZippyPaws Skinny Peltz No Stuffing Squeaky Plush Dog Toys: These stuffing-free toys are a safer option for puppies who are prone to tearing their toys apart. The multiple squeakers also add to the fun. KONG Cozie Marvin the Moose: This soft and cuddly toy is perfect for comforting a teething puppy. While not designed for aggressive chewers, it's a great option for supervised play and snuggling.
Freezable Teething Toys
Nylabone Chill and Chew Freezer Bone: This toy can be filled with water and frozen, providing a long-lasting and cooling chew experience. Petstages Cool Teething Stick: This toy is filled with a non-toxic gel that freezes to provide a cooling sensation. DIY Frozen Treats: You can also make your own frozen teething toys by freezing a wet washcloth or filling a KONG with yogurt and freezing it.
Edible Teething Toys
Benebone Puppy Wishbone: These durable chews are flavored with real bacon, chicken, or peanut butter, making them irresistible to most puppies. Himalayan Dog Chew: Made from yak and cow milk, these long-lasting chews are a natural and healthy option for teething puppies. Bully Sticks: These single-ingredient chews are a popular choice for puppies and adult dogs alike. Just be sure to supervise your puppy while they are chewing on one.
Safety First: What to Avoid in a Teething Toy
Toys that are too hard: Hard plastics, bones, or antlers can be too hard for a puppy's developing teeth and can cause them to fracture. Toys with small parts: Toys with small, detachable parts can be a choking hazard. Always inspect toys for any loose pieces before giving them to your puppy. Toys that can splinter: Rawhide and some natural bones can splinter and cause internal damage if swallowed. Toys that are too small: A toy that is too small can be easily swallowed and become a choking hazard. Always choose toys that are appropriate for your puppy's size and breed.
DIY Teething Toys: Fun and Affordable Options
The Frozen Washcloth: Simply soak a clean washcloth in water, wring it out, and freeze it. The cold cloth will be soothing on your puppy's gums. The Ice Cube Treat: Freeze some low-sodium chicken or beef broth in an ice cube tray for a tasty and cooling treat. The Veggie Stick: A frozen carrot or piece of celery can be a healthy and satisfying chew for your puppy. Always supervise them to ensure they don't choke.
How to Introduce New Teething Toys to Your Puppy
Make it a Positive Experience: Show your puppy the new toy with an enthusiastic and happy tone of voice. Encourage Play: Wiggle the toy around and encourage your puppy to chase and pounce on it. Use Positive Reinforcement: When your puppy starts to chew on the toy, praise them with a "good boy" or "good girl." Rotate Toys: Keep things interesting by rotating your puppy's toys every few days. This will prevent them from getting bored and will make old toys seem new and exciting again.
Common Teething Puppy Problems and How to Solve Them
Nipping and Biting: It's normal for teething puppies to want to chew on everything, including your hands and feet. When this happens, redirect their attention to an appropriate chew toy. Destructive Chewing: If your puppy is chewing on furniture or other inappropriate items, make sure they have plenty of their own toys to chew on. You can also use a deterrent spray on items you want to protect. Loss of Appetite: Some puppies may experience a loss of appetite during teething due to sore gums. Softening their food with a little water can make it easier for them to eat.
When to See a Vet
Retained Baby Teeth: Sometimes, a baby tooth may not fall out when the adult tooth comes in. This can cause problems with their bite and may need to be removed by a vet. Excessive Drooling or Bleeding: A small amount of drooling and bleeding is normal during teething, but excessive amounts could be a sign of a problem. Pawing at the Mouth: If your puppy is constantly pawing at their mouth, it could be a sign of pain or a dental issue.
