Does your adorable puppy suddenly seem like a tiny, sharp-toothed land shark? You’re not alone! That innocent-looking fluffball is likely entering the painful, yet totally normal, stage of teething. Around three to six months old, puppies explore the world with their mouths, and when those adult teeth start pushing through, they need relief—fast. This intense need to chew can turn your favorite shoes, furniture legs, and even your hands into chew targets, causing real frustration for new pet owners.
Finding the perfect toy to redirect this natural urge is crucial. But wading through aisles of rubber bones, plushies, and weirdly shaped plastic items can be overwhelming. How do you know what is safe, durable, and actually soothing for sore gums? Choosing the wrong toy can mean buying something that breaks instantly or, worse, poses a choking hazard.
This guide cuts through the confusion. We will break down exactly what makes a great teething toy, focusing on safety, texture, and durability. By the end of this post, you will have a clear checklist for selecting the best chew companions for your growing pup, saving you money and saving your furniture!
Top Toys For Teething Puppies Recommendations
- Ideal for teething puppies, the Petstages Cooling Teething Stick helps soothe sore gums and satisfies the need to chew during the teething phase
- Soothes sore gums with soft cotton-poly fabric shell, soak in water and freeze for a cool soothing chew toy for puppies
- Reduces destructive behavior satisfies chewing urges with cooling teething stick perfect alternative to furniture and belongings
- Super cool, icy refreshment for hot days, adds some fun and refreshment for pups in the sun
- No toy is indestructible, supervise pets and replace damaged toys
- 6 Different Shapes of Dog Chew Toys: These puppy toys come in 6 different shapes to keep your furry friend happy and engaged. The unique designs feature molar bumps to clean various teeth, massage gums, and control tartar and plaque.
- Safe and Effective Puppy Teeth Cleaning: Made from non-toxic natural rubber, these puppy chew toys are safe for your pet to chew on. Their uneven surface design thoroughly cleans your dog's teeth and massages gums for optimal dental care. Great for teething puppies!
- Interactive Toys for Small Breed Puppies: These fun toys are perfect for playing outside and make great dog training toys for small dogs. Playing together helps you bond with your furry friend and is beneficial for their physical and mental health.
- Ideal present for Dogs: These puppy teething toys are perfect for small dogs. They support healthy chewing, relieve boredom, and provide mental engagement. A great present for birthdays, holidays, or just because.
- Ideal present for Dogs: These puppy teething toys are perfect for small dogs. They support healthy chewing, relieve boredom, and provide mental engagement. A great present for birthdays, holidays, or just because.
- 20 GENUINE AND FUN TOYS: Our dog value pack will provide endless joy for your puppies and small dogs. Unlike other packs, OURS CONTAINS 20 GENUINELY FUN TOYS, WITH NO POOP BAGS OR NON-TOY ITEMS TO INFLATE THE COUNT. Each toy has been carefully selected to satisfy your pet's curiosity and energy, ensuring your pup always has new toys to enjoy at home.
- DIVERSE TOY SELECTION: Our value pack includes 6 soft rubber dental toys, which are softer and more elastic than traditional TPR toys. They provide excellent protection for the gums of teething puppies and offer an additional level of comfort during chewing. Additionally, the set includes 5 rope toys, 3 tug-of-war toys, 3 teething rings, 1 soothing pacifier, 1 rubber bone, and a treat dispenser. This diversity ensures your puppy finds its preferences in different forms of entertainment to stay active.
- HEALTHY PUPPY TEETHING TOYS: We prioritize your dog's health and safety. All toys are made from natural rubber and cotton. They exclude squeaky toys and toys with small parts, ensuring they are safe and long-lasting for puppies. Note: Our toys are not suitable for super heavy chewers. If your dog has an extremely strong chewing capability, we recommend using them under supervision to prevent toy damage and ingestion.
- PROTECT FURNITURE AND CLEAN TEETH: Dogs have a strong urge to chew on everything during teething. Therefore, our rubber toys with soft spikes massage gums and relieve stress, helping alleviate your dog's teething discomfort. These toys not only clean teeth but also eliminate plaque in hard-to-reach areas, prevent cavities, and promote healthy chewing habits.
- ENGAGING PLAYTIME Our wide range of rope toys is perfect for tug-of-war, fetch, and chewing—they’ll keep your furry friend active, in great shape, and happily occupied for hours. Our ball toys and tug toys also double as handy training tools, helping you keep your dog focused and involved during sessions. Best of all, these toys let you build a stronger bond with your four-legged family member, filling their days with endless joy and precious quality time together.
- Durable Dog Ring Toy: KONG's Ring chew toys are designed with KONG's durable natural rubber, making it a long-lasting dog toy essential
- Natural Rubber Ring for Enriching Playtime: This rubber dog toy satisfies your pup's natural instinct to chew, promoting healthy teeth and gums
- Chew Toy for Entertaining Dogs: This KONG chew toy for dogs offers entertainment and supports healthy chewing habits
- Made in the USA: Globally sourced materials. KONG has been innovating since 1976 to enrich the lives of pets with the highest quality pet toys and treats. Covered by KONG's Satisfaction Guarantee
- KONG: Since not all toys are created equal, it’s always best to supervise your dog during play. Supervised play will help toys last longer and keep your dog safe. No dog toy is truly indestructible, so always remove the toy from playtime if damaged
- Dental dog chew toy – the perfect size for puppies and small dogs
- An excellent teething toy for puppies who love to chew
- Textures of this hedgehog chew toy help massage gums and add interest to keep your dog busy
- Chewy Orka material that's gentle on teeth
- Bounces and floats for indoor and outdoor playtime fun
- Available in puppy-favorite Peanut Butter flavor for the first time!
- Made in the USA
- 100% Rawhide free
- Added DHA Omega-3 for healthy brain development
- No wheat, corn, or soy added
- RELIEVES TEETHING DISCOMFORT - Made of Nylabone's softest material, this puppy teething chew toy is designed for puppies without any adult teeth
- FREEZE TO SOOTHE GUMS - Place this puppy chew toy in the freezer to provide even more teething relief
- ENTERTAINING RING BONE SHAPE - Textured chew toy keeps pups happy and encourages healthy chewing habits
- PROMOTES DOG DENTAL HEALTH - Ridges and nubs massage gums and help reduce plaque and tartar buildup as puppies chew
- MADE IN THE USA - Puppy bone toy is proudly made in the United States
- TEACHES HEALTHY CHEWING HABITS - Includes two puppy chew toys and an edible chew treat perfect for every developmental phase
- DESIGNED IN MATERIALS FOR EVERY STAGE - Start with the soft material for teething puppies, then graduate to the tougher material for puppies with adult teeth
- HIGHLY DIGESTIBLE CHEW TREAT - Long-lasting bacon-flavored dog chew treat contains no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives
- MADE IN THE USA - These chew toys for puppies are proudly made in New Jersey
- TRUSTED CHEW TOYS WITH HEART & PURPOSE - Every chew toy’s unique shape, individual texture, and gotta-have-it flavor is created with purpose and love to give your dog what they need, when they need it!
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Choosing the Best Teething Toys for Your Puppy
Bringing a new puppy home is exciting! Soon, you will notice those tiny teeth causing big trouble. Teething is a rough time for puppies and for your furniture. Finding the right toy helps soothe their sore gums and keeps them busy. This guide helps you pick the best chew toys for your growing friend.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping for teething toys, look closely at what the toy offers. Good features make playtime better and safer.
- Durability: Puppies chew hard! You need toys that stand up to strong puppy jaws. A toy that breaks easily is a choking hazard.
- Texture Variety: Different textures feel good on sore gums. Look for toys with bumps, ridges, or soft, chewy sections. Some puppies like very firm toys; others prefer softer ones.
- Size Appropriateness: The toy must be the right size for your puppy. If it is too small, they might swallow parts. If it is too big, they cannot hold it properly to chew.
- Ease of Cleaning: Puppies drool a lot! Toys that you can easily wash keep germs away.
Important Materials Matter Most
The material of the toy directly affects safety and comfort. Always choose non-toxic options.
Safe and Effective Materials:
- Natural Rubber: This is often the best choice. Natural rubber is durable, flexible, and safe if small pieces are accidentally chewed off.
- Durable Nylon: Hard nylon bones are great for very strong chewers. They offer a satisfying resistance, but supervise closely when first introducing them.
- Rope Toys (Natural Cotton): These are excellent for gentle chewing and flossing. Ensure the rope is made of natural, undyed cotton. Supervise to prevent the puppy from swallowing long strands.
Materials to Avoid:
Never buy toys made of cheap plastic, vinyl, or anything that splinters easily. These materials can seriously harm your puppy’s mouth or digestive system.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Quality in a teething toy means safety and longevity. Several things affect how good a toy really is.
What Improves Quality:
- Manufacturer Reputation: Brands that specialize in dog safety usually make better products. Read reviews from other puppy owners.
- Temperature Control Options: Toys designed to be chilled (like water-filled rings) offer extra relief for swollen gums. Freezing them makes them even better for soothing pain.
What Reduces Quality (and Safety):
- Small, Detachable Parts: Anything that can fall off—like plastic eyes on a plush toy or small squeakers—reduces quality because it becomes a danger.
- Soft, Easily Shredded Material: If a toy falls apart after just a few minutes of chewing, it is low quality and unsafe.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you and your puppy will use the toy daily. A good toy fits into your routine.
For Crate Time: You need quiet, durable toys that won’t distract your puppy too much. Hard nylon chews or solid rubber toys work well here.
For Playtime: Interactive toys, like soft fetch toys or gentle tug ropes, encourage bonding. These toys are usually less firm than dedicated chew toys.
For Soothing Pain: When your puppy is fussy because of erupting molars, use chilled or frozen toys. The cold temperature acts like a temporary pain reliever. Always supervise when using frozen toys to ensure they don’t become too hard.
10 Frequently Asked Questions About Teething Toys
Q: How often should I replace my puppy’s teething toys?
A: You should inspect toys every day. If a toy gets small tears, cracks, or if pieces start coming off, throw it away immediately. Safety is more important than saving money on a worn-out toy.
Q: Can I use frozen vegetables as teething toys?
A: Yes, frozen carrots or ice cubes can offer temporary relief. However, always supervise to make sure the puppy doesn’t swallow large chunks. Rubber toys are generally safer for unsupervised chewing sessions.
Q: Are those hard plastic teething rings safe?
A: Hard plastic rings can sometimes be too hard for baby puppy teeth, potentially causing damage. Look for firm, but slightly flexible, natural rubber rings instead.
Q: What is the best toy for a puppy who chews everything?
A: For very aggressive chewers, look for toys labeled as “extreme chewers.” These are usually made of very dense, durable nylon or hard rubber formulations.
Q: Should I buy soft plush toys for a teething puppy?
A: Soft plush toys are great for comfort and gentle play, but they are often not durable enough for teething. Puppies can rip the stuffing out quickly, which is dangerous if swallowed.
Q: How do I clean teething toys properly?
A: Most rubber and nylon toys can be cleaned with warm water and mild, unscented dish soap. Rinse them thoroughly. Toys that go in the freezer should also be cleaned regularly.
Q: What age does puppy teething usually start and stop?
A: Teething usually starts around three weeks old and the adult teeth finish coming in around six to seven months old. Keep providing appropriate chew toys throughout this entire period.
Q: Are flavored teething toys better?
A: Flavored toys can attract the puppy to chew, which is helpful. However, check the ingredients. Make sure the flavoring is safe and non-toxic, and that it doesn’t encourage the puppy to ingest large amounts of the toy material.
Q: Should I use a toy that squeaks?
A: Squeaky toys are fun for play! But if the puppy manages to destroy the toy and swallow the squeaker piece, it is a major choking risk. Remove the squeaker or the toy once the squeaker is exposed.
Q: Are human baby teething toys safe for puppies?
A: Some silicone baby teethers are safe, but puppy toys are generally made of materials stronger than baby toys. Puppy teeth are sharper and stronger than baby human teeth, so use toys specifically designed for dogs.