Toys are essential for dogs – and that includes teething puppies, but with all that destructive chewing, it’s hard to know what to buy them. To help you out, we’ve devised a list of the most recommended puppy teething toys on the market.
So, why are teething toys so important and what should we look for when buying toys for teething puppies? Let’s take a look at everything you need to know, including some teething top tips and FAQ!
What Is Teething For Pups?
Most mammals experience the junior period known as teething. It is the process of losing baby teeth and growing adult teeth, but it can feel very painful and uncomfortable.
Puppies begin to teethe from about 3 weeks old. They start to lose their milk teeth between 4-6 months of age, and during this time, your pup will likely chew everything in sight to relieve their discomfort. Teething doesn’t stop until all of their adult teeth have come in at around 6-8 months, but it does get gradually better. There are also a few ways you can also help your pup out – and minimize the damage!
Teething Top Tips
Chewing provides relief from teething irritation, so, to prevent your teething pup from destroying your home and everything in it, you should provide some good teething toys. Teething gels that soothe pain, furniture sprays that repel pups, and training will also help.
Try redirecting undesirable chewing to toys, and give them lots of praise when they get it right. Never punish your teething pup for chewing something, no matter how frustrated you may feel. Try to remember that it isn’t their fault, that it is only temporary, and that it’s necessary for their development.
The Importance Of Toys For Puppies
Toys are a necessity for dogs – all dogs – young and old! They can keep dogs active, aid training, and are an important part of your dog’s overall wellbeing.
Different toys have different functions, and all of them are important. Dogs should have at least two or three toys of each kind. Active toys such as balls and frisbees are great for playing games that expend physical energy and exercise natural instincts, cooperative toys like tug-of-war ropes encourage socialization, soft toys provide comfort, chew toys relieve stress, boredom, and aid dental health, and mentally stimulating toys like puzzle games and treat dispensers challenge and entertain the mind. They can also be used to encourage solo play, relaxation, and independence in puppies and anxious dogs.
Soft toys are not recommended for teething puppies unless they are stuffing-free to avoid choking, and most mentally stimulating toys are too advanced for teething pups. However, toys that stimulate the senses, such as light-up toys and noise-making toys, are just as entertaining and great for developing minds. Consider your dog’s breed, too. Certain dogs are more likely to enjoy certain toys because of their DNA and natural instincts.
How To Choose Teething Toys For Puppies
There are even toys that are designed specifically for teething pups. They are made to reach into the canine mouth and provide relief to painful symptoms. They should also have some sensory elements that capture your pup’s attention and stimulate their mind, to encourage the chewing of toys rather than household furniture.
Key Features
These are some things to take into consideration when looking for toys for your teething pup.
Size
Your pup’s toys should be small and lightweight enough that they are able to pick them up, carry them around, and throw them about without causing strain, but they should also not be small enough to be a choking or swallowing hazard.
Material
Puppy toys should be hardy and chew-proof to avoid breakage, which could create hazards and also just be a waste of money for you. That said, no dog toy is indestructible, and you should always supervise a teething puppy when they are playing with their toys.
The toys should also not be so hard that they cause damage to your pups’ teeth and gums, and they should be completely free of toxic chemicals like PVC and phthalates.
Other Things To Consider
Other factors you may want to take into consideration include:
- Trusted brands
- High ratings and good reviews
- All-natural materials
- Eco-friendly materials
- Easy to clean products
20 Best Teething Toys For Puppies
These are our favorite teething toys for pups!
1. Gnawsome Squeaker Dog Ball Toy
Gnawsome‘s unique spiky ball utilizes soft but bite-resistant TPR rubber, which is free from harmful chemicals like BPA. It’s great for teething puppies and the texture is very mentally stimulating, plus it massages their aching gums. The fun texture cleans the teeth, too. The ball also has a squeaker inside and a superior bounce to make it even more fun.
It’s lightweight, 2.5″ in circumference, and available to buy in several different and colors. It’s also suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. Reviews are overwhelmingly positive, with several buyers saying it’s their dog’s favorite ball.
2. Kong Puppy Toy Natural Teething Rubber
This classic Kong toy is designed for teething puppies. It’s made from super-soft rubber that is all-natural, non-toxic, and gentle on baby teeth, but still ultra-durable and long-lasting.
It has the classic stuffable feature to double up as a treat dispenser for boredom-busting solo-play. Owners can also put it in the freezer for extra teething relief.
It comes in four sizes; extra-small, small, medium, and large, and is dishwasher safe for easy cleaning. It is also made in the USA and comes in two cute colors; pastel pink and pastel blue. Kong is an internationally loved and trusted pet brand that is well-known for making hardy dog toys, and reviews highly recommend the product.
3. Nylabone Teething Puppy Tug Toy
This blue tug-of-war type toy by Nylabone is perfect for puppies that love to tug and chew. It’s 8 x 4 x 0.55 inches and weighs 2.4 ounces. It utilizes ultra-gentle yet durable rubber and encourages interactive play and socialization, whilst doubling up as a satisfying chew toy.
Nylabone is another well-known and trusted maker of products for dogs and proudly makes all of their products in the USA. Reviews love the toy.
4. Gnawsome Spiky Squeak & Light Ball Dog Toy
Another ball by Gnawsome, this time with an added feature. The 3.5″ ball utilizes the same soft, durable, non-toxic, bouncy rubber, and has the same great spiky texture and squeaker as the other Gnawsome ball on this list. However, it also comes with internal bright LED lights that flash on impact, for an even more stimulating experience for your growing pup. Buyers love the toy and say that the lights last forever.
5. JW Hol-ee Roller Dog Chew Toy
This rubber ball by JW Pet Company is made from non-toxic, all-natural rubber that is stretchy and soft but super strong. The lattice design doubles up as an interactive treat dispenser for solo play and extra fun.
It’s 3 x 6 x 3 inches, weighs 23 grams, and is available to buy in packs of one or two. The ball comes in red, blue, purple, and green, and it is a potluck as to which color you receive when you order it online. It’s an Amazon best-seller and has positive reviews.
6. Kong Puppy Teething Stick
Another puppy product by Kong, this teething stick comes in baby pink or pastel blue. It’s an angular tube-like stick that is super soothing on aching gums and doubles up as a stuffable treat dispenser. Food can go into the tube in the middle and in the grooves of the outside of the toy. It comes in three sizes; small, medium, and large, and reviews say it works great with peanut butter.
7. Nylabone Dinosaur
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This fun chew toy by Nylabone comes in the shape of a sweet little dinosaur and has tiny bristles on the surface to soothe teething gums and clean the teeth. It’s made from a super-soft nylon material and smells and tastes like chicken to encourage good chewing habits.
It’s 7 x 5.5 x 1.3 inches in size and weighs 3.2 ounces. It’s also made in the USA and comes with great reviews, although some buyers want it’s not well-suited to aggressive chewers with strong jaws.
8. Bojafa Puzzle Teething Dog Ball
This ball by Bojafa is made from soft, non-toxic, durable silicone rubber and has slots and spikes all over it for hiding treats, as well as a hollow middle. The different textures are also soothing on puppy gums and make for an interesting chew.
The ball is available to buy in packs of two and comes in different shades of green. It also comes in two sizes; small and medium-large. The small ball is 1.8 inches in diameter and the medium-large ball is 2.8 inches. It also smells like mint and reviews love the toy, although some buyers do complain that it’s hard to clean.
9. Eastblue Ring Dog Toy For Aggressive Chewers
This squeaky rubber ring by Eastblue is made with aggressive chewers in mind, making it more than suitable for teething pups! It is 5.2 x 5.2 x 1.6 inches and weighs 9.59 ounces, and comes in four colors; red, green, blue, and orange. It’s also made from eco-friendly, natural, non-toxic rubber that is 100% safe and durable.
The unique design has bumpy polka-dots for sensory stimulation and is super fun to play with, both indoors and outdoors. It is virtually indestructible and excellent for relieving stress in anxious pups. Reviews are overwhelmingly positive especially to be given as an indoor pup toy!
10. Chiwava Squeak Latex Puppy Toy Set
This latex toy set by Chiwava is excellent value for money. You’ll receive four egg-shaped latex toys in one package, each with different animal designs, a chicken, a pig, a bear, and a frog. They are designed with small, teething pups and heavy chewers in mind and each one contains a squeaker. The latex is hardy, bouncy, non-toxic, and stuffing-free.
They are all 2 x 2 x 2.4 inches in size and reviews praise the hardiness of the toys. However, some do remind buyers that they are for small puppies and adults, and may not be a safe size for bigger pups.
11. Buibiiu Teething Dog Toys Set
This toy set from Buibiuu was also made with teething puppies and small breeds in mind. The set includes a plush shark toy, a plush donut, a rope ball, and three rope pull toys. It is fantastic value for money and covers multiple needs. All of the toys are blue, which is a color that dogs see well, and all of the rope toys feature striped patterns. It’s an Amazon’s Choice product and has almost no bad reviews.
12. Outward Hound Invincibles Stuffingless Dog Toys
Outward Hound‘s Invincibles toy line is specifically for dogs who like to play rough, which makes them perfect for teething puppies. As the name would suggest, they are pretty tough, with double the seams and double the linings than other soft toys to make them as impenetrable as possible. They also don’t contain any stuffing for extra safety.
Invincibles come in many shapes and sizes, including snakes, pigs, ducks, and more! You can also buy packs of 2, 3, and 4 toys. They are very colorful and have multiple squeakers for extra fun, and several reviewers say that the toys are their dog’s favorite.
13. HuggleHounds Woodlands Corduroy Knottie Squeaky Plush Dog Toy
These HuggleHounds plushes make very sweet, comforting companions for dogs. They come in a variety of woodland creatures like raccoons, frogs, and foxes. They also have Tuft Technology lining and knotted limbs for extra durability, making them great for teething pups and heavy chewers.
The knots also add an extra texture to the toy, and the multiple squeakers make them super fun. They come in two sizes, small and large, and all of HuggleHounds’ soft toys are machine washable for easy cleaning. It’s an Amazon’s Choice product and reviews love them.
14. Nylabone Just For Puppies Teething Chew Keys
Another product by Nylabone, these colorful teething keys utilize a soft, chew-proof, plastic material that has different textures to soothe gums, clean teeth, and make for an interesting chew. They are also bacon flavor to encourage good chewing habits and to add an extra layer of fun. Reviews are overwhelmingly positive, with many buyers stating how happy they are with the toughness and longevity of the product.
15. BFACCIA Puppy Teething Freezable Chew Toys
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This freezable chew toy set by BFACCIA includes a blue and yellow ball, a fish toy, and a bone-shaped toy. All of which are water-fillable and can be put in the freezer to create the perfect soother for achy gums. They are all made from non-toxic and pet-safe materials and are also great for cooling down dogs on hot days. It’s an Amazon best-seller and reviews say they work like a charm with teething puppies.
16. Husky Depot Suction Cup Dog Toy
This clever toy by Husky Depot provides your teething pup with a hands-free game of tug. This is perfect for bored pups, pups that need to learn to play on their own, and those that need to improve their chewing habits. Simply stick the weighted sucker onto the ground or wall, and your dog is free to play a never-ending game of tug!
The sucker is attached to a rope, which is attached to a ball. It also has a built-in squeaker, treat-dispensing capabilities, fights plaque and tartar, and soothes aching gums. The brand prides themselves on their quality and claims that the product has class-leading suction strength, military-grade cut-resistant rope, and a unique, resiliant ball design that is guaranteed to deliver long-lasting playtime. Although there aren’t many reviews because it’s a newer product, the ones there are, are fantastic.
17. ZNOKA Arctic Freeze Teether Chew Toy
This ring toy by Znoka is completely water-fillable, freezable, and ridged for a fun, soothing chew. It also has two cross-shaped holes for dental treats. It’s made of completely safe, non-toxic materials, and is perfect for teething pups, anxious pups, and those that need a little extra mental stimulation. It’s an Amazon’s Choice product and reviews say it’s great for teething.
18. SHUNY Puppy Teething Chew Toys
This colorful 5 pack of toys by Shuny contains a food-dispensing bouncy rubber ball and 4 differently shaped rubber chews, including a star and a heart, with attached ropes for chewing and tugging. They are all made from safe, soft, wear and weather resistant, non-toxic TPR material and the ropes are cotton cloth. Reviews say that the pack is great value for money.
19. Petstages Dental Mini Bone Tug
This teething toy by Petstages is a fun design with three, colorful, interlocking rubber bones for chewing and tugging. The surface is bumpy for a stimulating texture that soothes teething pain and cleans the teeth. It’s made with soft, pliable rubber that is safe and tough and reviews praise the quality of the product.
20. Nylabone Classic Puppy Chew Toy (Flavored)
Finally, this classic nylon bone set by Nylabone is designed for teething puppies weighing under 15 lbs. It provides two different bones for different stages of teething, to encourage healthy habits and provide relief from symptoms. The starter bone is for pups with mouths full of baby teeth and is a soft, chicken-flavored bone. When your pup has grown in some adult teeth, you can give them the other bone, which is hardier and peanut butter flavor.
It’s an Amazon best-seller and reviews are positive, but some buyers do remind owners to supervise their pups with these toys, as no pet product is indestructible, and they’re only meant to be given for short periods of time.
Toys For Teething Puppies: FAQ
Puppies begin teething from about 3 weeks old and start to lose their milk teeth between 4 and 6 months of age. During this time, their adult teeth will also begin to grow in and should be fully grown in by 6-8 months. During the teething period, their gums will ache a lot, and they will attempt to chew everything in sight to relieve the discomfort.
Most pet stores sell teething gels that can be put on your puppy’s gums. They contain naturally soothing properties that relieve pain and lessen the need to chew. You should also invest in some good chew toys for your pup.
It’s recommended that owners start training their puppies on what is and isn’t theirs to chew as early as possible. Try redirecting undesirable chewing to their toys, and give them lots of praise when they get it right. It’s also smart to keep their number of toys small until they understand the rules. If they have too many, they might think that everything is theirs. You can also buy furniture sprays that repel teething pups from chewing household items.
You should never punish a teething puppy for chewing, even though it can be frustrating. They are not trying to be naughty, they are just acting on their instincts and are in a lot of discomfort. It also won’t be effective because they are too young to understand why they’re being punished, and they want attention, even if it’s bad. It is more likely to frighten them and prevent you from forming a close bond.
Taking the item away and then ignoring them will be more effective, as they’ll realize that chewing certain items puts a stop to attention. That said, you do need to teach them a negative signal, such as the word ‘no”, but don’t expect it to work instantly by itself.
It must be learned over time with a consistent negative association, like being ignored, negative body language like crossed arms, and an unhappy tone of voice. Social cues will become more understandable to your dog as they mature and develop empathy.
In the meantime, remember that teething is necessary and temporary. Try to empathize with your pup and take a break if you get too upset or frustrated.
Those are our best toys for teething puppies. If you are thinking of getting a puppy, or have just got one, try out some of our recommendations – and good luck!
