The Best Puppy Toys For Teething
Puppies are sweet, but the teething stage can be a pain for both you and your dog. As their adult teeth start to come in, they’ll have the urge to chew on anything and everything. To discourage them from going after a couch cushion or your favorite pair of slippers, it’s a good idea to provide them with a few teething toys. Because there are so many dog toys available, it’s hard to know which are meant for teething puppies and which are meant for adult dogs. We’ve done the hard work and found the best puppy toys for teething so that you can keep your dog happy and healthy and your furniture intact.
What to Look For
When determining the best puppy toys for teething, we looked for options that were durable, engaging, and the perfect size for puppies. Our top pick was the rubber puppy toy from Kong because it’s made out of sturdy rubber that holds up to hours of chewing, it’s smaller than the original Kong, and you can even fill the hollow center with treats. If you’re not sure what your puppy will like, or if they get bored of toys quickly, we’d recommend the 18-pack puppy teething toys from Kipritii. It comes with plush toys, rope toys, and chew toys that are all puppy-approved and will keep your furry friend busy. To learn more about all the best puppy toys for teething, keep reading our full reviews.
Kong Natural Rubber Puppy Teething Toy
One chew to rule them all
Kongs are a classic for a reason, and now even puppies can enjoy this iconic toy. The gentle rubber will massage their gums and offer relief from teething, while also teaching appropriate chewing behavior. The asymmetrical shape means that the toy bounces unpredictably while your pup plays, and they’ll love chewing and chasing it around.
Pros:
- The rubber is very durable but soft enough that it won’t hurt your puppy’s gums.
- You can fill the center with treats to encourage your dog, and even freeze it for an added challenge.
Con:
- Because the Kong is round, it can roll away under furniture.
Nylabone Chill and Chew Dog Chew Toy
While chewing helps ease teething pain, this chilled bone does double duty. Pop it in the freezer, and once it’s orange you can give your dog an icy treat that will help to soothe their inflamed gums. It’s lamb- and apple-flavored for extra enjoyment, and the soft bristles even clean your dog’s teeth.
Pros:
- This bone only takes about 30 minutes to freeze, so your pup can get relief in no time.
- The bone turns orange when it’s frozen, so you can see its temperature at a glance.
Con:
- Because dogs’ mouths are very warm, the bone thaws pretty quickly.
Bojafa Teething Ball Toy
Play ball
If your puppy is wary of new toys, this special ball might do the trick. It has ridges on the outside that you can fill with food to entice them. Besides making the toy more interesting, it’s a fun brain game for your dog. The non-toxic rubber is very durable, so it’ll hold up even to aggressive chewers.
Pros:
- Your puppy can play with this ball by himself, or you can toss it for a fun game of fetch.
- Because getting food out is a challenge, this ball is a great way to slow down fast eaters when you give them a snack.
Con:
- If you fill this toy with something like peanut butter or pumpkin puree it can be a bit hard to clean.
Kipritii Puppy Chew Toys
The spice of life
If your puppy has a short attention span, this 18-piece toy pack is sure to keep them entertained. It has a variety of chew toys for both solo and interactive play. The ropes are great for tug-of-war, and the rubber chew toys have bristles that will keep your dog’s teeth clean and fresh.
Pros:
- The toys are soft enough for sensitive mouths but durable enough for chewing.
- For the number of toys you get, this set is a good deal.
Con:
- Your dog may not like all the toys included in the set, but they do have a lot of options to choose from.
Benebone Puppy Chew Toy
Everyone loves bacon, and that includes your puppy. These sturdy chew toys are as hard as real bone, so they’re durable and long-lasting. The pack includes two toys: one wishbone shape and one dental chew. These give your dog plenty of angles to gnaw, so they can ease teething pain anywhere in their mouth.
Pros:
- The shape is specially designed so that it’s easy for your dog to hold while she chews.
- Each toy is flavored with real ingredients, so you don’t need to worry about your pup chewing on any chemicals or additives.
Con:
- The bones can get sharp edges as your dog chews on them, so make sure to toss them once they’re worn down.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the symptoms of teething?
Puppies start teething at around four months of age, and it can be a painful process. Common symptoms include inflamed or bleeding gums, missing teeth, drooling, and whining or whimpering. The most common symptom is increased chewing, which is why providing teething toys is a great way to help your puppy and discourage them from chewing on things they’re not supposed to.
Can my puppy use teething toys even after he’s done teething?
Although puppies are usually finished with the teething process by the time they’re six months old, they can continue to play with their teething toys until they wear out. If your dog is an aggressive chewer, softer toys won’t last as long once their adult teeth are in. Puppy toys are also small, so if you have a large breed keep an eye on them while they play to make sure they don’t chew off and swallow any pieces of their toys.
About the Author
Why Trust Us
DogTime is a leading resource for dog owners & pet lovers. Our goal is to give every dog & pet a happy, healthy home by providing the best advice to owners.