The Best Puppy Toys For Teething
The teething stage of a puppy's life can be one of the most difficult and frustrating, especially if they decide to take it out on your favorite pair of shoes. But at such a young age, puppies don't know the difference between a toy and a piece of furniture. So it's important to teach them what they can chew on to release tension and ease their aching teeth. There are so many options when it comes to puppy toys, so we've done some research to give you a headstart on your collection.
What to Look For
The best puppy toys for teething are durable, interactive, and good for their teeth. Based on these factors, our favorite is the chew toy set from Kipritii. With so many options for your puppy, you’ll be able to play with them or keep them occupied on their own. Plus, this set includes toys to clean your dog’s teeth while chewing. As a more durable option, we’ve chosen the Benebone wishbone. It’s easy for your pup to hold onto and is very long-lasting. What more could you ask for? Keep reading to find the best teething toy for your puppy.
Kipritii Chew Toys for Puppies
Puppies have a lot of energy and a short attention span, meaning you need to give them options to keep them busy. Providing them with plenty of teething toys will keep their teeth away from sofa legs and your new pair of leather boots. This set of chew toys comes with a variety of shapes and textures including ropes, rubber chews, plush toys, and balls to allow them to discover what they love best. It even comes with three rolls of disposable poop bags to clean up after your furry friend.
Pros:
- The two rubber teething toys included in this set have nubs designed to massage your pet’s gums and give them relief. As they get older, these toys will also help to clean their teeth by removing plaque and help to freshen their breath.
- The variety of toys in this set makes it easy for your dog to play on their own or with you. Independent play will help them gain confidence, but they’ll also love playing with the balls and rope toys with you.
Cons:
- The majority of the toys in this set are not designed for aggressive chewers.
Benebone Real Bacon Durable Wishbone
Made from heavy-duty nylon and available in flavors like bacon, chicken, and peanut butter, your puppy will fall in love with this teething toy from Benebone. The wishbone shape gives your pup more stability and leverage while chewing, allowing them to always find relief. Keep them occupied and content with this mouth-watering toy.
Pros:
- These teething toys are flavored with real ingredients so you don’t have to worry about feeding your pet anything unnatural. Plus, they are unscented so they won’t leave an overpowering scent in your home.
- Over time, the Benebone gets rough edges as your puppy chews. These uneven areas help to clean your puppy’s teeth and give them more texture to make the chewing experience more enjoyable.
Cons:
- Little bits of nylon get worn off as your dog chews and tend to get left on the floor and furniture for you to clean up.
ZippyPaws Skinny Peltz Squeaky Plush Toys
Cuddly critters
These lovable plush toys are the perfect pick for your puppy and we’re pretty sure you’ll be obsessed with them, too. Designed for chewing or tug of war, these woodland animals have squeakers to keep your pup entertained. Since they don’t have any stuffing, there will be less mess and you can feel confident with them playing on their own.
Pros:
- Plush toys don’t typically last a long time, especially with aggressive chewers. This set is an affordable price that will let you test to see if your dog destroys soft toys or simply loves playing with them.
- These are a great option if your dog loves to toss toys in the air to catch since they are very light. If you have two or more dogs, they can easily play tug of war together with these plush toys.
Cons:
- The squeakers aren’t very durable and can be destroyed fairly quickly.
Nylabone Chill and Chew Teething Toy
When your puppy is experiencing gum and teeth pain, they’ll tend to want to chew on something soft like your hands. With this teething toy from Nylabone, you can offer them something to reduce their pain and distract them. Full of flavor, this rubber toy can be put in the freezer to help numb your pup’s mouth and alleviate the swelling. But no matter what temperature, they’ll love chewing on this textured toy.
Pros:
- This chew toy is yellow at room temperature and turns orange after freezing. It takes 30 minutes or less for it to get super cold again for your pet to enjoy.
- Most dogs love to crunch on ice cubes, but it can become a messy treat over time. To create an alternative to ice cubes, try getting a rag damp with water and wrapping it around the toy to help it freeze together and make the fun last even longer.
Cons:
- When frozen, this teething toy thaws out fairly quickly.
Kong Rubber Teething Toy for Puppies
Dogs of all ages and sizes love Kong toys because the natural rubber holds up against their chewing and the center of the toy can be filled with delicious goodies. These Kong teethers are designed specifically for puppies so the rubber is more gentle on their teeth while still being durable. Stimulate aggressive chewers and calm anxious pups with this well-loved toy.
Pros:
- Fill the toy with treats such as peanut butter or pumpkin puree to encourage your puppy to test out their new toy. You can even freeze the Kong to make the treat last longer.
- These toys are great to have on hand when you are training your puppy. If you are training them to go to their bed or crate when they have a lot of energy, use the Kong to encourage them to follow instructions.
- This teething toy can be washed in the dishwasher to make your life easier.
Cons:
- The natural rubber smell can be off-putting to some pet parents.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old are puppies when they start teething?
Puppies can start teething as early as three weeks old and usually have most of their first set of teeth by the time they’re six weeks old. At around 12 weeks old you may notice that your puppy is losing teeth to make room for their permanent teeth to come in. Most puppies will have their full set of adult teeth, including their back molars, by the time they are six months old.
What are the most common teething symptoms for puppies?
Since puppies experience different levels of teething for the first six months of their lives, it’s important to know the various symptoms they experience so you can offer them relief. The primary symptoms include aggressive chewing, drooling, swollen and bleeding gums, and whining due to the pain. Your puppy may also start eating more slowly or become less interested in their food if it hurts their mouths too much. If this becomes an ongoing issue you may want to switch to soft food to encourage them to continue eating.
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