Chew Toys for Teething Puppies: The Ultimate Guide to Soothing Your Pup’s Gums
Teething can be a challenging phase for both puppies and their owners. As your furry friend’s baby teeth start to fall out and adult teeth grow in, they experience discomfort, leading them to chew on anything they can find—including your furniture and shoes! Providing the right chew toys for teething puppies is essential for their relief and to protect your household items.
Why Do Puppies Need Chew Toys?
Teething puppies chew for several reasons:
- Relieve Gum Pain: Chewing soothes sore gums by massaging and reducing inflammation.
- Encourage Healthy Teeth Development: Proper chew toys help strengthen jaw muscles and clean teeth.
- Prevent Destructive Behavior: Satisfying their urge to chew with appropriate toys keeps them from gnawing on household items.
- Mental Stimulation: Chew toys keep puppies engaged and entertained.
What Is the Best Thing for a Puppy to Chew on When Teething?
The best chew toys for teething puppies should be soft yet durable, safe, and soothing. Freezable chew toys, rubber teething toys, and edible teething treats are some of the best options. Toys designed for teething help massage sore gums while preventing destructive chewing habits. Popular choices include dog chew toys designed specifically for small dogs.
Top Features to Look for in Puppy Chew Toys
When choosing the best chew toys for teething puppies, consider these key factors:
- Soft Yet Durable Material: Gentle on tender gums but strong enough to withstand chewing.
- Non-Toxic and Safe: Avoid toys with harmful chemicals or small parts that could be swallowed.
- Textured Surface: Massages gums and promotes oral health.
- Freezer-Friendly: Cold chew toys provide extra relief for sore gums.
What Toys Are Safe for Teething Puppies?
Safe teething toys should be made from puppy-safe materials, free of toxins, and designed for chewing. Some of the safest options include:
- Rubber teething toys (e.g., KONG Puppy Toy, Nylabone Puppy Chew)
- Freezable chew toys (e.g., PetSafe Chilly Bone, Nylabone Chill & Chew)
- Plush and squeaky chew toys (e.g., ZippyPaws Skinny Peltz, Outward Hound Plush Puppies)
- Rope toys (e.g., Mammoth Flossy Chews, Booda Fresh N Floss)
- Edible teething treats (e.g., Whimzees Puppy Dental Chews, Blue Buffalo Dental Bones)
- Little Live Pets chew toys, provide interactive fun while being safe for puppies.
Are Hard or Soft Toys Better for Teething Puppies?
Both hard and soft toys have benefits, but the best choice depends on your puppy’s chewing strength and preferences:
- Soft toys are ideal for young puppies with tender gums. They provide comfort and are gentle on their mouths.
- Hard rubber toys (such as KONG toys) are durable and excellent for more aggressive chewers.
- Freezable toys can provide additional relief by numbing sore gums.
It’s best to have a mix of soft and firm toys to accommodate different teething stages.
What Are the Worst Weeks for Puppy Teething?
The most challenging weeks for puppy teething typically occur between weeks 12 to 16. This is when their baby teeth are falling out, and their adult teeth are erupting, causing significant discomfort. You may notice increased chewing, drooling, and irritability during this time. Providing appropriate dog chew toys will help soothe their discomfort.
Best Chew Toys for Teething Puppies
Here are some of the most recommended and effective chew toys:
1. Rubber Teething Toys
- Made from durable, puppy-safe rubber.
- Soft enough for sore gums but strong enough for active chewers.
- Popular options: KONG Puppy Toy, Nylabone Puppy Chew.
2. Freezable Chew Toys
- Provide cooling relief to inflamed gums.
- Simply fill it with water and freeze it before giving it to your pup.
- Recommended options: PetSafe Chilly Bone, Nylabone Chill & Chew.
3. Plush and Squeaky Chew Toys
- Soft, comforting toys that make engaging sounds.
- Ideal for puppies that enjoy gentle chewing and cuddling.
- Try: ZippyPaws Skinny Peltz, Outward Hound Plush Puppies.
4. Rope Toys
- Helps clean teeth and soothe gums while chewing.
- Perfect for tug-of-war play, adding extra fun.
- Examples: Mammoth Flossy Chews, Booda Fresh N Floss.
5. Edible Teething Treats
- Designed to be chewed and eaten safely.
- Provides extra nutrients while soothing gums.
- Options include: Whimzees Puppy Dental Chews, and Blue Buffalo Dental Bones.
Tips for Using Puppy Chew Toys Effectively
- Rotate Toys Regularly: Keep your puppy interested by switching out toys every few days.
- Supervise Playtime: Ensure your puppy doesn’t swallow large pieces or play with damaged toys.
- Combine Chew Toys with Training: Redirect inappropriate chewing behavior to designated toys.
- Use Chew Toys as Rewards: Reinforce good behavior by offering chew toys when needed.
Conclusion
Teething is a natural but sometimes painful stage in a puppy’s development. Investing in the right chew toys for teething puppies will help ease their discomfort, protect your belongings, and support healthy oral development. Explore a variety of teething toys to find the best fit for your small dog, and enjoy a happy, chew-friendly home!
For high-quality dog chew toys for teething puppies, visit https://petsboxs.com/collections/dog-toys and give your pup the comfort they deserve!