Puppies are adorable, but they can be quite a handful. One of the most challenging aspects of taking care of a puppy is dealing with their teething phase. During this time, puppies will chew on anything they can find, from your fingers to your furniture. It can be frustrating for pet owners, but it’s a natural part of a puppy’s development.
Fortunately, there are ways to help your puppy through this phase, and one of the best ways is by providing them with chew toys. Chew toys are designed to soothe your puppy’s gums while giving you an opportunity to teach them what they can and can’t chew on. However, not all chew toys are created equal, and it’s important to choose the right ones for your puppy.
In this article, we will explore the best chew toys for teething puppies. We will provide information on what to look for when choosing a chew toy, as well as recommendations for specific products that have been tried and tested by pet owners and experts alike. With the right chew toys, you can help your puppy through this challenging phase while protecting your furniture and belongings.
Why Do Puppies Chew?
Puppies love to chew on things, and it’s a natural behavior for them. There are several reasons why puppies chew, and understanding these reasons can help you choose the right chew toys for your teething puppy.
Teething
One of the main reasons why puppies chew is because they are teething. Just like human babies, puppies’ teeth are growing and causing discomfort. Chewing on things helps to relieve the pain and pressure associated with teething.
Boredom
Another reason why puppies chew is because they are bored. Puppies have a lot of energy, and if they don’t have enough toys or activities to keep them busy, they may turn to chewing as a way to pass the time.
Exploration
Puppies also chew as a way to explore their environment. They use their mouths to investigate new objects and textures, and chewing is a natural part of this process.
Anxiety
Finally, some puppies may chew as a way to relieve anxiety. If a puppy is feeling stressed or anxious, they may turn to chewing as a way to calm themselves down.
By understanding why puppies chew, you can choose the right chew toys to meet their needs. Toys that are designed for teething can help to relieve discomfort, while toys that are interactive or provide a challenge can help to keep your puppy entertained and engaged.
What To Avoid In Puppy Chew Toys
When it comes to choosing the right chew toy for your teething puppy, it’s important to keep in mind that not all toys are created equal. Here are some things to avoid when selecting a chew toy for your furry friend.
Toys That Are Too Small
Small toys can be a choking hazard for puppies, especially those that are still in the teething stage. Avoid toys that can fit entirely in your puppy’s mouth, as they can easily become lodged in their throat or cause other digestive issues.
Toys That Can Be Easily Broken Or Torn Apart
Puppies have sharp teeth and powerful jaws, so it’s important to choose a chew toy that can withstand their chewing and playing. Avoid toys that are made of flimsy materials or have small pieces that can be easily broken off and swallowed. Look for toys that are durable and made of non-toxic materials.
In summary, when selecting a chew toy for your teething puppy, it’s important to choose a toy that is appropriately sized and made of durable materials. By avoiding toys that are too small or easily broken, you can help ensure that your puppy stays safe and healthy while satisfying their natural urge to chew.
What Makes A Good Puppy Chew Toy
When it comes to selecting the right chew toy for your teething puppy, there are a few important factors to consider. Here are some sub-sections that can help you make the right choice.
Your Puppy Needs To Like It
The first and most important factor to consider is whether your puppy likes the toy. Every puppy has its own preferences, so it’s important to choose a toy that appeals to your pup’s individual tastes. Some puppies prefer soft toys, while others prefer harder toys. Some puppies like toys that make noise, while others prefer toys that are silent. Observe your puppy’s behavior and preferences to find out what kind of toy they like.
It’s Appropriately Sized
The second factor to consider is the size of the toy. A good chew toy should be appropriately sized for your puppy. If the toy is too small, your puppy could choke on it. If the toy is too large, your puppy won’t be able to chew on it properly. As a general rule, the toy should be small enough for your puppy to hold in their mouth, but not so small that they can swallow it.
It’s Not Too Soft, And Not Too Tough
The third factor to consider is the texture of the toy. A good chew toy should be neither too soft nor too tough. If the toy is too soft, your puppy will be able to destroy it quickly, which can be dangerous if they swallow any pieces. If the toy is too tough, your puppy may not be able to chew on it properly, which can lead to frustration. Look for toys that are made from materials that are durable, but not too hard, such as rubber or nylon.
In conclusion, when selecting a chew toy for your teething puppy, it’s important to consider their individual preferences, the size of the toy, and the texture of the toy. By taking these factors into account, you can ensure that your puppy has a safe and enjoyable chewing experience.
Tips & Tricks To Get Your Puppy To Love Chew Toys
Teething can be a painful and uncomfortable process for puppies, and chewing on things can help relieve some of that discomfort. However, not all puppies are naturally drawn to chew toys. Here are some tips and tricks to help your puppy love their chew toys:
Try Different Shapes And Textures
Puppies are curious creatures and love exploring new things. By offering them a variety of chew toys with different shapes and textures, you can pique their interest and keep them engaged. For example, some puppies may prefer soft rubber toys, while others may enjoy harder toys with ridges for extra texture.
Rotate Toys So Your Puppy Doesn’t Get Bored
Puppies can get bored easily, so it’s important to keep their toys fresh and exciting. By rotating their chew toys every few days, you can keep your puppy interested and prevent them from losing interest in their toys.
Rub Some Peanut Butter On The Toy
Peanut butter is a delicious treat that most puppies love. By rubbing a small amount of peanut butter on their chew toy, you can make it more enticing and encourage your puppy to chew on it.
Put Chew Toys In The Freezer
Chew toys that have been chilled in the freezer can provide extra relief for teething puppies. The coldness can help numb their gums and reduce inflammation. Just make sure to supervise your puppy while they’re chewing on a frozen toy to prevent any accidents.
Praise Them For Chewing On Chew Toys
Positive reinforcement is a great way to encourage good behavior in puppies. When you see your puppy chewing on their chew toy, be sure to praise them and offer them a treat. This will help reinforce the idea that chewing on their toys is a good thing.
The Best Puppy Chew Toys
Puppies love to chew, and it’s important to provide them with appropriate chew toys to satisfy their natural urge to chew and to help soothe their teething gums. Here are some of the best puppy chew toys available in the market:
- KONG Puppy Dog Toy: This durable chew toy is made of soft rubber and can be filled with treats to keep your puppy entertained for hours.
- Benebone Puppy Dog Chew Toy: This chew toy is designed for aggressive chewers and is made of real bacon flavor nylon. It has a unique curved shape that makes it easy for puppies to hold and chew.
- WEST PAW Treat Dispensing Dog Toy Puzzle: This interactive puzzle toy dispenses treats as your puppy plays with it. It’s made of non-toxic rubber and is dishwasher safe.
- N-Bone Puppy Teething Ring: This chew toy is made of natural ingredients and is designed to massage your puppy’s gums while they chew.
- goDog Dragons Squeaker Plush Dog Toy: This soft plush toy is perfect for puppies who love to snuggle and play. It’s made of durable materials to withstand chewing and has a built-in squeaker for added fun.
When choosing a chew toy for your puppy, make sure to consider their size, age, and chewing habits. Always supervise your puppy while they play with chew toys and replace them if they become damaged or worn out. With the right chew toys, your puppy can enjoy healthy chewing and teething while keeping their teeth and gums healthy.
Kong Goodie Bone
For teething puppies, the Kong Goodie Bone is an excellent option. This toy is made of soft teething rubber that is designed to soothe a puppy’s teeth and gums. It promotes positive chewing behavior by satisfying a puppy’s natural instinct to chew. The Kong Goodie Bone is even more enticing when stuffed with Kong Puppy Easy Treat or Puppy Snacks.
The Kong Goodie Bone is also an enrichment toy that provides mental stimulation for puppies. It can help alleviate boredom and anxiety by keeping puppies occupied. The toy is available in different sizes, making it perfect for small puppies. It is also a durable toy that can withstand a puppy’s chewing habits.
Overall, the Kong Goodie Bone is a great investment for puppy owners looking for a toy that can help with teething and provide mental stimulation. It is a durable and safe toy that can keep puppies entertained for hours.
Kong Teething Stick
The KONG Puppy Teething Stick is a popular chew toy for teething puppies. It is made with unique KONG Classic puppy rubber, which is customized for a puppy’s 28-baby teeth and is the softest within the KONG rubber toys. The Denta-Ridges gently clean teeth and soothe sore gums when chewed.
Playing with the Puppy Teething Stick helps teach puppies appropriate chewing behavior. It is also a great way to keep puppies entertained and mentally stimulated. The Puppy Teething Stick can be filled with Easy Treat or Peanut Butter to encourage long-lasting play sessions.
The KONG Puppy Teething Stick is designed to fit into a puppy’s mouth and gently clean teeth and soothe sore gums. It is available in different colors and sizes, so owners can choose the one that best suits their puppy’s needs. The Puppy Teething Stick is also dishwasher safe for easy cleaning.
Overall, the KONG Puppy Teething Stick is a great option for puppies who are teething and need something to chew on. It is durable, safe, and effective in promoting dental health.
Nylabone Teething Ring
Nylabone Puppy Power Rings Chew Toy is a great option for teething puppies. It is made with durable nylon material that can withstand strong chewing. The puppy-friendly material satisfies the chewing needs of teething pups and encourages positive chewing habits from a young age. The chew toy comes in a bacon flavor that is sure to keep your puppy engaged and happy.
The Nylabone Puppy Power Rings Chew Toy also has dental textures that help reduce plaque and tartar buildup as puppies chew. This feature helps maintain good oral health for your puppy. The chew toy is intended for puppies who are more powerful chewers or have their adult teeth. It can keep dogs happy and busy, teaching them healthy, non-destructive chewing habits.
Nylabone Puppy Power Rings Chew Toy is available in small and large sizes. The small size is perfect for puppies that weigh up to 15 pounds. The large size is suitable for puppies that weigh up to 25 pounds. It is essential to choose the right size of chew toy for your puppy to avoid choking hazards.
In summary, the Nylabone Puppy Power Rings Chew Toy is a durable and engaging chew toy for teething puppies. Its dental textures help maintain good oral health for your puppy, while the bacon flavor keeps them engaged. It is available in small and large sizes, making it suitable for different puppy sizes.
West Paw Puzzle Toy
For teething puppies, the West Paw Puzzle Toy can provide hours of entertainment and mental stimulation. This interactive toy is designed to hold and dispense healthy treats, which can help soothe a puppy’s sore gums while also promoting problem-solving skills. The durable construction of the toy means that it can withstand even the most aggressive chewers, and it is available in a variety of colors to suit any puppy’s personality.
The West Paw Puzzle Toy is made from Zogoflex, a non-toxic and eco-friendly material that is both durable and flexible. The toy is designed to be easy to clean, and it is dishwasher safe for added convenience. The unique shape of the toy makes it easy for puppies to hold and play with, and it can also be used for fetch and other interactive games.
Overall, the West Paw Puzzle Toy is an excellent choice for teething puppies who need something to chew on. With its durable construction, interactive design, and healthy treat dispensing capabilities, this toy is sure to provide hours of entertainment and mental stimulation for any puppy.
Rope Mini Pack
For pet owners looking for a cost-effective and versatile option, the Puppy Rope Toys Mini Pack is an excellent choice. The pack includes four toys that are perfect for small dogs and puppies that are teething. The toys are made of high-quality cotton rope, which is durable and can withstand intense chewing.
The Puppy Rope Toys Mini Pack is designed to stimulate a puppy’s natural urge to chew. The toys have knots that help clean teeth and massage gums, which is essential for maintaining good oral health. The pack includes two rope balls and two rope bones, which provide different textures and shapes for puppies to chew on.
The Puppy Rope Toys Mini Pack is also an excellent way to keep puppies entertained and occupied. The toys are perfect for interactive playtime, and pet owners can use them to play fetch or tug-of-war with their puppies. The toys are lightweight and easy to carry, making them perfect for outdoor playtime as well.
Overall, the Puppy Rope Toys Mini Pack is an affordable and versatile option for pet owners looking for a way to keep their puppies entertained and satisfied during the teething phase. The pack offers a variety of textures and shapes that are perfect for stimulating a puppy’s natural urge to chew while also promoting good oral health.
Conclusion
In conclusion, finding the right chew toy for a teething puppy is important for their health and happiness. Puppies have a natural urge to chew, and providing them with appropriate toys can prevent destructive chewing on household items. There are many options available, including rubber toys, rope toys, and bones. It is important to choose a toy that is appropriate for the puppy’s size and chewing strength to avoid any choking hazards.
KONG Puppy Dog Chew Toy is a popular choice among pet owners due to its durability and ability to soothe a puppy’s gums. The Nylabone Puppy Chew Toys are another great option for teething puppies as they are designed to clean teeth and massage gums. Additionally, the Benebone Real Flavor Dental Chew Toy is a long-lasting option that satisfies a puppy’s natural urge to chew while promoting healthy teeth and gums.
When selecting a chew toy, it is important to consider the material and ingredients used in the toy. Avoid toys made of toxic materials such as lead or phthalates, and opt for toys made of natural materials like rubber or nylon. It is also important to supervise your puppy while they chew to ensure their safety and to replace any damaged toys promptly.
Overall, providing a teething puppy with appropriate chew toys can help alleviate discomfort and promote healthy chewing habits. With the right toy, puppies can enjoy their chewing urges while keeping their teeth and gums healthy.
