9 Best Teething Toys for Puppies: Safe & Effective Solutions for Teething Relief

Puppies bring endless joy and energy into your home, but their teething phase can be a real challenge. As those tiny teeth start coming in, your furry friend will look for anything to chew on, from your favorite shoes to the legs of your furniture. Providing the right teething toys is essential to keep them happy and your belongings safe.

Choosing the best teething toys for your puppy can be overwhelming with so many options available. You want something durable, safe, and engaging enough to keep your pup entertained. In this article, we’ll guide you through the top 9 teething toys that will not only soothe your puppy’s gums but also help develop healthy chewing habits.

1. Rubber Chew Toys

Rubber chew toys are a must-have for puppies going through the teething phase. They offer durability and comfort, making them perfect for young pups.

Benefits of Rubber Chew Toys

Rubber chew toys provide several advantages for teething puppies. They help soothe sore gums by massaging them as your puppy chews. These toys are durable and resistant to strong puppy teeth, ensuring they last longer. Additionally, they can be stuffed with treats, making them more engaging for your pet. Rubber toys are also easy to clean and maintain.

1. KONG Puppy Chew Toy: This toy is a favorite among dog owners. It’s made from a special rubber that’s gentle on young teeth. You can stuff it with treats to keep your pup entertained for hours.
2. Nylabone Teething Rings: These rings are designed specifically for teething puppies. The textured surfaces help clean teeth and massage gums.
3. Benebone Puppy Dental Chew: Made in the USA, this chew features real flavors like bacon to keep your puppy interested. Its ergonomic design makes it easy for your pup to hold.
4. Petstages Orka Bone: This bone-shaped toy offers multiple textures that massage gums while satisfying chewing urges. It’s durable and can withstand aggressive chewers.

2. Edible Chew Treats

Edible chew treats are an excellent option for teething puppies. They offer both nutritional benefits and relief for their sore gums.

Why Choose Edible Chew Treats?

Reduce Destructive Chewing: Edible chew treats provide a tasty alternative to household items. These treats can keep your puppy occupied and away from furniture and shoes.

Soothe Sore Gums: Teething puppies often experience discomfort. These treats can help soothe their gums, offering relief as they gnaw on them.

Provide Nutritional Benefits: Many edible chew treats are fortified with vitamins and minerals. They support your puppy’s overall health while satisfying their chewing instinct.

Promote Dental Health: Chewing on edible treats can help clean your puppy’s teeth. This reduces plaque and tartar build-up, promoting better oral hygiene.

Recommended Edible Chew Treats

Bully Sticks: These are 100% natural and digestible. Bully sticks are made from beef muscle, providing a tough and chewy texture that puppies love.

Whimzees Puppy Chews: Made from vegetable-based ingredients, these chews are designed specifically for teething puppies. They’re low in fat and rich in fiber.

Greenies Puppy Dental Chews: These chews are easy to digest and have a texture that helps clean teeth and freshen breath. They are also fortified with DHA for brain development.

N-Bone Puppy Teething Rings: These rings are edible and help reduce teething pain. They are fortified with calcium, providing a nutritious treat for your puppy.

Rawhide Alternatives: Traditional rawhide can pose a choking hazard, but there are safer alternatives. Look for products made from natural ingredients that are easier to digest.

3. Frozen Chews

Frozen chews are fantastic for teething puppies. They offer cooling relief that soothes sore gums.

Advantages of Frozen Chews for Teething Relief

Freezing chew toys or treats helps numb your puppy’s gums, reducing pain. Cold temperatures significantly soothe inflamed gums. Additionally, frozen chews discourage destructive chewing by keeping your puppy focused on a single, rewarding task.

1. Frozen Carrots:

• Carrots are low-cost and beneficial for your puppy’s dental health.
• Freeze whole or sliced carrots for a crunchy, soothing treat.

1. Frozen Yogurt Drops:

• Use plain, unsweetened yogurt to avoid added sugars.
• Drop spoonfuls on a baking sheet and freeze for a nutritious, cold chew.

1. Frozen KONG Toys:

• Fill KONG Puppy Chew Toys with peanut butter or yogurt.
• Freeze for hours of puppy chewing and gum relief.

1. DIY Frozen Treats:

• Blend fruits like blueberries and strawberries with water.
• Pour into ice cube trays and freeze for a homemade chew that’s both tasty and soothing.

4. Plush Toys with Chewable Parts

Plush toys with chewable parts offer a comfortable teething option for your puppy, combining both softness and durability.

When to Use Plush Chew Toys

Introduce plush chew toys when your puppy craves comfort but still wants to engage in chewing. They’re perfect for nap times, providing a gentle option that soothes without being too hard on tender gums. Use them indoors to ensure cleanliness as plush materials might attract dirt when used outside.

Favorite Plush Toys for Teething Puppies

Select plush toys specifically designed for teething, such as the Nylabone Puppy Chew Toy and Kong Cozie Dog Toys. These options feature durable chew zones made from rubber or reinforced stitching to withstand moderate chewing. Look for toys with multiple textures, like ropes and squeakers, to keep your puppy entertained while catering to different chewing instincts.

5. Interactive Teething Toys

Interactive teething toys offer mental stimulation while relieving your puppy’s teething discomfort. These toys keep your puppy engaged and entertained.

Engaging Your Puppy with Interactive Toys

Introducing interactive toys can transform your puppy’s teething experience. These toys often combine different elements like textures, sounds, and movement. Puzzle toys, treat dispensers, and toys that squeak keep your puppy guessing and engaged for hours. By promoting healthy chewing habits, these toys help distract your puppy from chewing on household items.

1. KONG Puppy Toy: Designed with soft rubber, the KONG Puppy Toy can be filled with treat paste or kibble to keep your puppy busy while soothing their gums.
2. Outward Hound Hide-A-Squirrel: This plush puzzle toy challenges your puppy to find and remove the squeaky squirrels, engaging their mind and teeth.
3. Nina Ottosson Dog Tornado: This treat-dispensing puzzle toy encourages your puppy to spin and slide compartments to uncover hidden treats, promoting mental stimulation.
4. PetSafe Busy Buddy Calming Toy: Featuring calming scents and durable construction, this interactive toy releases treats and keeps your puppy occupied.
5. ZippyPaws Skinny Peltz No Stuffing Squeaker Toy: This squeaky toy is perfect for interactive play, featuring three squeakers and a plush design without any stuffing, making it safer for teething puppies.

Using these interactive toys, you’ll not only help alleviate your puppy’s teething pain but also enhance their cognitive development.

6. Rope Toys

Rope toys are fantastic for teething puppies. They satisfy your puppy’s urge to chew and promote healthy dental hygiene.

The Benefits of Rope Toys for Teeth

Rope toys offer multiple advantages for your teething pup. They help clean your puppy’s teeth as they chew, reducing plaque and tartar buildup. Additionally, the fibers in rope toys act like floss, further enhancing their dental benefits. These toys also provide a satisfying texture that can soothe sore gums and relieve teething discomfort.

1. Mammoth Flossy Chews Cotton Blend 3-Knot Rope Tug

• Made from durable cotton-blend fibers
• Helps floss your puppy’s teeth while they chew
• Available in various sizes to suit different breeds

1. KONG Puppy Goodie Bone with Rope

• Combines the durability of KONG rubber with a cotton rope
• Features Goodie Grippers that can be filled with treats
• Ideal for teething and interactive play

1. Nylabone Puppy Teething Rope Toy

• Designed for teething puppies with a soft, gentle texture
• Includes dental nubs to help clean teeth and prevent tartar
• Offers a multi-material chewing experience

1. Petstages Dental Rope Chew

• Made with durable, tightly woven cotton
• Includes a variety of textures to keep puppies engaged
• Supports oral health by reducing plaque

1. Pacific Pups Products Dog Rope Toys

• Extremely tough and durable, designed for aggressive chewers
• Non-toxic and safe for puppies
• Supports a nonprofit to help dogs in need

Choosing the right rope toy for your puppy can aid in dental health and provide much-needed relief from teething pain. Ensure you select sizes and materials suitable for your pup’s breed and chewing strength.

7. Hard Nylon Toys

Hard nylon toys are a durable choice for teething puppies. They cater to strong chewers and can withstand vigorous gnawing while promoting dental health.

Why Hard Nylon is Effective for Teething

Nylon toys are incredibly tough, making them perfect for robust chewers. They help massage gums and clean teeth as your puppy chews, reducing plaque buildup. The texture provides satisfying resistance that keeps your puppy engaged, diverting them from chewing on furniture. Additionally, many nylon toys are flavored, making them more enticing.

1. Nylabone DuraChew Textured Ring: Designed for powerful chewers, this ring’s textured surface massages gums and keeps teeth clean. It comes in various sizes to match your puppy’s breed.
2. Benebone Real Flavor Wishbone: Shaped like a wishbone, this toy is easy for puppies to hold and chew. Infused with real flavors, it keeps your pup coming back for more.
3. KONG Puppy Chew Toy: Made from a softer nylon, it’s designed for teething puppies and can hold treats for added engagement.
4. Petstages Orka Bone: Tough and durable, with multiple textures to satisfy teething puppies. It bounces unpredictably, making playtime exciting.
5. Nylabone Puppy Chew Ring Bone: Specifically for teething puppies, this bone combines different textures for dental health and gum relief.

These choices ensure your puppy has safe options to help them through the teething process, promoting healthy chewing habits and overall dental health.

8. Natural Wood and Leather Toys

When it comes to choosing teething toys for puppies, natural wood and leather options stand out. These materials offer a safe, durable alternative for easing teething discomfort.

The Safety and Effectiveness of Natural Materials

Natural materials like wood and leather are safe for your teething puppy. Wood is tough enough to withstand chewing but soft enough to keep teeth and gums safe. Leather, made from natural animal hides, provides a satisfying chew texture that can help massage your puppy’s gums and clean their teeth. These materials don’t contain harmful chemicals, making them a healthier choice compared to some synthetic options.

1. PetSafe Booda Soft Natural Leather Bone:

• This leather bone delivers a tough but flexible material perfect for chewing.
• Its unique texture helps clean teeth and massage gums effectively.

1. Ware Manufacturing Willow Branch Ball:

• Made of 100% natural willow wood, this ball toy is both safe and enjoyable.
• The tough willow branches help promote healthy chewing and improve dental hygiene.

1. Tuffy’s Mega Durable Leather Bones:

• These leather bones blend durability with a satisfying chew experience.
• The sturdy construction ensures they last through the teething phase.

1. Park Life Designs Birch Wood Stick:

• Crafted from real birch wood, this stick mimics natural chewing behavior.
• The textured surface helps remove plaque while providing a fulfilling chew.

By integrating natural wood and leather toys into your puppy’s teething routine, you offer a safe and beneficial chewing option that supports their dental health and overall well-being.

9. DIY Home Solutions for Puppy Teething

Creating your own teething toys can be a cost-effective way to soothe your puppy’s gums.

Easy DIY Teething Toys

Offer a wet washcloth. Soak a clean washcloth in water, twist it, then freeze it. The cold and texture will soothe your puppy’s gums.
Use knotted ropes. Take an old, clean t-shirt, cut it into strips, and tie the strips into knots. This provides a satisfying chew surface.

Precautions with DIY Teething Toys

Ensure safety. Avoid small parts that your puppy could swallow. Check the homemade toy regularly for wear and tear.
Avoid toxic materials. Use only non-toxic fabrics and avoid anything with dyes or chemicals that could harm your puppy.

Conclusion

Choosing the right teething toys for your puppy can make a significant difference in their dental health and overall well-being. Whether you opt for natural wood and leather toys or decide to try some DIY solutions like frozen washcloths and knotted ropes, it’s crucial to prioritize safety and quality. Always be mindful of the materials and construction of the toys to avoid any potential hazards. By providing your puppy with safe and effective teething toys, you’ll help them develop healthy chewing habits and ensure a happier teething experience.