Welcoming a new puppy into your home is an exciting and heartwarming experience. Those first weeks are filled with cuddles, playful energy, and lots of adorable moments. Yet along with all the fun comes a natural stage that every puppy goes through: teething. Between three and six months of age, your puppy’s baby teeth fall out and adult teeth start to emerge. This process can leave their gums sore and itchy, which explains the constant urge to chew. Providing the best chew toys for teething puppies is more than a convenience—it’s a way to soothe discomfort, protect your furniture, and support healthy dental development.
Below, we’ll explore everything you need to know about puppy teething and chew toys: how they help, what to look for, and which products stand out as top picks.
Understanding Puppy Teething: Why Chewing Matters
The Stages of Teething
Puppies are born without teeth, but by three weeks of age they develop tiny milk teeth. Around three months old, these baby teeth begin to fall out as adult teeth push through the gums. This teething process continues until about six months of age. During these months, puppies naturally chew to relieve sore gums and loosen baby teeth.
Why Chewing Is Essential
Chewing is instinctive. For a teething puppy, the pressure of gnawing helps massage gums, provides relief from discomfort, and aids the eruption of adult teeth. Without suitable chew toys, puppies often turn to furniture legs, shoes, or anything within reach. Supplying the best chew toys for teething puppies channels this natural urge in a safe, constructive way.
What Makes a Good Teething Toy?
Not all chew toys are created equal. The right toy should strike a balance between comfort and durability, ensuring it’s gentle on tender gums while tough enough to withstand enthusiastic chewing.
Safety First
Safety is the top priority. Toys must be free of small parts that can break off and be swallowed. Choose reputable brands that use non-toxic, BPA-free materials. Always supervise early play sessions to ensure the toy remains intact.
Texture and Material
Teething puppies need toys with the right texture. Too hard, and they risk damaging new teeth; too soft, and the toy will be shredded quickly. Ideal chew toys combine firmness with a slightly pliable surface that massages gums. Materials like natural rubber, soft nylon, or specially treated rope are excellent choices.
Size and Shape
A toy that’s too small can pose a choking hazard, while one that’s too big may be uncomfortable for tiny mouths. The best chew toys for teething puppies fit comfortably between their jaws and are easy to carry.
Types of Chew Toys Perfect for Teething Puppies
Different puppies have different preferences, and offering a variety of textures and shapes keeps them engaged. Here are the main categories of chew toys that consistently win puppy approval.
Rubber Chew Toys
Durable rubber toys are a classic choice. Brands like KONG create rubber toys that can be stuffed with treats or frozen for extra soothing power. The firmness provides satisfying resistance while still being gentle on developing teeth.
Rope Toys
Braided cotton rope toys are great for gentle chewing and tug-of-war games. The fibers help clean teeth naturally as your puppy chews, supporting oral hygiene while easing teething discomfort.
Plush Toys with Reinforced Seams
For puppies that like a softer feel, plush toys with reinforced stitching can be a comforting choice. Look for plush toys specifically designed for chewing—these have stronger seams and safer fillings than ordinary stuffed animals.
Freezable Chew Toys
Some toys are designed to be soaked in water and frozen. The cold temperature numbs sore gums and provides instant relief. Freezable rubber or fabric toys are especially helpful during the most intense teething days.
Best Chew Toys for Teething Puppies: Our Top Picks
With so many options available, it helps to focus on proven favorites. Below are some of the best chew toys for teething puppies, praised by pet parents and veterinarians alike.
1. KONG Puppy Toy
The KONG Puppy Toy is a time-tested favorite. Made of soft, puppy-specific rubber, it’s gentle on developing teeth while tough enough for vigorous chewing. Fill it with peanut butter, yogurt, or puppy-safe treats to keep your pup entertained for hours. Pop it in the freezer to enhance its gum-soothing power.
2. Nylabone Puppy Chew Teething Rings
Nylabone’s teething rings are designed to encourage healthy chewing habits. Their textured surfaces massage gums, and the puppy-friendly flavors keep dogs interested. They’re sturdy yet forgiving, ideal for the teething stage.
3. Benebone Puppy Dental Chew
Benebone creates chew toys from durable nylon infused with real flavors like bacon or peanut. Their ergonomic design makes them easy for small paws to grip. These chews promote dental health by gently scraping plaque as your puppy chews.
4. West Paw Zogoflex Hurley
This tough yet gentle chew stick is perfect for puppies that love to fetch and chew. It’s dishwasher-safe, made from non-toxic materials, and has just enough give to massage sore gums.
5. Mammoth Flossy Chews Rope Toys
For puppies that enjoy tug-of-war, Mammoth’s rope toys are an excellent pick. The natural cotton fibers clean teeth while satisfying the need to chew. Dip the rope in water and freeze it to provide extra relief for aching gums.
How to Introduce Chew Toys to Your Puppy
Even the best chew toys for teething puppies need proper introduction to capture your dog’s attention.
Make It Fun and Positive
Start by offering the toy when your puppy is calm and curious. Use cheerful praise and gentle play to create a positive association. If your puppy starts to chew something inappropriate, redirect them to their toy and reward them when they switch.
Rotate Toys Regularly
Just like people, puppies can get bored. Keep a small selection of toys and rotate them every few days to keep the experience fresh and exciting.
Supervise and Inspect
Check toys regularly for wear and tear. Remove any toy that is breaking apart or has sharp edges. Supervision ensures that play remains safe and enjoyable.
Tips for Managing Teething Beyond Chew Toys
While chew toys are essential, a few additional strategies can make the teething stage smoother for both you and your puppy.
Provide Chilled Treats
Puppy-safe frozen treats, such as small ice cubes made with low-sodium broth, can help numb sore gums. Combine these with a chew toy for double the comfort.
Maintain Dental Hygiene
Starting dental care early helps prevent future issues. Use a soft puppy toothbrush and a dog-safe toothpaste to gently clean new teeth. This habit, combined with the mechanical cleaning from chew toys, sets the stage for lifelong oral health.
Offer Plenty of Exercise and Mental Stimulation
Sometimes excessive chewing stems from boredom or excess energy. Regular walks, play sessions, and short training exercises keep your puppy mentally and physically satisfied, reducing destructive chewing.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When choosing and using chew toys, a few common missteps can lead to problems.
Skipping Size and Durability Checks
A toy that’s too small or flimsy can break apart and become a choking hazard. Always match the toy size to your puppy’s current weight and chewing style.
Using Human Items as Toys
Old shoes, socks, or sticks might seem like fun playthings, but they send the wrong message. Puppies can’t distinguish between an old slipper and your new sneakers, and natural sticks can splinter and injure gums.
Ignoring Toy Wear and Tear
Even the strongest chew toys eventually show signs of wear. Replace toys as soon as they become frayed, cracked, or sharp.
Preparing for the Adult Teeth Stage
The teething stage ends around six months, but the chewing instinct often continues into adulthood. By providing the best chew toys for teething puppies early on, you establish healthy habits that last a lifetime. As your dog grows, you can transition to stronger adult chew toys to maintain dental health and satisfy natural chewing urges.
Final Thoughts: Comfort and Care During Teething
Teething is a natural, temporary phase, but it can feel intense for both puppies and their owners. Choosing the best chew toys for teething puppies is a proactive way to protect your furniture, soothe your pup’s sore gums, and set the foundation for good dental hygiene.
From classic rubber KONGs to textured Nylabone rings and freezable rope toys, today’s market offers a wide variety of safe, durable, and engaging options. Combine these with chilled treats, regular dental care, and plenty of affection, and you’ll help your puppy sail through teething with minimal stress—and maximum joy.