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Teething can be uncomfortable for puppies, but the right toys can help. The best teething toys for puppies soothe sore gums and give them something safe to chew.
In this guide, you’ll find six toys that are durable, safe, and made specifically for puppies. Each one can help your puppy feel more comfortable while keeping them busy, and your belongings secure.
Table of Contents
6 Top Toys For Teething Puppies
These six toys offer a mix of textures, flavours, and shapes to keep your puppy engaged.
1. Benebone Puppy 2-Pack Dental Chew & Wishbone
Puppies that chew constantly will enjoy this 2-pack from Benebone. Two different shapes give small pups something safe to gnaw on while helping soothe sore gums. Ideal for puppies under 15 lbs who like firm chews.
You can find it on Amazon below, or also available on Chewy.
Why It's Great:
- Real bacon flavour encourages chewing
- Puppy-friendly nylon is softer than adult versions
- Two shapes help prevent boredom
- Designed specifically for small teething puppies
- Keeps puppies busy for longer stretches
- Helps redirect chewing from hands and furniture
- Good size for small mouths
- Edges can become sharp as the toy wears down
- May be too firm for very young puppies
- Some puppies lose interest over time
2. KONG Puppy Natural Teething Rubber Chew Toy
KONG toys do more than one job: they soothe teething gums and encourage play. This soft rubber chew can be stuffed with treats or frozen for extra relief. It’s also great for chewing, carrying, or a quick game of fetch.
You can find it on Amazon below, or also available on Chewy.
Why It's Great:
- Soft rubber is gentle on teething gums
- Can be stuffed and frozen for extra relief
- Unpredictable bounce adds play value
- Easy to clean and reuse daily
- Soothes sore teeth and gums
- Keeps puppies busy longer when stuffed
- Doubles as a fetch toy
- Durable for regular puppy chewing
- Strong rubber smell at first
- Choosing the correct size is important
- Not every puppy is interested in it
3. Nylabone Puppy Chew Treat Variety Pack
Some puppies benefit from a mix of textures. This Nylabone pack includes three chews for different teething stages, making it a smart choice for growing puppies up to 25 lbs. Great if you’re still learning which textures your pup prefers.
You can find it on Amazon below, or also available on Chewy.
Why It's Great:
- Includes three chews for different chewing needs
- Chicken and bacon flavours encourage chewing
- Helps introduce puppies to different textures
- Designed specifically for teething puppies
- Good starter set for teething puppies
- Helps relieve gum discomfort
- Supports healthy chewing habits
- Includes one edible chew
- Chews are small and may be outgrown quickly
- Need to be replaced once worn down
- Some puppies lose interest over time
4. Petstages Cool Teething Stick
Soft teething toys can be a lifesaver for young puppies. The Petstages Cool Teething Stick can be soaked and frozen for cooling relief. Its plush texture and added ribbons make chewing gentle and more engaging.
You can find it on Amazon below, or also available on Chewy.
Why It's Great:
- Can be soaked and frozen for cooling relief
- Soft fabric is gentle on sore gums
- Added textures keep puppies engaged
- Free from lead and phthalates
- Provides quick relief when gums are irritated
- Gentle enough for young teething puppies
- Textures help keep puppies interested
- Can be used for light play and fetch
- Not durable for strong or aggressive chewers
- Ribbons tend to wear out first
- Doesn’t stay frozen for long
5. Petstages Orka Dental Links Chew Toy
Active puppies often need more than a simple chew. The Orka Dental Links combine texture and movement, making it fun for chewing, tossing, or light tug games. Perfect for pups that like to stay busy while teething.
You can find it on Amazon below, or also available on Chewy.
Why It's Great:
- Multiple textures help massage gums
- Designed for chewing and interactive play
- Bounces and floats for added variety
- Suitable for different puppy stages
- Keeps puppies mentally and physically engaged
- Textured surfaces support teething relief
- Works for fetch and water play
- More durable than many plush toys
- Rope section wears faster than the rubber rings
- Not ideal for aggressive chewers
- Connector piece may loosen over time
6. KONG Puppy Tires
This tire-shaped toy gives puppies a chew and a challenge. Its inner track can be stuffed or frozen for extra teething relief. Puppies also enjoy tossing it around or playing light fetch, while the soft rubber is gentle on gums.
You can find it on Amazon below, or also available on Chewy.
Why It's Great:
- Soft rubber designed specifically for teething puppies
- Can be stuffed and frozen for extra comfort
- Tire shape encourages chewing and light play
- Easy to clean and reuse
- Soothes sore gums while keeping puppies busy
- Versatile for chewing, tossing, or light fetch
- Durable for regular puppy use
- Helps redirect chewing from furniture or hands
- Too small for large breeds
- Not ideal for very aggressive chewers
- Some puppies may prefer other textures
How To Choose A Teething Toy For Your Puppy
Not all teething toys are created equal. When picking the right toy for your puppy, focus on these key factors:
- Safety first: Make sure the toy is non-toxic, with no small parts that could be swallowed.
- Size matters: Choose a toy appropriate for your puppy’s breed and age to prevent choking.
- Durability: Puppies chew a lot. Pick toys that can withstand persistent chewing.
- Texture variety: Different textures help massage gums and keep teeth clean.
- Material: Opt for puppy-safe materials like rubber, nylon, or specially designed soft chews.
- Cooling or freezing options: Some toys can be frozen for extra relief for sore gums.
Learning a bit more about the teething process can make it easier to choose the right toys. For a detailed guide, the American Kennel Club has helpful advice on managing puppy teething.
How To Introduce Teething Toys To Your Puppy
Most puppies don’t need much encouragement, but a good introduction can make teething toys more effective.
- Offer the toy during teething moments: Give it when your puppy starts chewing on hands, shoes, or furniture.
- Rotate toys regularly: Swapping toys every few days keeps them interesting and prevents boredom.
- Use praise, not force: Let your puppy explore the toy on their own and reward them when they choose it.
- Supervise at first: Watch how your puppy chews to make sure the toy is being used safely.
- Replace worn toys: If a toy starts breaking down, it’s time to swap it for a new one.
Introducing teething toys this way helps your puppy learn what’s okay to chew while protecting your belongings.
Teething toys help, but some puppies need extra guidance, especially if they’re still biting. This guide on stopping puppy biting in Golden Retrievers shares additional tips that work for many breeds.
Cleaning And Caring For Puppy Teething Toys
Keeping teething toys clean helps protect your puppy’s health and makes the toys last longer.
- Wash toys regularly: Use warm water and mild, pet-safe soap to remove dirt and bacteria.
- Follow manufacturer instructions: Some toys are dishwasher-safe, while others need hand washing.
- Avoid harsh cleaners: Skip bleach or strong chemicals that could leave harmful residue.
- Dry completely: Let toys air dry fully before giving them back to your puppy.
Clean toys are safer for teething puppies and help reduce the chance of germs being passed around.
FAQs
These common questions cover what many puppy owners want to know when choosing teething toys.
1. How long does the teething phase last in puppies?
Most puppies go through teething between 3 weeks and about 6 months of age. During this time, baby teeth fall out, and adult teeth come in, which is why chewing and biting tend to increase.
2. Are there any household items safe for teething puppies?
Yes, a damp washcloth, soft towel, or frozen carrot can offer short-term relief. Just supervise closely and make sure anything you give your puppy is large enough to avoid choking.
3. Should teething toys be soft or hard?
Teething puppies do best with softer, flexible toys made specifically for puppies. These soothe sore gums without damaging developing teeth. Very hard chews are better saved for adult dogs.
4. Can teething toys help stop puppy biting?
Teething toys won’t stop biting completely, but they redirect chewing to something appropriate. Giving your puppy safe toys consistently helps protect your hands, furniture, and shoes while teaching better chewing habits.
5. Are rope toys safe for teething puppies?
Rope toys are not recommended for teething puppies. Loose strands can be swallowed and may cause serious digestive blockages, so it’s safer to choose solid puppy-safe chew toys instead.
Conclusion
Finding the best teething toys for puppies makes teething easier for both you and your pup. The right toys soothe sore gums and give your puppy something safe to chew.
Key Points to Remember:
- Mix textures, shapes, and flavours.
- Rotate toys often to keep interest high.
- Freeze or stuff toys for extra relief.
- Always supervise play.
- Match toys to your puppy’s size and chewing strength.
These tips, along with the toys above, give your puppy safe and fun options to get through teething and help keep your furniture and hands intact.
Have you tried any of these toys? Share your favourites in the comments!
Hi, I’m Jenny, the owner and content creator of First Time Dog Mom. As the proud owner of Ellie, my senior Golden Retriever, I share the insights and tips I’ve learned through my own experiences as a dog mom. With a lifelong love of animals, I hope to be a helpful resource for others navigating the joys and challenges of pet parenthood.
Hi Jenny, Thanks for your informative post on teething toys for puppies. Unfortunately, I have had a puppy chew on furniture rather than on puppy chew toys. If only I had known what was available!! It is amazing that you can get so many products to take care of your fur babies. They are truly man’s best friend.
Hi Carolyn,
I’m pretty sure every puppy owner has had some sort of furniture or clothing item chewed on and ruined by their puppy. I know I have!! It’s all part of the experience. The key is to have a selection of interesting teething toys to chew on, and always have them on hand to redirect your puppy’s chewing.
Thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts.
Jenny.
Hello Jenny,
Thanks for sharing this with us. I remember when I was a kid I had a dog named Bruno, during his teething phase, some tiny small teeth were seen on the floor and then as a little boy I would cry to my mum and she would pat me on the head and say it’s only but for a while, little did I know that even humans undergo a teething phase.
At 4 months old puppies will enter their most active chewing phase when they start to lose their baby teeth. This is when teething is the worst, and this phase usually lasts for 2 months. I recommend having a good variety of chew toys on hand to anyone with a puppy.
Hi Wilson,
I remember seeing tiny teeth on the floor as well during my puppy’s teething phase. It can be alarming at first when you are not used to it or expecting it. Humans and puppies both go through the teething phase, and it is quite distressing for each.
Thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts.
Jenny.
Thanks for sharing such a concise article. When my puppy was teething, I kept lots of toy options available. During this phase, the more chew toys the better.
Cold chew toys or frozen carrots for sore gums. Some pups like ice cubes, so load up a bowl and let him have at it. I use a light leash to stop the nipping.
Hi Edahnewton1,
Thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts. Having a good amount of chew toys for your pup to choose from will help with the boredom and will keep him interested, and away from chewing something that he shouldn’t. Having frozen chew toys is a great way to help soothe sore gums. Thanks for your tips.
Jenny.
Thanks for the excellent suggestions! My mother just got a new puppy and she’s chewing on EVERYTHING. She’s also a Chihuahua/Pomeranian cross, so she’s seriously tiny right now. Would any of these be small enough for a toy dog puppy to get in their mouth?
I also wanted to share my humour about the Kong Puppy Binkie toy! That is HILARIOUS that they have a doggy pacifier! Adorable too!
Thanks again for your suggestions.
Hi Selenity Jade,
Great question regarding toys for toy breed puppies. I think any of the suggested toys would work well, many of them are available in different sizes to suit different breeds. For toy breeds an XS is ideal. KONG is really great at making toys in different sizes, and the rope toys would be great too. I did mention in my review of the KONG Binkie that some people say it is a bit too large for some puppies, so I would stay away from that one for your Mother’s puppy.
Thank you for taking the time to comment.
Jenny.
There is truly a thin line between love and hate when parenting a puppy. There is nothing more frustrating than seeing your puppy chew almost everything in your house and there is nothing joyous about seeing your darling puppy happy while ruining your expensive belongings.
While the puppy is teething, is there any possibility that it might get sick?
What are possibilities of the puppy not going ballistic during his teething time when his owners are not mostly around?
Hi Kehinde,
Thank you for your comment. To answer your question, puppies will not get sick from teething, it is just a painful phase for them to go through. Their gums and teeth will be sore, and they will have a need to chew. If a pet owner is gone for most of the day, usually the puppy will be put in a crate, and that is why the Kong toy is an excellent choice. The Kong can be stuffed with peanut butter, and this will give the puppy hours of stimulation and chewing. If putting a puppy in a crate is not an option, some owners will hire dog walkers or pet sitters to care for their puppy while they are at work.
Hope this has helped you out.
Jenny.
Well, Jenny, you sound like the greatest dog mom. I did not realize that chew toys for dogs was such a large market and with so many differences in dogs size and otherwise. I had a toy collie when I was growing up, but I think we got him after the teething stage. We also had a Brittany when my son was growing up. We adopted her when she was about two years old. Both wonderful family pets.
I like your ideas of putting chew toys in the freezer, so puppy can have a soothing cool chew for irritated gums. And sticking treats inside the chew toy! What a great mom you are! I have cats currently and I agree with you whole heartedly about rotating the toys and watching out for toys that are beginning to fall apart. These little guys can get into difficulties so quickly and it is up to us to keep them out of trouble.
I enjoyed reading about the different kinds of chew toys for puppies. And the reminder to consider the size of the puppy in the selection. Thoroughly enjoyed the read. Thank you.
Hi Barbara,
It sounds like you really lucked out with your dogs, in that you adopted them when they were past the teething stage.
Rotating the toys is always a good idea to keep things fresh and interesting for your pets, in your case for your cats.
I am glad you enjoyed my article, and thank you for your kind words.
Jenny.
This was a very good explanation of why we pet owners need to consider teething toys for our young pets, and your best recommendations all seem like good solutions. Of course, these need to be sized for the breed of pet we may have, as you say, and that makes sense.
Dogs are great pets to have, over the years they have become members of the family in our household. I always want to treat them like I treat everyone. Toys that help the young dogs get through the teething phase is a no-brainer for me. Of the options you have included, the one I like best is the Puppy Chew Teething Rope Toys Set by Alvi & Remi.
Of all the toys, this one seems to fit for the dogs I have had in the past and the ones I have now. I like that it is similar to a self-made toy but is better (mine do not stand up so long). That is the one I will go with the next time we have a puppy in the house.
Thanks for this useful post and I have bookmarked your website, as I am a dog lover and it is apparent you are too. I am sure that I can pick up some tips that will be useful for me and the family when it comes to taking care of our dogs!
Hi Dave,
It is true that dogs quickly become part of the family, and should be treated as such.
The rope toys are a great choice for teething puppies, and the set of 4 is a nice variety to keep any puppy from getting bored. Puppies and adult dogs really seem to enjoy rope toys, and they are great for playing fetch, and the fact that rope toys help keep their teeth clean is a great bonus.
I am glad you enjoyed my article, and appreciate your comment.
Jenny.
This is an excellent overview of items for puppy teething toys. I particularly liked the Floppy Knots Fox. It sounds like something my dog would like.
I’ve tried the Nylabone, but my dog does not like any of these.
I am also interested in the Doggy Playmat. Something that keeps my dog occupied for a long time would be very welcome.
Thanks, Ellen
Hi Ellen,
The Floppy Knots Fox from Kong is a great choice for something soft for your dog to chew on. It is really cute and adorable, and it satisfies chewing with its internal rope structure.
Some dogs will enjoy Nylabone products, and some dogs will not, it is a matter of finding something your dog prefers. It might be that your dog didn’t enjoy the flavor of it.
Thank you for your comment.
Jenny.
It’s amazing how puppies are similar to babies. Same teething problems as well. It can be so frustrating to come home and find that the puppy has destroyed some expensive thing that you loved or a piece of furniture. One time it was a corner of a french door. Ouch! I’m happy that so many great toys are available now so every new puppy mom can find something that her baby will like to chew on. I think the ropes are the best as they are natural cotton and a lot of fun for a puppy. I wonder, should there be a puppy tooth fairy as well?
Hi Mary,
Yes there are many similarities between babies and puppies. They both go through a painful teething phase. It is really great that so many options for teething toys exist.
The rope toys are really great for puppies to chew, and they have the added benefit of keeping their teeth clean, and they are a lot of fun.
You made me laugh with your puppy tooth fairy question, it could actually be a good idea.
Thanks for commenting.
Jenny.
I never knew puppies go through a teething phase too. I initially thought the teething phase experience is only limited to human beings.
When I was staying with my uncle, his puppy always acted like that, dragging and biting almost everything in sight, especially shoes and foot mats and plastic.
Some of these teething toys listed here are good, and I’ll recommend them to my uncle.
Hi Abiodun,
Puppies go through the teething phase just like babies do, except puppies have the ability to destroy your furniture and shoes with their razor sharp teeth.
Thanks for commenting, and I am sure your uncle will appreciate any of these toys.
Jenny.
I will agree that teething in puppies is not a very pleasant experience, and it can even cost the owners a lot of money when their belongings are destroyed. It is paramount to take care of puppies during teething and offer them appropriate toys to chew on. You have a good selection of toys, that will help to solve the problem of teething puppies. Thanks for the blog.
Hi Charles,
Thank you for your comment. I am glad you enjoyed my article, and the selection of teething toys.
Jenny.
Great article right there, this is exactly what I need right now. My puppy takes great pleasure tearing all that comes his way, with his razor sharp teeth including my clothes sometimes lol, I think that the Kong is a non-toxic, dishwasher safe rubber toy with a hollow center. When stuffed with food, because it provides dogs with a healthy outlet for their natural desire to chew and lick, this will be my favorite pick.
Hi Seun,
Yes, puppies chew anything and everything, and I also ended up with a few tiny holes in my clothes.
The classic KONG puppy toy is simply the best for chewing. It is safe and made of natural rubber, so it is non-toxic, it can be washed in the dishwasher, and it is hollow in the middle, so it can be stuffed with treats. You can stuff it with peanut butter and then freeze it for an extra soothing treat for your puppy.
I am glad you enjoyed my article, and thank you for your comment.
Jenny.
Hi Jenny,
Reading your post made me relive much pain of having puppies! The razor sharp teeth like little blades that are so painful. Our Daisy (or as we renamed her “Crazy Daisy”) went through a terrible teething phase. My god. Our furniture, telephone, speakers, you name it Daisy would try to rip it to pieces with her tiny teeth. Many times she won. It didn’t seem to matter how many times we would take her on massive walks outside and buy her new teething toys. Then enter the Kong toy filled with treats. Why didn’t we choose this one sooner?! Relief ensued … And she couldn’t rip it to pieces – it remained intact! Best dog toy ever!
Hi Melissa,
The story of your dog Daisy’s terrible teething phase is all too familiar for many dog owners, myself included.
The nipping and biting of those tiny razor teeth really hurts, and really hurts the furniture. My kitchen table, and chairs suffered a bit, and they have some chew marks on them.
I am glad you introduced the Kong toy to Daisy, when it is filled with treats it suddenly becomes the best toy ever.
Thanks for your comment.
Jenny.
I’m glad you provide a review of products that don’t have plastic. I’ve always thought toys made out of bones and wool made the best chew toys for dogs of all ages, but I didn’t think rubber like Kong classic toys existed until now. I will consider getting them too.
It’s been a long time since I adopted a dog and my family is thinking about getting a puppy. I will be referring to this website again when the time comes. Thank you for this post!
Hi Shelly,
When looking for any toys for puppies or dogs, safety should be a top priority, and that includes safe toys to chew on, that do not contain plastic.
Toys made out of rubber like the ones from KONG are extremely durable, they last a long time and are safe for puppies and dogs to chew.
Thank you for commenting, and when you decide to get a puppy please come back to this website for any helpful tips.
Jenny.
Many years ago, we had a dog that gave birth to 5 puppies. Keeping an eye on them became very difficult. And sometimes when they are excited, they play the normal dog play and tend to bite my legs with their needle-like teeth. It could be very irritating sometimes. Worst, of all, they chewed on my shoes and one time even destroyed a visitor’s shoes. Presently I don’t raise dogs anymore, but my older brother is a dog breeder. I have shared this link with him. I am sure he may want to get one of these dog toys for his new set of puppies, especially the bouncy balls.
Hi Phranell,
Shoes seem to be the one item that all puppies will gravitate towards, it could be because of the rubber material, or because they smell like their owner, but either way it is not fun when puppies destroy expensive items.
I am sure your brother will find this post useful, and the Chuckit! dog ball is a great choice.
Thanks for your comment.
Jenny.
Oh my God, thank you so much you just gave me so many great ideas for my puppy. He has been our latest addition to the house and talk about teething, he has been chewing anything he can put his mouth to. To my despair even the basketball shoes (expensive ones) of my son. I could have cried. I wish I could have came across your site earlier, but still you are my saviour. I intend to order everything and I really do hope I can save the rest of the shoes. Thank you so so much.
Hi Barbara,
I am sorry to hear about your son’s expensive basketball shoes. I don’t think that there is a dog owner out there that has not had something expensive ruined by their puppy.
I am glad you came across my post, and I hope your puppy enjoys the toys that I have mentioned above.
Thank you for your comment.
Jenny.