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Are you looking for the best teething toys for puppies? When your puppy starts teething, the right toys can make all the difference.
Not only do these toys soothe sore gums, but they also save your favourite shoes from becoming impromptu chew toys.
In this guide, we’ll reveal the top 6 teething toys that will keep your pup happy and occupied, while protecting your belongings from those tiny shark teeth!
Table of Contents
What To Look For In Puppy Teething Toys
When choosing teething toys for your puppy, consider these key factors:
- Safety: Ensure the toy is non-toxic and doesn’t have small parts that could be swallowed.
- Durability: Look for toys that can withstand persistent chewing without breaking apart.
- Texture: Varied textures help massage gums and clean teeth. Some puppies prefer softer materials, while others like firmer ones.
- Size: The toy should be appropriate for your puppy’s breed size to prevent choking hazards.
- Material: Opt for puppy-safe materials like rubber, nylon, or specially designed puppy teething toys.
- Cooling Ability: Some toys can be frozen, providing extra relief for sore gums.
Knowing more about puppy teething can help you pick the best toys. For a handy guide on managing this phase, check out the American Kennel Club’s advice.
Top 6 Best Teething Toys For Puppies
After extensive research and testing, these six teething toys stand out as the best options to keep your puppy comfortable and your belongings safe.
1. Benebone Puppy 2-Pack Dental Chew & Wishbone
The Benebone Puppy 2-Pack Dental Chew & Wishbone is a top choice for teething puppies under 15 lbs.
Made in the USA from durable nylon, these chews are infused with real bacon flavour to entice your pup.
The set includes two shapes – a dental chew and a wishbone – providing variety and long-lasting entertainment.
While softer than adult versions, they’re still tough enough to withstand puppy teeth, promoting dental health and soothing sore gums.
However, some owners note they may develop sharp edges over time, so supervision is recommended.
Details:
- Durable Chews, But Softer For Puppies.
- 100% Real Bacon Flavour.
- 2-Pack; Dental Chew & Wishbone Chew.
- Tiny Size For Puppies Under 15Lbs.
- Made of Nylon & Real Bacon Flavour.
- Made in USA.
- Happiness Guaranteed.
- Bacon flavour satisfies puppies taste & smell.
- Keeps puppies occupied for hours.
- Helps with teething.
- Perfect size chew toys for puppies.
- Durable & long lasting.
- Develop sharp edges after being chewed on for awhile.
- Some puppies have no interest in these.
- Despite being softer for puppies, these bones are hard.
2. KONG Puppy Natural Teething Rubber Chew Toy
Versatile and durable, the KONG Puppy Natural Teething Rubber Chew Toy offers more than just teething relief.
Its soft, customized rubber soothes sore gums while doubling as a fetch toy with an unpredictable bounce.
For extra comfort, stuff it with treats and freeze.
Made in the USA and available in various sizes and colours, it’s easy to clean and keeps puppies engaged.
Some owners mention it has a strong rubber smell, and that it’s important to choose the right size for your pup’s needs.
Details:
- Soft Puppy Rubber; Customized Natural Rubber For Puppy Teeth.
- Versatile Chew Toy; Ideal For Chewing & Games Of Fetch.
- Can Be Stuffed & Frozen With Treats.
- Made In USA.
- Available In Various Sizes.
- Available In Pink Or Blue.
- Easy To Clean.
- Gentle chew toy provides effective relief for teething pups.
- Keeps puppies entertained for hours.
- Can be stuffed & frozen to keep pups busy and to soothe sore teeth & gums.
- Durable & long-lasting.
- Has an unpredictable bounce & doubles as a fetch toy.
- Some owners mention the size is too small; make sure to order the appropriate size for your puppy.
- Has a strong rubber smell.
- Some pups are uninterested in this.
3. Nylabone Puppy Chew Treat Variety Pack
The Nylabone Puppy Chew Treat Variety Pack offers a smart teething solution for puppies up to 25 lbs.
This vet-recommended set includes three different chews, each tailored to different growth stages.
With chicken and bacon flavours, these USA-made chews satisfy natural instincts while promoting oral health.
Though small and requiring replacement when worn, this pack provides an excellent introduction to various chewing textures for growing pups.
Details:
- Designed For Teething Puppies.
- Chicken & Bacon Flavour.
- 3 Pack; Teething Puppy Chew, Dura Chew Power Chew, & Healthy Edibles Chew Treat.
- Supports Healthy Teeth & Gums.
- Made In USA.
- For Puppies Up To 25Lbs.
- Veterinarian Recommended.
- Replace When Worn Or Damaged.
- Great puppy starter pack with 3 different bones, each bone is designed for different stages of puppies growth.
- Helps relieve teething discomfort.
- Satisfies chewing instincts.
- Promotes good oral health.
- Includes 1 edible treat bone.
- Some puppies lose interest in these.
- Need to be replaced when worn or damaged.
- They are small & some puppies quickly outgrow them.
4. Petstages Cool Teething Stick
Soothe your puppy’s sore gums with the Petstages Cool Teething Stick. This innovative toy features a bright fabric shell with ribbons and streamers for added texture.
Soak it in water and freeze for a refreshing, icy treat that provides relief on hot days. The crunchy texture when frozen engages puppies while promoting dental health.
Safe and free from harmful chemicals, it’s great for chewing and games of fetch.
Keep in mind that while gentle, it may not withstand aggressive chewers for long.
Details:
- Bright cotton-poly fabric shell & stuffed interior.
- Streamer & ribbon accents add variety & texture.
- Engaging crunchy texture (when frozen).
- Promotes dental health.
- Soak in water & freeze to soothe achy gums.
- Icy relief on a hot day.
- Free of Lead & Phthalates.
- Versatile chew toy that can be soaked in water & frozen to soothe inflamed gums.
- The soft plush is gentle for teething pups to chew on.
- Ribbons & streamers add texture & help clean teeth.
- Ideal for chewing & playing fetch with.
- The ribbons are the first to get destroyed by chewing puppies.
- Doesn't stay frozen very long.
- Not durable enough for sharp puppy teeth.
5. Petstages Orka Dental Links Chew Toy
The Petstages Orka Dental Links Dog Chew Toy offers a versatile solution for teething puppies.
Made from durable TPE rubber, it features varied textures to massage gums and clean teeth.
This toy bounces, floats, and works well for fetch or tug-of-war games.
Its tough construction suits different puppy stages, but very aggressive chewers might damage the middle rope ring faster.
Overall, it’s an engaging toy that combines dental care with playtime fun, helping your puppy through the teething phase.
Details:
- Made Of Durable ORKA Material; Synthetic TPE Rubber.
- Stands Up To Tough Chewing.
- Ideal For All Life Stages.
- Variety of Textures To Clean & Massage Gums.
- Ideal For Tossing, Fetching, & Tug-of-War.
- Bounces & Floats.
- Safe & Durable.
- Provides different chewing textures to keep pups stimulated.
- Versatile toy for chewing, tossing, fetch, or water play.
- Textured surface massages gums and helps teething.
- Durable and holds up to chewing.
- The middle rope ring tends to fray & is not as durable as the blue rings.
- Despite being able to withstand tough chewing, this toy is not ideal for aggressive chewers.
- The plastic piece holding rings together comes apart easily.
6. Nylabone Puppy Ring Bone Chew Toy
The Nylabone Puppy Ring Bone Chew Toy is specifically designed for teething puppies up to 35 lbs.
Its soft, chicken-flavoured material is perfect for soothing sore gums, while textured nubs and ridges help keep teeth clean.
Made in the USA, this toy can be frozen for extra relief. It’s great for keeping puppies busy and easing teething discomfort.
However, it’s best suited for gentle chewers and should be replaced when worn.
This ring bone offers a tasty, safe option for puppies navigating their teething phase.
Details:
- Softest Material Designed For Teething Puppies.
- Textured Chew Toy.
- Promotes Dental Health.
- Chicken Flavour.
- Made In USA.
- For Medium Puppies Up To 35 Lbs.
- Satisfaction Guaranteed.
- Chicken flavour that puppies love.
- Textured nubs and ridges help reduce plaque & tartar buildup.
- Soft material satisfies chewing & relieves teething pain.
- Keeps puppies occupied & stimulated.
- Can be frozen for added relief of teething.
- Sharp edges develop after being chewed on.
- Needs to be replaced when worn or damaged.
- Too soft for aggressive chewers; intended for teething puppies only.
How To Introduce Teething Toys To Your Puppy
Introducing teething toys to your puppy is an important part of helping them through the teething phase. Here’s how to do it:
- Start Early: Offer teething toys as soon as your puppy begins chewing on things.
- Choose the Right Toys: Pick safe, durable toys made for teething puppies.
- Make It Fun: Encourage your puppy to play with the toys by using an excited tone and giving praise.
- Rotate Toys: Switch out the toys every few days to keep your puppy interested.
- Supervise Play: Keep an eye on your puppy while they’re using the toys to ensure they’re playing safely.
- Be Consistent: Regularly offer the toys and be patient as your puppy gets used to them.
By making teething toys a regular part of your puppy’s routine, you’ll help them develop healthy chewing habits and make the teething process more comfortable.
Teething toys help, but they’re not the only way to stop puppy biting. For more tips that work for most breeds, check out my guide on stopping puppy biting in Golden Retrievers.
Maintaining And Cleaning Puppy Teething Toys
Keeping your puppy’s teething toys in top condition is key to their safety and enjoyment. Follow these easy steps below:
- Clean Often: Wash the toys with warm, soapy water regularly, especially if they get dirty or sticky. Be sure to rinse well.
- Check for Damage: Inspect toys frequently for any signs of wear, like cracks or loose parts. Replace damaged toys to avoid any risks.
- Follow Care Instructions: Some toys may be dishwasher-safe or require special cleaning. Always check and follow the manufacturer’s guidelines.
- Use Gentle Cleaners: Stick to pet-safe products or mild soap to keep harmful chemicals away from your puppy.
- Dry Thoroughly: Ensure toys are completely dry after washing to prevent mold or bacteria from forming.
Proper care of teething toys not only keeps them safe but also extends their lifespan, making playtime enjoyable for longer.
FAQs
1. How Long Does The Teething Phase Last In Puppies?
The teething phase in puppies typically lasts around 4 to 6 months. It begins around 3 weeks old when their baby teeth start to emerge and continues until their adult teeth are fully in place, usually by 6 months.
During this period, puppies often chew more to soothe their teething discomfort.
2. Are There Any Household Items I Can Use As Teething Toys?
Yes, you can use household items like a damp washcloth, soft towel, or even frozen carrots as teething toys.
Soak and freeze the cloths, or give your puppy a frozen carrot to help soothe their gums. Just ensure the carrot pieces are appropriately sized to avoid choking.
3. How Many Teething Toys Does A Puppy Need?
A puppy should have a variety of 3 to 5 teething toys to keep them engaged and help relieve teething discomfort.
Different textures and shapes will keep them interested and provide relief.
4. Can Teething Toys Help With Bad Breath In Puppies?
Yes, teething toys can help with bad breath by reducing plaque and massaging your puppy’s gums, which improves oral hygiene.
However, as your puppy grows, you’ll need to start brushing their teeth for long-term care. For more tips, check out my guide on teeth brushing in Golden Retrievers, which applies to most dog breeds.
5. Are Rope Toys Safe For Teething Puppies?
Rope toys should be avoided for teething puppies and dogs in general, as small strands can easily be chewed off and ingested.
Ingested strands can cause serious digestive issues, including blockages that may require veterinary attention.
It’s safer to choose other types of teething toys designed specifically for puppies.
Final Thoughts
Navigating the teething phase can be challenging, but choosing the best teething toys for puppies can make it easier.
Here are some key tips to remember:
- Select A Variety Of Toys: Different shapes and textures will keep your puppy engaged.
- Rotate Toys Regularly: This helps maintain your puppy’s interest.
- Use Treats: Freeze or stuff toys with your pup’s favourite treats to make them more appealing.
With the right teething toys, your puppy will find comfort, and your household items will stay safe.
Have you tried any of these teething toys with your puppy? Share your experiences and favourite toys in the comments below!
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.