Teething can be a challenging period for puppies, as they experience discomfort and an urge to chew. Choosing the right toys can help alleviate teething pain while promoting healthy chewing habits. Here’s a comprehensive guide to selecting the best teething toys for puppies:
1. Durable Chew Toys
Puppies need durable, safe chew toys that can withstand their relentless gnawing. Look for toys made of rubber or nylon that are tough yet gentle on your puppy’s teeth.
• KONG Puppy Toys: These rubber toys are popular for teething puppies because they are soft enough for gums but strong enough to last. You can even fill them with treats to keep your puppy entertained.
• Nylabone Puppy Chew Toys: Nylabones are another excellent choice for teething pups. They come in various sizes and textures, which can help soothe gums and satisfy the chewing instinct.
• Tip: Ensure the chew toys are appropriate for your puppy’s size and strength to prevent choking hazards.
2. Frozen Toys and Treats
Cold toys can help numb the gums and reduce inflammation, providing relief to teething puppies.
• Frozen Washcloth: Wet a washcloth, twist it, and freeze it. Once frozen, give it to your puppy to chew on. The coldness will soothe their gums.
• Freezable Teething Toys: Some teething toys are designed to be frozen. For example, freezable rubber toys can provide a similar cooling effect, helping ease the discomfort of teething.
• Tip: Supervise your puppy while they chew on frozen toys to avoid any accidents.
3. Soft Plush Toys
Although plush toys aren’t as durable as rubber or nylon, they can provide comfort to puppies during their teething phase.
• Stuffed Teething Toys: Some plush toys are specifically designed for teething, featuring reinforced seams and soft yet durable fabrics. These toys can provide a sense of security for your puppy, especially when combined with a teething-friendly design.
• Interactive Plush Toys: Some toys, like those with squeakers, add an interactive element that can engage puppies and distract them from teething discomfort.
• Tip: Monitor your puppy when they play with plush toys, as they may tear them apart and ingest stuffing or squeakers.
4. Edible Teething Treats
Teething treats can offer a two-fold benefit: they help puppies satisfy their chewing urges while also soothing their gums.
• Puppy Teething Rings: There are specially designed edible teething rings for puppies. These treats are soft enough to not damage the teeth but durable enough to keep your puppy occupied.
• Dental Chews: In addition to providing relief from teething pain, dental chews can promote good oral hygiene by reducing plaque and tartar buildup.
• Tip: Always choose teething treats that are specifically formulated for puppies to ensure they are safe and nutritious.
5. Teething Bones
Bones are classic chew toys for puppies, but not all bones are suitable for teething. Soft rubber or nylon bones are much safer than hard bones, which can break a puppy’s teeth.
• Rubber Teething Bones: Soft rubber bones with ridges can massage your puppy’s gums while they chew, providing both entertainment and relief.
• Bristle Bones: Some bones are designed with bristles that clean the teeth and massage the gums as your puppy chews, promoting dental health.
• Tip: Avoid giving real animal bones to puppies as they can splinter and pose a choking hazard.
6. Teething Toys with Different Textures
Puppies often prefer toys with various textures, as they provide different sensations on sore gums.
• Textured Teething Balls: Balls with various textures or bumps can provide both relief for teething discomfort and mental stimulation for curious puppies.
• Rope Toys: Rope toys are great for teething puppies because they offer a variety of textures and are durable enough for prolonged chewing sessions. Some puppies also enjoy playing tug-of-war with rope toys.
• Tip: Wash rope toys regularly to keep them clean and bacteria-free.
7. Interactive Teething Toys
Interactive toys can engage your puppy’s mind while also helping with teething. Toys that dispense treats or require problem-solving can distract your puppy from discomfort.
• Treat-Dispensing Toys: Puzzle toys or toys that release treats when manipulated can keep puppies occupied for long periods, helping them forget about teething pain.
• Interactive Rubber Chew Toys: Toys that roll unpredictably or make sounds when moved can stimulate your puppy’s interest and encourage healthy chewing.
• Tip: Choose toys that challenge your puppy but aren’t too difficult, as frustration could lead to destructive chewing.
8. Avoid Unsafe Toys
While it’s important to find toys your puppy enjoys, there are certain toys you should avoid for safety reasons.
• Small Toys: Avoid toys that are small enough to be swallowed or choked on. Always choose toys that are an appropriate size for your puppy.
• Hard Bones and Antlers: Hard bones, hooves, and antlers can be too tough for puppies and may lead to broken teeth or digestive issues if swallowed.
• Tip: Always supervise your puppy during playtime, especially with new toys.
9. Regularly Rotate Toys
Puppies can become bored if they have access to the same toys all the time. Rotating their toys can keep them excited and engaged.
• Toy Rotation: Keep a selection of 3-4 toys available at a time and rotate them out every few days. This can reignite your puppy’s interest in toys they may have previously ignored.
• Introduce New Toys: Occasionally introduce new teething toys to keep things fresh and exciting.
• Tip: If your puppy shows a particular attachment to a toy, keep it available more frequently.
10. Training and Teething
Teething time can also be a great opportunity to reinforce positive behaviors and training.
• Chew Toy Training: Teach your puppy which items are appropriate to chew on by rewarding them when they choose their toys over furniture or shoes.
• Redirecting Chewing: If your puppy starts to chew on something they shouldn’t, calmly redirect them to a teething toy.
• Tip: Consistency is key. Always praise and reward your puppy for chewing on the correct items.
Conclusion
Teething is a natural but sometimes painful process for puppies. By providing a variety of safe, durable, and engaging teething toys, you can help soothe your puppy’s discomfort and prevent destructive chewing behaviors. Remember to choose toys appropriate for your puppy’s size and strength, and always supervise playtime to ensure their safety. With the right toys, your teething puppy will stay happy and entertained while their new teeth come in.