Best Teething Toys for Puppies—Our Recommendations · Kinship

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Best Teething Toys for Puppies

Because your favorite chair is not a chew toy.

by Rebecca Caplan
September 26, 2024
four puppies teeth on red Kongs
Courtesy of @americasfavoritepet

Puppies can start teething as early as two weeks old, and the process can last until they are six months or older, when all their adult teeth will have emerged. Every dog is different, but it’s safe to say it’s not a pleasant experience for most pups — or their parents.

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Understanding puppy teething

While training and pain management can help with destructive household behaviors and painful play-biting, the truth is a teething puppy needs to chew, and they need to chew safely. The best way to ensure safe chewing is to provide your puppy with teething toys designed with their personality and specific teething needs in mind.

To help, we’ve compiled a list of our favorite toys to help puppies, and their parents, take the bite out of the teething stage. Remember to always supervise your puppy while they are chewing, and make sure they are safe. They should never be swallowing any part of their teething toy; if this is happening, it’s time to trade it out for a yummy snack.

Btw, our editors (and their pets) picked out these products. They’re always in stock at the time we publish, but there’s a chance they’ll sell out. If you do buy through our links, we may earn a commission. (We’ve got a lot of toys to buy over here, you know?)

Best toys for teething puppies

Rubber and nylon chews 

Our top pick:

Rope toys

Our top pick:

Playology Puppy Sensory Rope Peanut Butter Dog Toy

Teething time is often when puppies discover the joy of tug-of-war. However, rope toys intended for adult-dog use are often too tough for puppy mouths and should be avoided until they’re of proper age. Instead, pet parents should reach for puppy-specific rope toys — like this scented rope by Playology.

Available in small and large sizes, this rope is designed with softer, puppy-safe fibers intended for gentler play. Plus, your pup can choose from three scents: peanut butter, chicken, or beef. You can’t go wrong. (But remember, with rope toys especially, you should never leave your pup unsupervised while they’re playing.)

Frozen teething toys for puppies

Our top pick:

The Pupsicle

We love a DIY frozen Kong, but as pet parents, sometimes convenience is key. Enter the Pupsicle, a frozen-treat toy that pairs with pre-made frozen treats that can stored in your freezer and popped in quickly.

In addition to the convenience factor, we love how you can choose different types of refillable treats including ones that address issues, like anxiety or allergies. And, if you or your pup still enjoys a good DIY treat, Pupsicle offers a silicone mold that you can use to create your very own pops.

Dental chews

Our top pick:

Chew treats

Choosing the best teething toys for puppies

When choosing teething toys for your pup, there are a few factors you will want to consider. 

Size and durability

Properly sized toys are essential for safe play in both teething and non-teething pups. Toys that are too small for pups can be choking hazards, while toys that are too large can be hard on teeth and gums, no matter your pup’s age. That said, teething pups of all sizes need toys that can stand up to heavy chewing while still being gentle enough for delicate puppy jaws, teeth, and gums. 

Material quality

During the teething stage, it’s more important than ever that pet parents consider the quality of their pet’s toys. Reputable puppy toy brands, like the ones on this list, have gone to great lengths to design durable rubbers and materials that can withstand heavy chewing while providing enough “give” for emerging or loose teeth. 

Safety features 

The toys on this list have been designed to avoid choking hazards and other mouth injuries. However, the most important safety feature lies with pet parents, especially during the teething phase. Pet parents should supervise their puppies while playing with toys and never leave them out while their puppy is left alone. 

Teething toys for small-breed puppies

To start, smaller breed dogs can be prone to teeth issues. Therefore, if you have a smaller breed puppy consider toys on the softer side and monitor the length of time your dog is chewing on toys. 

Teething toys for large-breed puppies 

A common mistake pet parents make with larger puppies is giving them toys meant for adult dogs. Larger puppies are still puppies and they need toys designed to be gentle on their teeth and growing jaws. That said, never give your larger dog a toy intended for a smaller dog, even if it is labeled “for puppies” as they can be a choking hazard. 

FAQs (People also ask):

At what age do puppies need teething toys? 

Puppies can use most teething toys starting at 12 weeks  That said, every teething toy is different and pet parents should pay attention to the age listed on the label of each toy. 

What can I give my teething puppy? 

Teething puppies should use toys advertised and intended for teething puppies. These toys generally use soft but durable rubbers that are gentle on a puppy’s mouth and jaw. For non-teething-specific toys, check out our list favorite puppy chew bones.

How long does the puppy teething stage last? 

Puppies can start teething as early as three weeks old, but the teething stage peaks between 12 to 16 weeks, when their adult teeth come in. 

References:

A Timeline of Puppy Teething

rebecca caplan

Rebecca Caplan

Rebecca Caplan is a writer based in Brooklyn whose work has been featured in The New Yorker, Reductress, and Vulture. She lives in Brooklyn with her perfect, toothless dog Moose.

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