Teething is a critical period in a puppy's development, one that can cause considerable discomfort and frustration for both the pup and their owners. Just like human infants, puppies experience a range of physical changes when their baby teeth fall out, and adult teeth emerge. During this time, puppies often have an uncontrollable urge to chew on everything they encounter. Without the right toys, they may chew on furniture, shoes, or other household items, leading to potential damage and frustration.
As a responsible pet owner, it's essential to provide your puppy with safe, durable, and engaging chew toys to soothe their sore gums while promoting healthy chewing habits. In this guide, we’ll explore what to give a teething puppy to chew on, highlight some excellent dog chew toys, and explain why these items are so beneficial for your growing pup.
Understanding Puppy Teething
Before we dive into the best chew toys for teething puppies, let’s take a moment to understand why chewing is such an essential behavior during this phase.
When Does Teething Happen?
Teething in puppies typically begins at around three to four months of age. This is when their baby teeth start to fall out to make room for adult teeth. The process of growing new teeth can be uncomfortable, causing puppies to seek relief through chewing. The full set of adult teeth usually comes in by six to seven months, but the desire to chew persists as puppies learn to use their new teeth.
During the teething process, your puppy’s gums may be sore and inflamed, which can cause them to feel irritable or more sensitive than usual. This is why providing appropriate chew toys during this phase is so important—it helps alleviate the pain and frustration that comes with teething.
Why Do Puppies Chew So Much?
Chewing is a natural behavior for puppies, and during the teething process, it becomes even more pronounced. Chewing helps puppies:
- Relieve discomfort: The pressure of chewing on something hard helps soothe the discomfort caused by emerging teeth.
- Build strength in jaw muscles: Puppies use their mouths for more than just eating. Chewing on toys helps strengthen their jaw muscles and develop healthy teeth.
- Satisfy their curiosity: Puppies are naturally curious, and chewing is one way they explore their world. They may chew on various objects to understand their texture, taste, and scent.
- Prevent boredom: Puppies that don’t have proper chew toys can turn to furniture, shoes, or other household items to occupy themselves.
By providing your puppy with the right chew toys, you can help alleviate their discomfort and channel their energy into a safe, productive activity.
The Importance of Safe and Appropriate Chew Toys
While chewing is essential for a puppy’s development, it's equally important to choose the right toys. Some objects can be harmful to your puppy, either because they’re too hard, pose a choking hazard, or contain toxic materials.
Dangers of Improper Chew Toys
If you’re not careful, your puppy could end up chewing on something dangerous, leading to health risks or destructive behavior. Here are a few examples of what to avoid:
- Hard objects: Bones or rocks can be too hard for your puppy’s delicate teeth, leading to cracked teeth or other dental issues.
- Toys with small parts: Small toys or items that break apart easily can be swallowed, leading to choking or digestive issues.
- Toxic materials: Some toys are made with unsafe chemicals, which can be harmful if ingested.
To keep your puppy safe, it’s crucial to choose chew toys that are specifically designed for puppies, offering the right balance of durability, comfort, and safety.
The Best Dog Chew Toys for Teething Puppies
Now that we’ve established why teething puppies need chew toys, let’s take a look at some of the best options available. These dog chew toys are designed to provide the relief puppies need while also engaging their natural chewing instincts.
1. Rubber Tire Dog Chew Toy
One of the best chew toys for medium and large puppies is the Rubber Tire Dog Chew Toy. This toy is made from durable rubber that can withstand even the toughest chewers, making it ideal for puppies who are particularly aggressive when it comes to chewing. It’s designed in the shape of a tire, which adds a fun and interactive element to playtime.
The Rubber Tire Dog Chew Toy also features a built-in rope, which can be used for tug-of-war games, helping to strengthen the bond between you and your puppy. Whether you’re playing fetch or engaging in a fun game of tug, this toy will keep your pup entertained for hours. Additionally, the tire design makes it an excellent treat dispenser toy, allowing you to hide small rewards inside the toy to encourage your puppy to continue playing and chewing.
This toy’s interactive features make it an especially good choice for dogs that need mental stimulation along with physical play. The combination of chewable rubber and rope makes it versatile enough for various play styles and suitable for both solo and interactive play with your puppy.
2. Barrel Shape Sound Puppy Toy
Another fantastic option for teething puppies is the Barrel Shape Sound Puppy Toy. This chew toy is soft enough to provide comfort for sore gums but durable enough to withstand heavy chewing. The unique barrel shape makes it easy for puppies to grip and chew on, helping them relieve teething pain effectively.
What makes the Barrel Shape Sound Puppy Toy even more engaging is the built-in sound feature. The toy emits a noise when bitten, which captures your puppy's attention and keeps them engaged for longer periods. This interactive aspect of the toy is not only fun but also helps stimulate your puppy’s senses, promoting mental stimulation and reducing boredom.
The sound feature of the toy mimics the excitement and curiosity that puppies naturally have, providing them with extra entertainment. It's perfect for owners who want a toy that will hold their puppy's attention while also satisfying their chewing needs. Plus, it's gentle enough on the gums to provide comfort during the teething process.
Homemade and Natural Chew Toys for Puppies
In addition to store-bought toys, there are several homemade and natural options that can help alleviate your puppy’s teething discomfort. Here are some ideas for DIY and natural chew toys that are both safe and effective.
1. Frozen Carrots or Apple Slices
One simple and cost-effective chew toy is frozen vegetables or fruits. Frozen carrots, in particular, are excellent for teething puppies, as they are soft enough for puppies to chew but still provide relief for sore gums. Carrots are also safe and healthy for puppies, offering a crunchy texture that puppies love.
Similarly, freezing apple slices (without seeds or core) can offer a sweet and soothing chew treat for your puppy. These natural options are not only effective but also provide a healthy snack that helps keep your puppy hydrated. Apples provide additional nutritional benefits, such as fiber, while helping your puppy feel satisfied.
Frozen fruits and vegetables also last longer than fresh ones, allowing your puppy to enjoy extended chew sessions without needing constant attention. Plus, the coolness of the frozen items can help numb any gum discomfort, providing even greater relief.
2. DIY Rope Chew Toys
If you’re feeling crafty, you can create your own DIY rope chew toys using old t-shirts or cotton ropes. Simply braid the fabric or rope into a sturdy toy and tie the ends to prevent fraying. These homemade toys are soft enough to be gentle on your puppy's teeth while still providing the resistance needed to satisfy their chewing urges.
DIY rope toys can be customized to your puppy's preferences. If your puppy loves to tug, you can make the rope thicker or longer for better grip. If your puppy prefers softer textures, opt for a thinner braid of fabric. Making your own toys also allows you to repurpose old clothes or fabrics, reducing waste and saving money.
3. Bully Sticks and Natural Chews
Natural chews like bully sticks or antlers are another great option for teething puppies. These chews are tough enough to last for a while, giving your puppy something to gnaw on while also helping to clean their teeth. Just make sure the natural chews are sourced from reputable suppliers to avoid any harmful chemicals.
What to Avoid Giving a Teething Puppy
While there are plenty of safe chew toys for teething puppies, there are also several things you should never allow your puppy to chew on.
1. Hard Bones
While natural bones may seem like a good idea, they can be too hard for puppies, potentially leading to cracked teeth or other dental issues. It's best to avoid giving your puppy hard bones until they’re older and their adult teeth have fully come in.
2. Plastic Items
Plastic items or cheap chew toys can break easily, potentially creating sharp edges that can hurt your puppy. Additionally, some plastic toys may contain harmful chemicals, so it’s best to steer clear of them.
3. Small Parts or Toys That Break Easily
Toys that have small parts or are easily shredded pose a choking hazard. Always choose toys that are specifically designed for teething puppies and avoid anything that can be easily torn apart.
Training Your Puppy to Chew on the Right Items
While providing your puppy with the right chew toys is crucial, it’s equally important to train them to focus on the appropriate items. Redirecting your puppy’s chewing behavior is essential to ensuring they don’t chew on your furniture, shoes, or other household items.
Here are a few training tips:
- Redirect attention: If your puppy starts chewing on something inappropriate, gently redirect them to one of their chew toys. Offer praise when they start chewing the toy instead.
- Positive reinforcement: Use treats and praise to reward your puppy for chewing on the right items. This will encourage them to continue engaging with their toys.
- Consistent training: Be patient and consistent. Puppies need time to learn what’s appropriate to chew on, so reinforce good behavior regularly.
Conclusion
Teething is a challenging time for both puppies and their owners, but with the right chew toys, you can help ease your puppy’s discomfort and promote healthy chewing habits. Toys like the Rubber Tire Dog Chew Toy and the Barrel Shape Sound Puppy Toy are excellent choices for teething puppies, providing comfort, durability, and entertainment. By choosing safe, engaging toys and offering a variety of textures and experiences, you can help your puppy navigate this important stage in their development.
Remember to always supervise your puppy during chewing sessions and to avoid harmful items. With patience, the right toys, and proper training, your teething puppy will soon have a healthy set of adult teeth and a lifetime of good chewing habits.
