Top Dog Toys for Teething Puppies

One of the biggest frustrations of raising a puppy is the teething process, which is much like raising a human infant who is cutting their teeth. Your puppy will be in pain and one of the only ways that he will be able to alleviate this and help himself feel better by chewing. The teething stage tends to start when your puppy is around 3 weeks old, as this is when his baby teeth will begin to erupt.

This will normally last until he is approximately 6 months old when the adult teeth begin to emerge from below the first set. During this time, you may find your pup’s ‘baby’ teeth around your home! Make sure you dispose of these properly so your dog isn’t tempted to swallow them!

Chewing doesn’t only help your puppy manage his pain, it will also help prevent him from becoming bored and more destructive.

However, it is important to understand that this chewing stage is completely normal and even as an adult your dog will still need to chew regularly. This is because chewing can help keep his jaw muscles strong, keep his teeth clean through the abrasiveness of the action and the production of saliva, and keep him entertained.

Unfortunately, your puppy won’t be too fussy about what he will put between his jaws and this means that unless you take precautions, your possessions could end up on his chew list! Fortunately, there is a myriad of different toys that are just perfect for even the most enthusiastic chewing puppy. Here is our pick of the best.

Nylabone Teething Pacifier

This incredibly cute dog toy comprises of a ring with two teething keys attached, each with various nodules that will help remove plaque and tartar from your puppy’s teeth, playing an important part in the fight against periodontal disease.

It looks fun and the movement of the keys on the ring adds another dimension of interest for your dog. Please note that the Nylabone teething pacifier is only suitable for all dogs weighing 15 pounds or less.

Kong Teething Stick

It may not look like the most interesting toy, but the Kong teething stick is a highly effective chew toy for a teething puppy. The grooves and ridges will help to clean your pup’s teeth as he munches, and the center is hollow, making it ideal to stuff treats. This activity helps to keep your dog’s brain busy as he tries to work out how to get the treats out. As with all Kong products, the teething stick is highly durable, so your pup should get hours of use out of it.

Knotted Rope

While there are brands of knotted rope out there, such as the Flossy Chews 4 Knot Rope, many owners are happy to make their own out of quality cotton rope purchased at their local hardware store. Making your own actually enables you to adapt the size and number of knots to suit your unique pup. Not only is knotted rope a great tug toy, but the cotton fibers also help to clean his teeth while he chews on it and drags it around.

JW iSqueak Rubber Ball

Balls make perfect toys for dogs at all stages of their life, but if you can find one that is highly durable it can also double-up as an effective chew toy. The JW iSqueak is just one example, but there are countless on the market. Some have knobbly, abrasive details that give the added benefit of cleaning your pup’s teeth while you engage in a fun game of fetch or fly ball. Check out the Planet Dog Tough Raspberry for a perfect example.

If your puppy is in pain with his teeth and you would like more advice on how to manage his chewing effectively, our experienced veterinary team are here to help. Want to learn more about helping your dog through his teething phase? Call Chaparral Veterinary Medical Center today at 480-595-8600.