Puppies are adorable creatures, full of energy and curiosity. But as any dog owner knows, they also love to explore the world with their mouths, leading to a lot of chewing. This behavior is especially pronounced when they start teething. Is your puppy going through this phase and turning your precious belongings into chew toys? Fear not. We have rated the best chew toys for teething puppies, which are not only safe but also great for their dental health. As a bonus, they can save your shoes and furniture from the puppy’s relentless gnawing!
The Importance of Choosing Safe Chew Toys
Before we jump into the list of top chew toys, let’s first understand why choosing a safe chew toy for your puppy is crucial. Puppies, like human babies, go through a teething phase. This is a period where they lose their baby teeth, and permanent ones begin to erupt. During this time, puppies experience discomfort and have an increased urge to chew.
While chewing is a natural behavior, it can be destructive if not directed properly. It can also be harmful if the puppy chews on something unsafe. Unsafe chew toys could be too hard and damage the puppy’s teeth, or they could break apart and become a choking hazard. Therefore, it’s essential to provide your puppy with safe, appropriate chew toys to help soothe their teething discomfort and satisfy their natural urge to chew.
Chew Toys Materials: What to Look for
When it comes to chew toys for your puppy, the material is a significant factor determining its safety and effectiveness. Here’s what you need to know about the most common types of chew toy materials.
Rubber Chew Toys
Rubber is one of the safest materials for chew toys. It’s tough enough to withstand the vigorous chewing of a teething puppy, yet soft enough not to damage their teeth. Many rubber chew toys come with a hollow center, which you can stuff with treats to make them more appealing to your puppy.
The Kong Puppy Toy: This is an example of a great rubber chew toy, available on Amazon. The Kong Puppy Toy is made from a soft yet durable rubber that is perfect for teething puppies. It’s uniquely designed to soothe aching gums and can be filled with puppy kibble or treats to induce play.
Soft Chew Toys
Soft chew toys are another excellent choice for teething puppies. These toys provide the necessary resistance to soothe a teething puppy’s sore gums, but they’re soft enough not to cause any damage.
The Puppy Goodie Bone: This is a popular soft chew toy you might consider. It’s designed especially for puppies, with a soft rubber formula that’s gentle on their teeth and gums.
Chewy Treats
Chewy treats can also be effective in fulfilling your puppy’s need to chew. However, it’s important not to rely solely on chewy treats as chew toys, as they can contribute to weight gain.
Chewy’s Puppy Teething Rings: These are grain-free teething treats that are easy to digest and help clean the puppy’s teeth.
Size Matters: Choosing the Right Size Chew Toy
Regardless of the material, choosing the right size chew toy is essential for your puppy’s safety. A toy that’s too small can be a choking hazard, while a toy that’s too big might be too tough for your puppy to chew.
As a general rule of thumb, the chew toy should be large enough that your puppy cannot fit the whole toy into their mouth, but small enough for them to comfortably hold and chew. Be sure to check the manufacturer’s age and size recommendations before purchasing a chew toy.
The Best Chew Toys for Teething Puppies
Now that we’ve discussed the importance of choosing safe chew toys and the different materials available, let’s delve into some of the top-rated chew toy options for teething puppies.
Puppy Teething Pacifier: This chew toy, available on Amazon, is made from durable, non-toxic rubber. It features multiple textures that massage the puppy’s gums and help relieve teething pain. It also has a bristle design that helps clean teeth and prevent tartar build-up.
Nylabone Puppy Starter Kit: Nylabone is a renowned brand for producing safe and durable chew toys. This starter kit includes three chew toys made from soft, flexible material that’s perfect for teething puppies. The toys have raised bristles that help clean teeth and prevent plaque and tartar build-up.
Puppy Chew Teething Rope Toys Set: This set includes four different rope toys, each designed to soothe aching gums and promote healthy teeth. The toys are made from washable 100% natural cotton fibers, safe for your puppy to chew.
So, there you have it. By providing your teething puppy with safe, appropriate chew toys, you can help alleviate their discomfort while also saving your belongings from being turned into makeshift chew toys. And remember, while chew toys can help, they’re no substitute for regular veterinary check-ups. Make sure to schedule regular dental check-ups for your puppy to ensure their teeth are growing in properly.
Other Types of Safe Chew Toys
An assortment of chew toys is a good strategy to keep teething puppies occupied and help alleviate their discomfort. Here are a few other types of safe chew toys you may want to consider apart from rubber toys, soft chew toys, and chewy treats.
Bully Sticks: Bully sticks are made from 100% beef muscle and are a good natural alternative to plastic and rubber toys. They are easily digestible, high in protein, and perfect for a teething puppy. They provide a satisfying chew, helping to relieve the discomfort associated with teething while also promoting good dental health by reducing plaque and tartar build-up.
Dental Chew Toys: Dental chew toys are designed to promote good oral health and are typically made from softer materials that are gentle on a puppy’s mouth. They help to scrape away plaque and tartar from your puppy’s teeth. An example of an excellent dental chew toy is the ‘N-Bone Puppy Teething Ring’.
Rope Toys: Rope toys are a popular choice for teething puppies. They provide a good chew and also act as a dental floss, helping to clean teeth and gums. A good option is the ‘Multipet Nuts for Knots Rope Toy’. It’s tough, durable, and safe for puppies to chew.
Puzzle Toys: Puzzle toys like the ‘Kong Puppy Toy’ can be filled with treats such as peanut butter, making them a fun and challenging chew toy for puppies. They keep them engaged, stimulate their minds, and help manage their teething discomfort.
Before choosing any chew toy, ensure it is dishwasher safe for easy cleaning and maintenance. Always supervise your puppy while they’re chewing to prevent accidents like choking or ingestion of broken pieces.
Conclusion
Managing a teething puppy can be a tough phase for both the puppy and the dog owner. It’s a time when puppies are in discomfort, and their urge to chew anything and everything around them increases. But remember, this phase will pass. In the meantime, safe and suitable chew toys can play a significant role in managing your puppy’s teething period. They help alleviate the discomfort, promote good dental health, and save your belongings from the wrath of your little furball’s gnawing.
From rubber toys like ‘The Kong Puppy Toy’ to soft chew toys such as ‘The Puppy Goodie Bone’, and even natural alternatives like bully sticks, you have a plethora of safe chew toy options for your teething puppy. And let’s not forget the importance of regular veterinary check-ups to ensure your puppy’s teeth are growing in properly.
Choosing the right chew toy for your puppy involves careful consideration of size, material, and durability. It is not merely about keeping them occupied, but more importantly, it’s about their safety and dental health. So, pick wisely and help your puppy sail through their teething phase with ease. Remember, a well-selected chew toy can make this period much more manageable and a lot less painful for your adorable, teething puppy.