One of the delightful aspects of bringing home a new puppy is their energetic and playful nature. However, when puppies begin teething, their need to chew can lead to nibbled shoes and damaged furniture. But don’t panic! There’s an abundance of safe and effective chew toy options available to help ease your furry friend’s discomfort during this painful phase and protect your belongings at the same time. With a variety of materials, sizes, and styles available, how do you determine the best chew toys for your teething puppy? Here we will explore safe chew toy options that can be a godsend for both you and your dog during this difficult period.
Understanding the Teething Process
Before delving into the world of chew toys, it’s essential to understand what your puppy is going through. Like humans, dogs also lose their baby teeth and experience the growth of new adult teeth. This process usually begins when puppies are around 3 to 4 months old and can last until they are 6 to 7 months old.
During teething, puppies will experience discomfort and have an irresistible urge to chew. It’s during this stage where chew toys come into the picture. They offer a safe outlet for your dog’s chewing impulses and can also promote good dental health.
The Importance of Material and Size in Chew Toys
When choosing a chew toy for your puppy, two of the most crucial factors to consider are the material and size of the toy.
Chew toys made of soft rubber are an excellent choice for teething puppies. This material is gentle on puppy teeth and can help to soothe their gums. Brands like Kong make a variety of rubber chew toys specifically designed for puppies.
Size is also paramount. You want to choose a toy that is appropriately sized for your puppy to avoid any choking hazards. Also, smaller sized toys are easier for puppies to grip and chew.
Best Chew Toys to Check on Amazon
With countless chew toys available on Amazon, it can be overwhelming to find the right one. Here are some top picks that are popular among pet owners and have garnered excellent reviews.
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Kong Puppy Toy: This toy is made of soft rubber, making it perfect for teething puppies. It’s also hollow, so you can stuff it with treats to keep your puppy entertained for longer periods.
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Nylabone Puppy Chew X Bone: This toy is made of soft, flexible material designed to prevent destructive chewing and soothe teething pain. Its unique X shape and textured design also help to clean teeth and soothe gums.
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Benebone Bacon Flavored Wishbone Chew Toy: This chew toy is a top pick for dog owners due to its durable material and enticing bacon flavor. Although it’s not as soft as rubber, it’s still a safe option for larger puppies with stronger jaws.
Chewy’s Noteworthy Teething Toys
Chewy is another excellent online resource for pet supplies, including a wide array of chew toys for teething puppies. The following are some of their best sellers:
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SmartPetLove Tender-Tuffs Plush Toy: While not a traditional chew toy, plush toys can be great for teething puppies. This particular one is made with a proprietary TearBlok technology, designed to satisfy your puppy’s need to chew while being durable enough to last.
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Frisco Textured Ring Puppy Teething Toy: This chew toy stands out for its distinctive ring design. It is made of textured, puppy-safe rubber that promotes healthy teeth and gums.
Final Thoughts on Chew Toys for Teething Puppies
Teething is a challenging phase for puppies and their owners. However, with the right chew toy, it can be less stressful. By choosing a chew toy that is made of safe, puppy-friendly materials and is the correct size, you can provide relief for your puppy and ensure they develop healthy chewing habits. Online platforms like Amazon and Chewy offer a plethora of options, so you’re sure to find the perfect toy to help your puppy through their teething phase. Remember, every dog is unique, so what works for one might not work for another. It’s all about finding the best fit for your pup.
Making Chew Toys More Appealing for Puppies
The most effective way to encourage your puppy to chew on their chew toys instead of your shoes or furniture is to make the toys more appealing to them. The best way to do this is by using food. Many chew toys are designed to be stuffed with treats or smeared with something delicious. For instance, a Kong Puppy Toy can be filled with items like peanut butter or dog-friendly yogurt and then frozen. The frozen filling not only increases the longevity of the chew but also provides relief to sore gums of teething puppies.
Similarly, some dental chew toys have grooves that can be filled with dog toothpaste, enhancing dental health while providing the puppy with a tasty treat. Some toys even come with flavoring, like the Benebone Bacon Flavored Wishbone Chew Toy, which most puppies find irresistible.
However, always keep in mind to monitor your puppies while they are enjoying these treat-filled toys. Make sure they don’t bite off large pieces that can be a choking hazard. Also, remember to keep these toys clean – most are dishwasher safe, which makes cleaning easy.
Training Your Puppy to Use Chew Toys
Training your puppy to use a chew toy is just as important as choosing the right one. When introducing a new toy to your puppy, make your puppy understand that it’s theirs by excitingly saying something like, "look what I have for you!" Then, play with the toy with your puppy for a few minutes every day.
If you find your puppy chewing on something they shouldn’t, like a piece of furniture or your shoe, don’t shout or punish them. Instead, gently take away the object and replace it with their chew toy. This way, your puppy learns what they are allowed to chew on without associating negative feelings with the behavior correction.
Since teething puppies chew to relieve discomfort, it can be beneficial to have different types of teething toys available. For instance, a hard chew toy is great for when a new tooth is about to erupt, while a more pliable toy is ideal for when the tooth is already out. It’s all about providing a variety for your pup, so they can find the best relief for their specific needs.
Conclusion: Key Takeaways for Choosing the Best Chew Toy
Bringing a new puppy into your home is a delightful experience, but dealing with teething can be a challenge. Thankfully, there are plenty of safe and effective chew toys available to help manage your puppy’s teething period.
The ideal chew toy is one that is made from a puppy-friendly material like soft rubber, is the right size, and has an appealing taste or can be filled with treats. The best dog chew toys also promote dental health and are durable enough to withstand intense chew sessions.
Platforms like Amazon and Chewy offer a wide range of options, from traditional rubber chew toys to plush toys designed with durability in mind. Your puppy’s needs and preferences will dictate the best chew toy for them. However, regardless of your choice, the best puppy chews are the ones that keep your puppy entertained, relieve their teething discomfort, and protect your precious belongings from those sharp little teeth!
