How to Choose the Best Teething Toys for Your Puppy
Teething is a normal part of puppy development. Good teething toys can help puppies explore, satisfy chewing instincts, and offer gentle jaw exercise during this period of rapid oral change. The right toys can also protect your shoes and furniture by giving your puppy acceptable chewing options.
Why teething toys matter
Puppies chew for several reasons during teething: to relieve discomfort, exercise their jaws, and learn about the world. Chewing also gives them a way to release energy and redirect mouthing away from household items. While toys can’t replace proper dental care or nutrition, they can be a useful part of an overall approach to your puppy’s oral health and enrichment.
Key features to look for
When you choose teething toys, consider these practical factors rather than marketing claims:
- Appropriate size: A toy should be large enough that the puppy cannot swallow it or get it lodged in the throat. Check the product description or try holding the toy by the ends—if it fits entirely in your puppy’s mouth, it’s probably too small.
- Suitable texture and firmness: Puppies often prefer softer textures when baby teeth are coming in and firmer textures later. Avoid toys that are so hard they could chip adult teeth; likewise, very soft toys may shred and create swallowable pieces.
- Durability of construction: Look for toys designed to withstand chewing for the expected duration of use. No toy is indestructible—inspect toys regularly and remove them if they show damage.
- Safe materials: Choose toys made from non-toxic materials intended for dogs. Avoid toys with small detachable parts, long strings, loose stitching, or glued-on components that could be ingested.
- Interest and enrichment: Varying textures, mild squeaks, interesting shapes, or the ability to hide treats can make a toy more engaging and help extend playtime.
Types of teething toys and how to use them
Different toys meet different needs. You don’t need every type, but a small selection can help as your puppy grows.
Rubber chew toys
Soft- to medium-firm rubber toys are often a good starting point. They can flex under pressure and feel satisfying to chew. Many are easy to clean and can be used for gentle fetch sessions. If you offer a rubber toy, check it routinely for gouges or chunks coming off and replace it if damaged.
Textured chew toys and dental chews
Toys with ridges or nubs can provide extra stimulation for chewing and may help dislodge some soft debris from teeth. These are not a substitute for toothbrushing or professional dental care, but they can be part of a healthy oral routine.
Nylon or hard chews
Some puppies enjoy very firm chews made from nylon-like materials. Use caution: extremely hard chews can risk tooth damage, especially on young teeth. If your puppy prefers hard chews, supervise use and choose sizes that cannot be swallowed.
Stuffable enrichment toys and slow feeders
Toys you can stuff with small treats or mashed kibble encourage problem-solving and long-lasting engagement. These can be useful when you need to occupy a puppy for a short period. Consider rotating fillings to keep interest, and supervise to ensure the puppy doesn’t destroy the toy to get the food out.
Soft plush toys
Plush toys can be comforting, especially for very young puppies or those that like to carry things in their mouths. Because plush toys can be torn and ingested, check them often and remove them if they become frayed or if the puppy rips out stuffing or squeakers.
Scent and scent-based enrichment
Snuffle mats and scent-based enrichment toys encourage nose work and slow feeding. These can provide mental stimulation that reduces boredom-related chewing. If you’d like to try one, look for mats designed for dogs and supervise initial sessions. A recommended option is the Mushroom Snuffle Mat, which can be useful for scent enrichment and slow-feeding activities: Mushroom Snuffle Mat.
How to introduce and rotate toys
- Introduce gradually: Present new toys during calm moments or just before play to build positive associations.
- Rotate toys: Keep a small selection available and swap them out every few days to maintain novelty and interest.
- Use toys for training: Reward good behavior with a toy or reserve a special toy for supervised training sessions to strengthen bonding and focus.
Supervision and safety
Always supervise chew sessions, especially for teething puppies. Remove toys that are broken, with loose bits, or show signs of heavy wear. If a puppy swallows a piece of toy or appears to choke, seek veterinary care promptly.
If you’re unsure whether a toy is appropriate for your puppy’s breed, size, or chewing style, ask your veterinarian or a qualified animal behavior professional for tailored advice.
When to seek professional help
Chewing is normal, but if your puppy’s chewing is destructive, obsessive, or accompanied by worrying signs (excessive drooling, bleeding gums, lethargy, or loss of appetite), contact your veterinarian. A vet or certified behavior consultant can rule out pain, dental problems, or anxiety and recommend appropriate management strategies.
Practical tips
- Match toy size to your puppy’s mouth; err on the side of larger for safety.
- Inspect toys weekly and discard any with loose parts or frayed seams.
- Use a mix of chew types—softer items for sore gums and more durable ones as adult teeth come in.
- Keep a few special toys only for supervised play to maintain their value.
- Combine chewing with training and enrichment to reduce boredom-related chewing.
Choosing teething toys is about balancing interest, safety, and appropriate challenge for your puppy. With careful selection, supervision, and regular inspection, toys can support healthy development and help you both get through the teething phase with fewer chewed-up surprises.
For a curated selection of toys designed for play and enrichment, see Cheerhunting's dog toys collection: Dog Toys.
If you have concerns about your puppy’s teeth or behavior, consult your veterinarian or a qualified behavior professional for individualized guidance.