Apr 11, 2025

Top Puppy Teething Toys: Expert-Approved Picks for Your Furry Friend's Comfort and Growth

The Ultimate Guide to the Best Puppy Teething Toys

Soothing gums and saving shoes, one chew at a time!

When your puppy’s teething instincts kick in, everything—from your sneakers to furniture legs—is fair game. This challenging phase calls for well-chosen teething toys to redirect that chewing energy while comforting your furry friend. Let’s dive into some standout options that make a difference!

Why You Need Teething Toys for Your Puppy

Teething toys don’t just protect your home; they also ease your puppy’s discomfort and improve dental health. According to experts, safe and engaging toys can support a healthy chewing habit and even nurture your pup’s curious nature.

How to Pick the Best Teething Toy for Your Pup

Here are some tips for choosing the perfect chew toy:

Size Matters: Ensure the toy is appropriate for your puppy's breed and weight.
Materials: Opt for non-toxic, durable options suitable for chewing.
Multi-Use Features: Consider toys that also improve dental health or double as enrichment activities.

1. N-Bone Puppy Teething Rings

These edible teething rings are irresistible to puppies. Available in chicken, pumpkin, peanut butter, and salmon flavors, they’re fortified with calcium and omega-3s to support your pup’s health. While the sticky texture adds extra licking fun, start with small portions to prevent tummy troubles.

Materials: Rice flour, vegetable glycerin, gelatin

2. Petstages Cool Teething Stick

This freezable toy soothes aching gums with its cooling effect. Ribbons add texture for tugging fun, and the mold-resistant filling allows repeated use.

Materials: Polyester, synthetic fabric

3. Kong Rubber Ring

With nubs to massage gums and clean teeth, this durable natural rubber toy comes in three sizes for all puppies. It’s also great for chase games, as its fun shape makes it bounce unpredictably.

Materials: Rubber

4. Benebone Puppy Dog Chew Toy

Made from durable nylon, this chew toy is designed for strong chewers. It comes in shapes like sticks and wishbones, with enticing flavors like bacon and wood to keep puppies engaged.

Materials: Nylon

Final Thoughts:

Teething is a natural but challenging phase for puppies. These carefully selected toys can make life easier for both you and your furry friend while promoting healthy chewing habits. Whether you’re looking for chewable rings, durable sticks, or freezable options, there’s something here for every puppy’s need.

FAQ

What is puppy teething? Just like human babies, puppies grow teeth as part of their development. “In the first weeks of life, puppies grow baby teeth (primary or deciduous teeth) which are sharply pointed,” said Barbara Hodges, DVM, program director of advocacy and outreach for the Humane Society Veterinary Medical Alliance. “Those teeth eventually fall out and are replaced with up to 42 permanent teeth.”

When do puppies stop teething? Teething can seem like it lasts forever, but you typically only have to wait until your puppy is about 6 months old until it ends. “Their baby teeth will generally begin falling out when they are about 12 weeks old,” says Hodges. “By the time they are six months old, all their permanent teeth will typically have grown in.”

When do puppies get their adult teeth? Puppies get their baby (deciduous) teeth when they’re 4–6 weeks old. “They then shed their deciduous teeth and erupt their permanent teeth between 3 to 7 months of age,” Hoyer says. “During the time when permanent teeth are erupting, dogs frequently display increased chewing behavior, and it's important to make sure that they have the right kinds of structures to use!”

Why are puppy teeth so sharp? If you’ve felt puppy bath teeth on your hands or ankles, you know they can be razor sharp. “It is likely this sharpness helps puppies chew their food effectively while their jaws are still developing strength,” says Hodges.