Puppies are a lot of fun and can bring positive energy to your life, but there is a lot to consider before adding one to your family. Young dogs have boundless energy and a tendency to be destructive, for example — especially when they are teething.
Having appropriate toys on hand will help prevent damage to your possessions, but it can be difficult to know which are best. This guide will cover how to make the teething process easier, the toys that are a must, and what to avoid.
Understanding Puppy Teething and the Need for Toys
The teething process in puppies is a significant developmental stage that pet parents need to navigate. This phase usually commences when pups are around two months old, extending until they’re about ten months.
In this period, your puppy’s baby teeth will be replaced by their adult counterparts. It can cause discomfort, often leading to sore gums, which may drive them into chewing anything within reach – from shoes to furniture legs.
To mitigate destructive chewing habits while also providing relief for their tender gums, consider introducing teething toys designed specifically for puppies. These toys offer comfort and guide your furry friend on what items are acceptable or unacceptable chew targets during this crucial growth stage.
How Long do Puppies Teeth For?
Puppies begin teething when they are around 3 to 4 months old and continue until they are approximately 6 to 8 months old. During this time, their baby teeth will fall out, and their adult teeth will grow in. Teething can be a bit uncomfortable for puppies, and they may experience increased chewing and biting behavior. It’s important to provide them with appropriate chew toys and regular dental care to help alleviate any discomfort and ensure healthy oral development.
How to Make Teething Easier for Your Puppy
Puppies generally begin developing teeth at around two weeks. By six months, they will have lost their baby ones and be equipped with their adult teeth. Surviving the process can be a challenge because it can cause swollen gums, bleeding, and excess drooling.
Here are easy things to make teething easier:
- Brush with dog-friendly toothpaste and a rubber finger brush. This will help dogs grow used to having their mouths handled and may soothe inflamed gums.
- Discourage nipping when your pup is too mouthy. Nipping can be painful and lead to problematic behaviors later on. Practice redirection, tell your pup “no” in a firm voice, and move on to a safe toy.
- Keep safe, fun toys on hand to entertain and distract. The selections below will help you narrow down the options.
Follow these guidelines, and your puppy will sail through the teething process in short order.
Sizing Up Your Puppy’s Chew Toy Needs
Selecting an appropriately sized chew toy based on your pup’s age and breed is paramount for safety reasons. A larger puppy would require bigger, more robust toys compared with smaller breeds, who might prefer softer options due to their delicate jaws.
This article provides comprehensive guidance on choosing suitable dog toy sizes considering various factors, including breed type.
Bear in mind too small of a plaything pose choking hazards, whereas excessively large ones could strain young jaws, potentially leading to injuries.
Having multiple sizes at hand allows you to rotate between them, keeping things interesting, preventing boredom from setting into playtime sessions, and ensuring maximum engagement and overall enjoyment throughout the day whilst simultaneously aiding dental hygiene, massaging sore gums, and relieving discomfort caused by emerging adult teeth.
Moreover, always supervise interaction, inspect regularly for wear and tear, discard immediately if damaged, avoid accidental ingestion of harmful fragments, and ensure a safe and fun experience for both parties involved in the long run. This guide gives you some helpful tips on supervising your pet’s playtime and choosing the right toy based on their chewing style, personality traits, etc., for optimal benefit during this important growth phase of life.
Selecting Age-Appropriate and Safe Chew Toys
When it comes to choosing the best teething toys for your puppy, there’s more at stake than just their entertainment. You’re also ensuring their safety and contributing to healthy growth. But how do you make sure you’ve chosen the right chew toy? When selecting a chew toy for your puppy, take into account their age, size, breed, and chewing habits.
Puppies love exploring with their mouths – an instinctive behavior that is particularly prominent during teething when they need relief from sore gums. Having appropriate chew toys can help channel this natural curiosity away from household items like shoes or furniture.
4 Best Puppy Teething Toys
These four types of puppy teething toys are dog-tested, and owner-approved:
1. Chewing Bones
Teething puppies explore their world by gnawing on objects around them, meaning they may turn to furniture or personal items when left unattended. Redirect your puppy’s urge to gnaw by giving them a good quality chew toy. Also known as “bully sticks,” these not only keep your puppy’s gums stimulated and soothed, but many are also fully digestible. Pig ears, another great option, are considered the perfect size for smaller breeds.
2. Cold Toys
A cold treat or chew can ease gum inflammation and provide a fun distraction. Brands like Chilly Bone have created specialty options that can be soaked in water and stored in the freezer. The rubbery texture and cold temp make them great for teething. You can also freeze treats and vegetables, like carrots, to help satisfy your puppy’s urge to chew.
3. Treat Dispensers
Toys that dispense treats are available in any pet store and come in many colors, styles, and designs. Some, such as those designed by Kong, double as chews and keep your pup stimulated as he or she works to wiggle out the treat inside. A few varieties feature liquid dispensers with dog-friendly flavors like beef liver and bacon.
4. Ropes
If you are looking for a toy to enjoy together, a rope is a great option for playing fetch and hours of interactive play. Teething puppies can chew on the rope between play sessions, too, and the tough strands will act as floss. Many also include a chew in the center or feature interactive toys incorporated into their designs.
Safety Concerns for Puppy Teething Toys
Bringing a new furry friend home to your family is exciting. You will have a lot of fun getting to know each other and learning what each other needs, but it’s important to make sure you don’t forget about safety in the process. There are some things to keep in mind when caring for your teething puppy:
- Dogs of all ages will get into things they shouldn’t when they have excess energy or lack appropriate outlets.
- It is important to take your puppy for walks and to allow them to get plenty of exercise.
- Toys and chews can provide a healthy outlet when paired with proper exercise.
- Rawhide bones are popular, but tough pieces can separate, lodge in your pet’s throat, and present choking hazards.
- Some bones can splinter and cause digestive issues in dogs of all ages.
- Watch your puppy on walks, as they will undoubtedly find lots of treasures on which they will want to chew.
Anything found outside should probably be left outside since sticks, bones, or other bits of trash can present safety hazards. Stick to the puppy teething toys you can find in pet stores, and make sure to consult with your veterinarian for any real concerns.
Get Your Puppy Certified as An Emotional Support Animal
Teething is challenging for puppies, but the right toys can make all the difference. Our furry friends need special attention during their teething season, and we want to make sure they can get the most out of this time.
With a few simple toys, a bit of brushing, and lots of love and cuddles we can make sure our puppies are soothed and entertained during the teething process. Remember to select toys that are safe for your particular pup, as choking hazards and splintering bones could lead to serious dangers. Above all else, show them how much you care by providing as much comfort and support as possible!
And don’t forget – if you’re looking for an incredible way to bond with your pup, consider getting them certified as an emotional support animal through our free pre-qualification test! With just a few easy steps, you can open the door to a lifetime of enjoyment with your amazing pup.
