Top 10 Best Teething Toys for Puppies That Soothe, Chew, and Entertain

Best Teething Toys for Puppies

Puppies are irresistibly cute, cuddly, and… chewers. When those sharp little teeth start breaking through their gums, your brand-new shoes, furniture legs, and charging cables are all fair game. The solution? The best teething toys for puppies—designed to relieve discomfort and redirect destructive chewing into something safe and fun.

These toys don’t just prevent household damage—they also play a crucial role in your pup’s physical and emotional development. Whether you’re a first-time dog parent or a seasoned pet lover, having the right chew toys during this teething phase is absolutely essential.

Understanding Puppy Teething

Just like human babies, puppies go through a teething process. It typically starts at around 3 to 4 weeks of age and peaks between 12 and 16 weeks, continuing until about 6 months when their adult teeth are fully grown in.

During this stage, puppies may feel pain, pressure, and irritation in their gums. To relieve it, they’ll instinctively chew—on anything. Without proper chew toys, they may turn to your belongings.

Why Puppies Need Chew Toys

Chewing is a natural instinct for puppies, and chew toys fulfill several developmental and behavioral needs:

• Soothing sore gums during teething.
• Strengthening jaw muscles.
• Encouraging independence.
• Preventing destructive habits.
• Promoting healthy dental hygiene early on.

Without appropriate chew toys, puppies are not only uncomfortable—they’re also more likely to develop anxiety and behavioral issues.

Signs Your Puppy Is Teething

Not sure if your pup is teething yet? Watch for these signs:

• Excessive drooling
• Swollen or bleeding gums
• Chewing on everything in sight
• Whining or irritability
• Slower eating or loss of appetite
• Finding baby teeth around the home

A quality chew toy can make this transition smoother—for both of you!

Benefits of Teething Toys for Puppies

Here’s what a great teething toy offers:

• Pain relief through gentle pressure
• Mental stimulation that wards off boredom
• Training tool for appropriate chewing
• Bond-building opportunities with your pup
• Safer environment for pets and household items

A simple toy can improve your puppy’s quality of life during this intense growth stage.

Types of Puppy Teething Toys

Here’s a quick guide to the most effective types of teething toys:

How to Choose the Right Toy for Your Puppy

The best teething toy depends on your pup’s:

• Size: Small breeds need smaller, softer toys.
• Age: Younger puppies need gentler materials.
• Chewing style: Aggressive chewers need more durable toys.
• Interests: Some prefer squeaky toys, others enjoy tugging or solving puzzles.

Pro Tip: Always read product labels and avoid toys with sharp edges or small detachable parts.

Top 10 Best Teething Toys for Puppies in 2025

Here are this year’s best-reviewed chew toys:

Vet-Recommended Puppy Teething Toys

Veterinarians recommend chew toys that are:

• Non-toxic and BPA-free
• Easy to clean
• Sized appropriately
• Flexible but not flimsy

Top vet-recommended choices include KONG, Nylabone, and Petstages. These brands prioritize both safety and development.

Homemade Puppy Teething Toys

DIY can be just as effective—if you follow safety rules:

• Frozen carrot sticks
• Old sock soaked in broth and frozen
• Braided T-shirt ropes

Ensure materials are clean, secure, and free from frays or buttons.

Are Human Baby Teething Toys Safe for Puppies?

In short: No. Baby teething toys are made for different chewing strengths and can pose:

• Choking hazards
• Toxic material risks
• Inadequate durability

Always opt for dog-specific toys certified for pet use.

Frozen Toys for Gum Relief

Cold works wonders on swollen gums. Try:

• Freezable rubber toys like KONG Puppy
• Wet washcloth tied in a knot and frozen
• Specialty toys like Petstages Cool Teether

Always supervise frozen playtime to prevent gum damage or excessive chewing on hardened items.

Interactive Toys That Also Soothe Gums

Combine fun and relief with:

• Treat-dispensing puzzles
• Toys with multiple textures and sounds
• Tug-of-war ropes infused with flavor

Engagement helps distract puppies from teething pain while burning off excess energy.

Safety Considerations When Choosing Chew Toys

Look for:

• BPA-free labeling
• No detachable parts
• Soft yet durable build
• Washable materials

Avoid:

• Toys with bells, beads, or sharp edges
• Very hard plastics that can damage baby teeth

How to Clean Puppy Teething Toys

Good hygiene = healthy pup.

• Rubber and silicone toys: Top-shelf dishwasher safe
• Rope toys: Microwave damp rope for 1 minute to kill germs
• Plush toys: Machine wash on delicate cycle

Clean every few days—especially for toys used with food or saliva.

Training Your Puppy to Use Teething Toys

You can’t just toss a toy and expect results. Teaching your puppy to engage with teething toys takes patience and consistency:

• Positive Reinforcement: Praise or reward when your pup uses the toy appropriately.
• Use Treats: Insert peanut butter (xylitol-free!) or treats into hollow toys.
• Play Together: Encourage interaction by engaging with tug toys or rolling balls.

Over time, your pup will prefer their toys over your shoes—promise.

Rotating Toys to Prevent Boredom

Puppies get bored easily. Avoid the “toy fatigue” trap with this simple trick:

• Rotate toys every 2–3 days
• Use themed boxes (e.g., squeaky week, frozen week)
• Reintroduce “forgotten” toys as exciting new ones

This keeps your dog mentally stimulated and maintains the novelty of chewing.

Teething Toys and Crate Training

Crate training + teething toys = genius move. Here’s how:

• Use soothing toys in the crate to reduce separation anxiety.
• Ensure toys are crate-safe (no plush or parts that can be swallowed).
• Rotate freezable toys for nap time in the crate.

The goal is to turn the crate into a comfort zone, not a punishment.

Using Teething Toys to Prevent Destructive Chewing

Destructive chewing is often just misdirected teething behavior. Redirect it by:

• Offering chew toys immediately when you catch chewing on furniture.
• Keeping multiple teething toys in different rooms.
• Making off-limits items less appealing (using bitter sprays).

Be proactive, not reactive.

Teething Toys for Small vs. Large Breed Puppies

Size matters. Here’s how to match toys:

Important: A toy too small can be a choking hazard. A toy too big can be frustrating.

Eco-Friendly Puppy Teething Toys

Go green for your pup! Look for:

• Natural rubber or organic cotton toys
• Biodegradable packaging
• BPA- and phthalate-free labeling

Brands like West Paw, Planet Dog, and Beco Pets specialize in sustainable teething options.

Best Teething Toys for Aggressive Chewers

Is your puppy a power chewer? Try:

• Benebone Wishbone Chew
• Goughnuts Indestructible Ring
• KONG Extreme Puppy

Avoid thin or plush toys. Stick with indestructible, vet-approved rubber.

Are Teething Toys Necessary for All Puppies?

Yes—and not just for comfort. They:

• Aid in behavior training
• Prevent dental issues early
• Help with independence
• Reduce destructive instincts

Even if your pup seems “mild,” toys build healthy lifelong habits.

Signs a Toy Isn’t Right for Your Puppy

Watch for:

• Loss of interest
• Toy too hard or causing bleeding
• Visible damage or parts falling off
• Allergic reactions (rare but possible)

If your pup avoids or aggressively attacks a toy, try a different material or size.

Puppy Teething Timeline

You’ll need the most chew toys from 8 to 20 weeks.

Combining Teething Toys with Dental Health

Toys do more than soothe—they also:

• Scrape away plaque
• Promote gum health
• Introduce good oral habits

Consider adding dental treats or brushing routines once your pup gets used to mouth contact.

Travel-Friendly Puppy Teething Toys

Going somewhere? Pack:

• Compact rubber toys that don’t squeak
• Tug ropes for play in confined spaces
• Frozen chews in a cooler bag

Keep your pup relaxed and quiet during long rides or flights.

Common Mistakes Dog Owners Make with Teething Toys

Avoid these rookie errors:

• Buying adult dog toys (too hard for puppy teeth)
• Leaving damaged toys accessible
• Ignoring puppy’s chewing style
• Forgetting to sanitize regularly

Puppies rely on us to choose what’s safe, fun, and effective.

FAQs

At what age should I start giving my puppy teething toys?
As early as 4–5 weeks. Just ensure the toys are soft and small for tiny mouths.

How many teething toys does a puppy need?
Aim for 5–6 different textures and types. Rotate regularly.

Can teething toys help with crate training?
Yes! Teething toys reduce anxiety and boredom in crates.

Should I freeze all puppy chew toys?
Not all, but rotating in frozen ones offers soothing relief.

Can I use teething toys as training tools?
Absolutely. Many toys double as training aids with treat compartments.

How long does puppy teething last?
From around 3 weeks to 6 months, depending on breed and size.

Conclusion

The teething stage is one of the most intense—and most critical—times in a puppy’s development. Choosing the best teething toys for puppies will not only save your couch legs and slippers, but also nurture your dog’s physical and emotional growth.

From soothing frozen toys to interactive puzzles, there’s a perfect chew toy for every pup out there. Explore your options, experiment with textures, and find what makes your furry friend wag their tail with joy (instead of gnawing your arm off!).

Your journey to a well-trained, healthy, and happy pup starts with a chew.