What is the Best Thing to Give a Teething Puppy?
The absolute best thing to give a teething puppy is a safe, durable chew toy designed for teething, providing both relief from discomfort and promoting healthy jaw development.
Understanding Puppy Teething
Teething is a normal, albeit uncomfortable, process for puppies. It typically starts around 3-4 months of age and can last until they are around 6-8 months old. During this time, their puppy teeth are being replaced by adult teeth, causing irritation and inflammation in their gums. The discomfort leads many puppies to chew excessively, seeking relief. Therefore, understanding this phase and providing appropriate chew toys is crucial for both the puppy’s well-being and the preservation of your furniture.
Benefits of Appropriate Chew Toys
Providing your teething puppy with the right toys offers numerous advantages:
- Pain Relief: Chewing can help alleviate the pain and pressure associated with erupting adult teeth.
- Healthy Jaw Development: Chewing strengthens the jaw muscles, promoting proper alignment of the new teeth.
- Redirection of Destructive Behavior: By offering appropriate chew toys, you can redirect your puppy’s chewing instincts away from your furniture and belongings.
- Mental Stimulation: Chewing can be mentally stimulating for puppies, helping to prevent boredom and anxiety.
- Positive Association: By providing positive experiences associated with chewing, you can establish healthy chewing habits early on.
Key Features of Ideal Teething Toys
Not all chew toys are created equal. When selecting toys for your teething puppy, consider the following features:
- Safety: The toy should be made of non-toxic materials and free from small parts that could be ingested.
- Durability: The toy needs to withstand persistent chewing without breaking apart. Regularly inspect toys for wear and tear and replace them as needed.
- Texture: A variety of textures can provide different levels of relief. Some puppies prefer soft, pliable toys, while others prefer harder, more resilient ones.
- Size: The toy should be appropriately sized for your puppy to prevent them from swallowing it whole.
- Ease of Cleaning: Choose toys that are easy to clean to prevent the build-up of bacteria.
Top Recommended Teething Toys
Here’s a breakdown of some popular and effective teething toys for puppies:
| Toy Type | Description | Benefits | Cautions |
|---|---|---|---|
| —————— | —————————————————————————— | ——————————————————————————————————- | ——————————————————————————————————- |
| Frozen Washcloth | A damp washcloth twisted and frozen. | Soothes inflamed gums, provides cooling relief. | Monitor puppy to prevent them from swallowing pieces of washcloth. Supervise at all times. |
| Rubber Teething Rings | Made of durable, non-toxic rubber, often with textured surfaces. | Provides firm chewing surface, massages gums, and is durable. | Choose appropriate size to avoid choking hazard. Regularly inspect for damage. |
| Rope Toys | Made of tightly woven cotton or nylon ropes. | Provides a good chewing texture and helps clean teeth. | Supervise puppy to prevent them from ingesting the rope fibers, which can cause intestinal blockages. |
| Kong Puppy Toys | Made of a softer, more pliable rubber than adult Kongs. Can be stuffed with food. | Provides a challenging chew and can be frozen for extra relief. | Choose appropriate size. Always supervise play. |
| Nylabones | Made of a durable, non-toxic nylon. | Very durable and long-lasting. Many different shapes and textures available. | Fragments can become sharp; monitor your puppy and replace when significantly worn. |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When providing chew toys for your teething puppy, avoid these common mistakes:
- Giving Unsafe Toys: Avoid toys with small parts, squeakers that can be swallowed, or toxic materials.
- Ignoring Supervision: Always supervise your puppy while they are chewing on toys to ensure their safety.
- Failing to Rotate Toys: Rotating toys regularly can keep your puppy engaged and prevent boredom.
- Not Cleaning Toys: Regularly clean your puppy’s chew toys to prevent the build-up of bacteria.
- Punishing Chewing: Never punish your puppy for chewing; instead, redirect their chewing to appropriate toys.
- Overlooking Dental Health: Establish a good dental hygiene routine early on, including regular brushing.
Frequently Asked Questions
At what age do puppies start teething?
Puppies typically begin teething around 3-4 months of age, as their puppy teeth start to fall out to make way for their adult teeth. The entire process can last until they are 6-8 months old.
How can I tell if my puppy is teething?
Signs of teething include excessive chewing, drooling, red or swollen gums, increased irritability, and sometimes a slight decrease in appetite. You might also find small puppy teeth around the house.
Are ice cubes a good teething remedy?
Ice cubes can provide temporary relief for teething puppies by numbing the gums. However, they should be given in moderation and supervised to prevent choking. Avoid giving very small cubes.
Can I use human teething gels on my puppy?
No, you should never use human teething gels on your puppy without consulting your veterinarian. Some ingredients may be toxic to dogs. Always use products specifically formulated for puppies.
What kind of chew toys are best for aggressive chewers?
For aggressive chewers, opt for extremely durable toys like Nylabones, Kongs (Puppy version), and some Goughnuts. Always supervise and regularly inspect these toys for damage.
How often should I give my puppy teething toys?
Offer teething toys to your puppy whenever they seem uncomfortable or are displaying chewing behaviors. Always have several toys available and rotate them to keep your puppy engaged.
Can I freeze my puppy’s chew toys?
Yes, freezing some chew toys can provide extra relief for teething puppies. Wet a cloth and tie it into a knot before freezing. Ensure that the toy is safe for freezing and that your puppy is supervised.
Are rawhide chews safe for teething puppies?
Rawhide chews can be risky for teething puppies because they can break into small pieces that can be swallowed, leading to choking or intestinal blockages. If you choose to give rawhide, supervise closely and select a larger, high-quality product.
What if my puppy isn’t interested in chew toys?
Try different types of chew toys with varying textures and flavors. You can also try stuffing a Kong toy with peanut butter or other puppy-safe treats to make it more appealing. Make chewing a positive experience with praise and encouragement.
How can I protect my furniture from my teething puppy?
Provide plenty of appropriate chew toys and redirect your puppy’s chewing to these toys whenever they start to chew on furniture. Use puppy-safe deterrent sprays on furniture to discourage chewing and consider crate training your puppy when you can’t supervise them.
Is it okay for my puppy to swallow small pieces of a chew toy?
It’s generally not okay for your puppy to swallow large pieces of a chew toy. Smaller fragments might pass through, but larger pieces can cause choking or intestinal blockages. Regularly inspect toys and replace them when they become significantly worn.
When will my puppy stop teething?
Puppies typically finish teething around 6-8 months of age, once all their adult teeth have erupted. Even after teething is complete, it’s important to continue providing appropriate chew toys to maintain good dental health and prevent destructive chewing habits.