How to Pick Safe Teething Toys for Puppies

How to Pick Safe Teething Toys for Puppies

Teething is one of the most exciting—and challenging—stages of puppyhood. As your young dog grows, its baby teeth fall out, adult teeth push in, and chewing becomes a natural instinct. While this phase is normal, it can also be extremely uncomfortable for puppies. That’s why learning how to pick safe teething toys for puppies is essential for protecting your pet’s health, comfort, and development.

 

From durability and material safety to size, texture, and supervised usage, this guide covers everything you need to know. Whether you’re a new pet parent or preparing for your next furry addition, this 2,000-word guide will show you exactly how to choose the right teething toys—safely.

Why Puppies Need Teething Toys

Puppies chew for several important reasons. Understanding their behavior makes it easier to choose toys that support growth while keeping your home (and fingers!) safe.

1. Relieves Teething Pain

Just like human babies, puppies experience gum soreness as new teeth emerge. Chewing helps:

  • Massage gums

  • Relieve pressure

  • Reduce irritation

  • Distract from discomfort

The right teething toy provides gentle, soothing relief.

2. Prevents Destructive Chewing

Without appropriate toys, puppies chew on:

  • Shoes

  • Furniture

  • Cords

  • Carpets

  • Your hands

Safe teething toys redirect unwanted chewing into healthy habits.

3. Supports Healthy Tooth and Jaw Development

Teething toys help puppies:

  • Strengthen jaw muscles

  • Develop proper bite habits

  • Promote healthy tooth alignment

This early development can prevent dental issues later.

4. Encourages Mental Stimulation

Chewing keeps puppies focused and engaged. It satisfies natural instincts and supports:

  • Concentration

  • Stress relief

  • Confidence-building

Toys also help reduce separation anxiety during crate training.

Key Features of Safe Teething Toys for Puppies

Not all toys are safe for teething pups. Below are the most important features to consider when learning how to pick safe teething toys for puppies.

1. Material Safety

Material is the most important factor. Always choose non-toxic, durable, puppy-safe materials.

Safe Materials Include:

  • Rubber (natural or high-grade synthetic)

  • Thermoplastic elastomer (TPE)

  • BPA-free plastics

  • Rope made from natural cotton

  • Soft silicone

  • Nylon (for more advanced chewers)

Avoid:

  • PVC with toxic additives

  • Cheap plastic that cracks

  • Foam that can be swallowed

  • Toys with easily removed pieces

Safe materials protect your puppy’s digestive and dental health.

2. Size and Shape

Choosing the correct size is crucial for safety.

General Guidelines:

  • The toy should be too large to swallow.

  • Puppies should be able to grip the toy comfortably.

  • Avoid toys smaller than your puppy’s mouth.

Shape Safety Tips:

  • Avoid long, thin toys that could reach the throat.

  • Avoid ball toys that are too small (choking hazard).

  • Avoid complex shapes with sharp corners.

A properly sized toy reduces risks of choking and accidental ingestion.

3. Texture Matters

Puppy teething toys should offer a combination of textures that soothe gums and support chewing.

Best Textures:

  • Soft rubber for gentle chewing

  • Raised bumps for gum stimulation

  • Rope fibers for dental flossing

  • Multi-texture combinations for enrichment

Warning:

Too-hard toys (like antlers, bones, or stones) can fracture puppy teeth.

Focus on flexible, forgiving textures designed specifically for teething puppies.

4. Durability and Longevity

Puppies chew harder than you think, especially during peak teething at 3–6 months. Look for toys that:

  • Withstand intense chewing

  • Don’t shred easily

  • Don’t break into small pieces

Durable toys protect against choking and emergency vet visits.

5. Age-Appropriate Design

Puppy teeth and adult teeth have different needs.

0–3 Months:

Soft cuddlers, plush toys, lightweight rubber

3–6 Months (Teething Stage):

Soft rubber chew toys, teething rings, cooling toys

6+ Months:

Stronger rubber, nylon chews (still supervised)

Make sure the toy specifically states “for puppies” or “for teething”.

6. Cooling and Freezer-Friendly Toys

Cold temperatures help reduce gum inflammation. Many teething toys can be chilled or frozen.

Cooling toys help:

  • Numb sore gums

  • Reduce swelling

  • Comfort anxious puppies

If a toy is freezer-friendly, it’s almost always a great choice for teething pups.

7. Squeakers and Safety

Squeaker toys are fun, but puppy teeth can puncture and remove squeakers quickly.

If using squeaker toys:

  • Ensure squeakers are hidden deep within the toy

  • Only use with supervision

  • Remove toy immediately if torn

Accidental ingestion of squeakers is a common vet emergency—use them wisely.

Types of Safe Teething Toys for Puppies

Now that you understand the features, let’s explore the most popular types of safe puppy teething toys and their benefits.

1. Soft Rubber Chew Toys

These are the gold standard for teething puppies.

Why They’re Great:

  • Flexible and safe

  • Long-lasting

  • Easy for puppies to grip

  • Can be stuffed with treats

Rubber toys like teething rings and rubber bones are perfect for young chewers.

2. Rope Toys

Made from natural cotton fibers, rope toys are excellent for:

  • Teething

  • Tug-of-war

  • Dental flossing

  • Light to moderate chewers

Avoid rope toys with plastic beads or mixed materials that can break off.

3. Freezable Teething Toys

Cooling toys are ideal for soothing sore gums. Many come filled with:

  • Water

  • Gel

  • Cooling foam

Always ensure the cooling material is non-toxic in case of puncture.

4. Treat-Stuffing Toys

Interactive chew toys allow you to add:

  • Peanut butter

  • Soft treats

  • Frozen yogurt

  • Puppy-safe spreads

These encourage longer chew sessions and mental stimulation.

5. Soft Plush Toys (With Caution)

Plush toys are comforting but should be:

  • Supervised

  • Durable

  • Stitch-reinforced

Once stuffing comes out, the toy must be replaced.

6. Teething Rings and Pacifiers

Specifically designed for puppies, these come in multiple shapes and textures.

Benefits:

  • Easy to grip

  • Great for crate training

  • Soothes gums effectively

7. Nylon Puppy Chews (For Older Puppies)

For puppies 5 months and older, soft-grade nylon chews can help transition into stronger chewing.

Avoid adult nylon bones—they can be too hard for developing teeth.

How to Choose the Right Teething Toy Based on Your Puppy’s Breed

Different breeds have different chewing styles. Here’s how to choose wisely.

For Small Breeds

Chihuahuas, Yorkies, Maltese, Dachshunds

  • Lightweight toys

  • Small rubber rings

  • Soft plush toys

  • Avoid heavy or oversized toys

For Medium Breeds

Corgis, Beagles, Australian Shepherds, Bulldogs

  • Medium rubber toys

  • Rope toys

  • Textured rings

  • Freezable toys

For Large and Strong Breeds

Labs, Goldens, Huskies, German Shepherds

  • Durable rubber toys

  • Thick rope toys

  • Chew-resistant teething rings

  • Avoid plush toys unless supervised

Large-breed puppies chew HARD—choose accordingly.

Common Teething Toy Mistakes to Avoid

Keeping your dog safe means avoiding dangerous toy types.

1. Toys That Are Too Hard

Avoid:

  • Antlers

  • Bones

  • Hard nylon

  • Hooves

  • Stones

These can cause tooth fractures in puppies.

2. Cheap Toys With Harmful Chemicals

Very inexpensive toys may contain:

  • BPA

  • Phthalates

  • Lead

  • Unknown dyes

Always choose reputable brands.

3. Toys With Small, Removable Pieces

Buttons, eyes, plastic squeakers, and glued-on accessories can break off and be swallowed.

4. Incorrect Toy Size

Anything too small is a choking hazard. Always size up if unsure.

5. Unsupervised Rope Fraying

When rope toys unravel, puppies can swallow string—dangerous for digestion.

How to Introduce Teething Toys to Your Puppy

Even the best toys won’t help if your puppy isn't used to them.

Step 1: Offer Multiple Textures

Give your puppy a choice:

  • Rubber

  • Rope

  • Plush

  • Cooling toys

Variety keeps them engaged.

Step 2: Encourage Chewing

Reward your puppy when they chew the correct toy. Positive reinforcement works wonders.

Step 3: Use Toys During Play

Tug-of-war and fetch strengthen bonds and make toys exciting.

Step 4: Rotate Toys Weekly

This keeps your puppy from getting bored.

Step 5: Supervise Early Sessions

Make sure your puppy uses the toy correctly and safely.

How Often Should You Replace Teething Toys?

Replace toys when they show:

  • Cracks

  • Missing chunks

  • Loose threads

  • Frayed rope fibers

  • Torn stuffing

Puppies chew vigorously—review toys weekly.

FAQ: Safe Teething Toys for Puppies

1. What’s the safest teething toy for puppies?

Soft rubber teething toys are generally the safest.

2. Can puppies chew on ice?

Small ice cubes can crack teeth—use freezer-safe toys instead.

3. Are rawhide chews safe for puppies?

No. Rawhide is a choking and digestion hazard.

4. When do puppies teethe?

Typically between 3–6 months.

5. Can I leave my puppy alone with a teething toy?

Supervision is recommended, especially with rope or plush toys.

Final Thoughts: How to Pick Safe Teething Toys for Puppies

Choosing safe teething toys is one of the most important decisions you can make for your puppy’s development. The right toys not only soothe teething pain but also support healthy habits, reduce destructive chewing, and provide vital mental stimulation. Always prioritize safety, durability, and size appropriateness when selecting toys.

With the guidance in this complete puppy teething toy guide, you’ll confidently choose toys that protect your puppy’s teeth and keep them happy during this exciting life stage.