If you have a teething puppy, you know the signs: everything — shoes, furniture legs, your fingers — suddenly looks like a chew toy. Teething usually starts around 3 weeks of age and continues until about 6 months, when the full set of adult teeth comes in. During this time, your pup's gums ache, and chewing is the natural way they find relief.
The right chew toys can save your belongings, soothe sore gums, and teach your puppy what is okay to chew. Here is how to choose the best ones.
What Makes a Good Teething Chew Toy?
Puppy gums are sensitive, so teething toys need to strike a balance: soft enough not to hurt, but durable enough to withstand determined little jaws.
- Flexible, rubbery materials that give slightly under pressure — these massage sore gums without damaging new teeth
- Interesting textures — bumps, ridges, and nubs feel great on achy gums and keep puppies engaged
- The right size — large enough that your pup cannot swallow it, small enough to grip comfortably
- Non-toxic materials — puppies will chew hard, so avoid toys with small parts, glued-on pieces, or flaking paint
Best Types of Chew Toys for Teething Puppies
Soft Rubber Teethers
Purpose-made puppy teethers in soft rubber are the gold standard. They are designed specifically for baby teeth and sore gums, and many can be frozen to add extra soothing relief. Frozen toys numb sore gums — try soaking a rubber teether in water or low-sodium broth, then freezing it overnight.
Rope Toys
Knotted rope toys are great for teething pups. The fibers massage gums, and they double as tug toys for interactive play. Choose a rope sized for your puppy's mouth, and supervise to make sure your pup does not swallow loose strands.
Chew-Friendly Plush Toys
Soft plush toys with chew-safe construction give teething puppies something to cuddle and gnaw. Look for ones without squeakers or with securely enclosed squeakers, and check regularly for torn seams.
Treat-Dispensing Chew Toys
Fillable rubber toys that hold a smear of peanut butter (xylitol-free!) or puppy-safe treats turn chewing into a rewarding game. They keep your pup busy and reinforce the idea that their toys — not your shoes — are the fun things to chew.
Edible Teething Chews
Bully sticks, puppy dental chews, and frozen carrots are edible options that satisfy the urge to chew. Always supervise with edible chews, and remove them once they get small enough to swallow whole. Skip hard bones and antlers for teething puppies — they are too hard for baby teeth and can cause fractures.
Teething Toys to Avoid
- Hard nylon bones and antlers — too rigid for puppy teeth and can crack them
- Toys with small detachable parts — buttons, eyes, and squeakers can be chewed off and swallowed
- Rawhide — pieces can swell in the stomach and pose a choking or blockage risk
- Your old shoes and socks — giving puppies "approved" human items teaches them that all human items are fair game
Tips for Surviving the Teething Phase
- Rotate toys regularly. Put a few away for a week and bring them back — old toys feel new again.
- Redirect, don't punish. When your puppy chews something forbidden, calmly trade it for an approved toy. Punishment creates anxiety; redirection builds habits.
- Puppy-proof your home. Pick up shoes, tuck away cords, and use baby gates to limit access to off-limits areas.
- Keep chew toys accessible. Scatter approved toys where your puppy spends time so the right choice is always the easy choice.
- Watch for lost teeth. It is normal (and adorable) to find tiny puppy teeth on the floor. Most are swallowed harmlessly. If you notice bleeding that does not stop or teeth that seem stuck, check with your vet.
Teething Puppy Chew Toys FAQ
When do puppies start teething?
Baby teeth start coming in around 3 weeks, and puppies begin losing them in favor of adult teeth around 12–16 weeks. Most dogs have their full adult set by 6–7 months.
Can I freeze my puppy's chew toys?
Yes — freezing is one of the best tricks for teething relief. Soak rubber or rope toys in water (or low-sodium broth for extra appeal) and freeze them. The cold numbs sore gums. Just supervise, and skip freezing plush toys with electronic parts.
Is it normal for teething puppies to chew everything?
Completely normal. Chewing relieves gum pain and helps loosen baby teeth. It is not defiance — your puppy genuinely needs to chew. Providing plenty of appropriate options is the solution.
Should I brush my puppy's teeth during teething?
Gentle handling of your puppy's mouth during teething builds a great foundation for lifelong dental care. Use a soft puppy toothbrush or finger brush with puppy-safe toothpaste, keep sessions short and positive, and never force it if your pup is sore. Ask your vet for tips at your next checkup.
Help your little land shark through teething in comfort — browse our Toys collection for puppy-safe teethers, chew toys, and everything your furry friend needs to chew the right things.