safe chew toys teething puppies top picks

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Best Chew Toys for Teething Puppies (and Saving Your Furniture!)

Teething puppies are adorable, but their sharp teeth can wreak havoc on your furniture. Between 3 and 7 months old, puppies experience significant discomfort as their adult teeth emerge. Chewing helps alleviate this pain and pressure. Providing appropriate chew toys is essential for a happy puppy and an intact home.

What to Look For in Teething Toys:

Safety First: Avoid toys with small parts that can be easily swallowed. The toy should be durable enough to withstand your puppy’s chewing power.
Appropriate Size: Too small, and it’s a choking hazard. Too big, and it might be difficult for your puppy to manipulate.
Variety of Textures: Different textures massage gums and provide varied stimulation. Look for toys with ridges, bumps, and soft areas.
Freezable Options: Freezing a chew toy can provide soothing relief for sore gums.
Easy to Clean: Puppies drool (a lot!). Choose toys that are easy to wash and disinfect.

Top Chew Toy Recommendations:

Frozen Washcloth: A simple and effective option. Soak a clean washcloth in water, twist it, and freeze it. The cold numbs gums and the texture is satisfying.
Nylabones (Puppy-Specific): Nylabones are durable nylon bones designed for teething puppies. Ensure you purchase the puppy-specific versions, which are softer than the adult dog varieties.
KONG Puppy Toy: The classic KONG toy is excellent for teething. You can stuff it with puppy-safe treats or frozen peanut butter (xylitol-free!) for added enrichment and chewing incentive.
Teething Rings: Similar to baby teething rings, these rubber or silicone rings are designed for puppies to gnaw on. Look for ones that can be frozen.
Rope Toys (with Supervision): Rope toys can be great, but always supervise your puppy. If they start to unravel the rope and ingest large amounts of fibers, remove the toy.
Benebone Puppy Wishbone Chew Toy: Made with real bacon, chicken, or peanut flavor, Benebones provide long-lasting chewing enjoyment. The unique wishbone shape makes them easy for puppies to hold.

Tips for Success:

Introduce Toys Early: Get your puppy used to chewing on appropriate toys from the moment they arrive home.
Rotate Toys: Keep things interesting by rotating the toys your puppy has access to. A toy that’s been put away for a few days will feel new again.
Praise Positive Chewing: When your puppy chews on their toys, praise them enthusiastically. This reinforces the desired behavior.
Redirect Inappropriate Chewing: If you catch your puppy chewing on furniture, gently redirect them to an appropriate chew toy.
Supervise: Always supervise your puppy, especially when they are chewing on new toys, to ensure they are not breaking off and swallowing large pieces.

By providing a variety of safe and engaging chew toys, you can help your teething puppy relieve discomfort and redirect their chewing instincts away from your precious furniture. Patience and consistency are key during this challenging (but rewarding!) phase of puppyhood.

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