As a new puppy parent, you know that finding the right toys is key during those early months of teething and playtime. But with so many options on the market, choosing the right toy can feel daunting. However, what qualities make a toy ideal for teething and keeping your furry friend entertained, you can shop with confidence knowing that you’ve selected products that are built to last while supporting your pup’s development.
In this post, we walk through the top-rated puppy toys for teething and playtime based on durability, safety, and enrichment. You’ll discover our recommendations across a range of budgets and styles so you can curate the perfect toy box for your pup’s needs.
Teething Puppy Toys
Cold Toys
Cold toys provide soothing relief for sore gums. Chilled toys like the Kong Puppy Toy or Nylabone Puppy Teething Pacifier can be particularly comforting. Place these toys in the freezer before giving them to your puppy. The cold temperature will numb their gums and relieve discomfort. These toys also provide mental stimulation to distract your puppy from teething pain.
Soft Toys
Soft plush toys are easy on sore gums and provide great comfort. Look for plush toys specifically designed for puppies with no loose parts to avoid choking hazards. Soft toys let puppies chew to relieve teething irritation. Popular options include the Kong Cozie Puppy or the Snuggle Puppy plush toy.
Ropes and Tugs
Rope toys and tugs are ideal for teething puppies. The rope fibers massage the gums and the tug-of-war action applies counter pressure to relieve discomfort. Tuffy’s Ultimate Ring and the Mammoth Flossy Chews Cottonblend Color 3-Knot Rope Tug are highly-quality, durable options. Make sure you supervise your puppy when they are plating with rope toys to make sure they don’t swallow any of the rope fibres.
Relief Aids
Puppy teething gel, oral pain relief medication or teething tablets can provide targeted relief for sore gums. However, you should always talk to your vet before giving any medication or supplements.
Providing a variety of appropriate teething toys, especially cold and soft options, can give your puppy comfort and distraction during this uncomfortable stage of development.
Interactive Puppy Toys
Puzzle Toys
Puzzle toys that dispense treats as your puppy plays are excellent for keeping them engaged and preventing boredom. These interactive toys work by having your puppy move parts of the toy to release the treats inside. Puzzle toys like the Kong Wobbler and the Outward Hound Hide-A-Squirrel Puzzle Plush Dog Toys provide mental stimulation and can keep puppies occupied for hours.
Tug-of-War Toys
Tug-of-war toys are perfect for playtime with your puppy. Rope toys, plush toys with handles, and knotted toys are all designed for interactive play between you and your puppy. Playing tug-of-war helps strengthen your bond through play and also helps with your puppy’s dental health by loosening teeth and promoting gum health. Be very careful when playing tug-of-war with young puppies and never pull too hard, as this could injure them or damage their teeth.
Interactive Balls
Puppies love chasing, pouncing and pawing at balls. So, interactive balls that dispense treats as they roll and bounce across the floor will keep puppies engaged in play while also rewarding them. The PetSafe Busy Buddy Tug-A-Jug and the Omega Paw Tricky Treat Ball are two excellent interactive ball toys that can keep a puppy occupied for hours. These interactive toys provide mental stimulation and physical exercise for your puppy and can help deter boredom and destructive behaviour.
Interactive toys that stimulate your puppy’s mind and body will help them to stay happy and healthy. Puzzle toys, tug-of-war toys and treat-dispensing balls are excellent options for interactive play with your puppy. Always supervise your puppy during play and avoid any toys that could be a choking hazard. With the right interactive toys, playtime with your puppy can be fun and rewarding.
Indestructible Dog Toys
For puppies that chew heavily or aggressively, durable and long-lasting toys are essential to keep them stimulated and avoid the destruction of household items. Several high-quality dog toy options are available that can withstand the roughest of play.
Kong Extreme
The Kong Extreme is one of the most durable chew toys on the market. Made of ultra-strong, durable rubber, the Kong Extreme can keep even the most determined chewers occupied for hours and comes in multiple sizes for any breed of dog. Fill the centre with dog-friendly peanut butter, kibble or treats for rewarded play.
Goughnuts Ring
The Goughnuts Ring is made of a rubber compound that is specifically engineered to withstand aggressive chewing. The ring shape allows for varied chewing positions and angles. The Goughnuts Ring is also safety-rated using a colour-coded system to indicate wear – once the inner red layer is exposed, it’s time to replace the toy.
West Paw Zogoflex Hurley
The Zogoflex Hurley from West Paw is a highly durable, buoyant chew toy that can double as a fetch toy. Made of Zogoflex material, the Hurley is stretchy yet tough. Its bone-shape features grooves and indents for chewing satisfaction. The Hurley comes with a guarantee against damage – if your dog chews through it, West Paw will replace it free of charge!
Using high-quality, durable and interactive toys can help satisfy even the most aggressive chewers and avoid unwanted destruction. Providing a variety of textures, shapes and mentally stimulating toys will keep dogs engaged and help redirect them from destructive chewing behaviour.
Safety First: Choosing the Right Puppy Toys
When selecting toys for a new puppy, you should carefully consider factors such as your puppy’s age, size, and play style. Puppies explore the world through play, so providing appropriate toys is essential for your puppy’s well-being and development.
Size and Material
Select toys specifically designed for appropriately sized puppies. Toys that are too small can pose a choking hazard, while those too large will not engage your puppy. For puppies, softer rubber or plush toys are ideal. Avoid anything with small pieces that could break off, as well as toys with stuffing, which puppies may rip out and ingest.
Supervision
Always supervise your puppy during playtime, especially with new toys. Make sure they do not break off or detach any pieces, which could be a choking risk. Remove any damaged toys immediately. Puppies have sharp teeth and play rough, so inspect plush toys regularly for damage and remove any stuffing or pieces before they become a hazard.
Teething Relief
For teething puppies, provide toys that can relieve sore gums, such as chilled rubber toys, rope toys, or plush toys with a coating of teething gel. Avoid hard rubber toys, as these do not have any give to relieve pressure on the gums. Supervise teething puppies closely to ensure they do not break off or detach any pieces from toys.
Interactive Play
Interactive play is important for a puppy’s development and bonding with their owner. Toys that encourage interactive play, such as ropes, balls, and plush toys are excellent choices for playtime with your puppy. Puzzle toys that dispense treats as your puppy plays can keep them engaged when alone.
With the proper selection of toys, plenty of supervision, and interactive play, you can support your puppy’s healthy development and enjoy fun bonding experiences together. By putting safety first, you will give your puppy opportunities to learn and grow through play.
Puppy Toy FAQs
What types of toys are best for teething puppies?
Teething puppies experience pain and irritation in their gums as their baby teeth fall out and adult teeth come in. To relieve discomfort during this stage, provide your puppy with toys that are safe for chewing. Cold toys are especially soothing, such as puppy teething rings that have been chilled in the freezer. Soft rubber or plush toys are also good for teething puppies, as they are gentle on sore gums. Avoid anything too hard, small or sharp that could injure your puppy during enthusiastic chewing.
What toys are virtually indestructible?
For puppies and dogs that are aggressive chewers, durable toys that are hard to destroy are essential. Some of the most durable options include:
- Kong toys: Kongs are made of heavy-duty rubber and can be stuffed with treats or peanut butter to keep dogs occupied for hours. They come in sizes suitable for all dogs.
- Nylabone toys: Nylabones are made of tough nylon that helps clean teeth and freshen breath as dogs chew. They are available in a range of sizes and shapes for powerful chewers.
- Bully sticks: Bully sticks are natural beef chew sticks that provide a safe chewing outlet for dogs. They are fully digestible but hard enough to last for many hours of chewing.
- Antlers: Deer or moose antlers provide dogs with a natural source of minerals and calcium as they chew. They are very hard and long-lasting, even for the most determined chewers.
How often should I replace my puppy’s toys?
It is a good idea to regularly inspect your puppy’s toys and replace them as needed. Plush or soft toys should be replaced once they start showing signs of damage or when stuffing becomes exposed, as these toys can quickly become a choking hazard. Puzzle toys or treat dispensing toys should be replaced if they become damaged or are no longer challenging for your pup. Rotate your puppy’s toys to keep things interesting. With supervision and rotation of their toys, most puppies can keep the same toys for 6-12 months before needing replacements.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are many excellent puppy toys available to support your new furry friend through the teething and playtime stages. Offering appropriate chew toys helps redirect biting behaviour and stimulate healthy gum development. Meanwhile, durable and interactive toys provide mental stimulation and an outlet for energy. Consider the pup’s breed, chewing habits and activity levels when selecting toys. Rotating playthings keeps things interesting too. Most importantly, supervise your puppy during play and replace toys once they are damaged. By providing the right toys at the right developmental stages, you can set your young pup up for success.