As a new puppy parent, you know that finding the right toys is key during those early months of teething and playtime. With so many options on the market, determining which are truly the best can feel overwhelming initially. By understanding what makes certain puppy toys ideal for teething and keeping your furry friend entertained, you can shop confidently 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: The Best Toys for Sore Gums
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 comfort. Look for plush toys specifically designed for puppies with no loose parts to avoid choking hazards. Soft toys let puppies chew and gnaw to relieve teething irritation. Popular options include the KONG Cozie Puppy Plush Dog Toy or the Snuggle Puppy plush toy.
Ropes and Tugs
Rope toys and tugs are ideal for teething puppies. The rope fibers massage 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-rated, durable options. Supervise your puppy with rope toys to prevent swallowing fibres.
Relief Aids
Products like puppy teething gel, oral pain relief medication or teething tablets can provide targeted relief for sore gums. Always talk to your vet before giving any medication or supplements. You can also gently rub your puppy’s gums with your finger to provide soothing counter-pressure and relieve irritation.
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. With patience and the right tools, you’ll both get through the teething process.
Interactive Puppy Toys That Keep Them Busy
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 manipulate and 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 to keep puppies occupied for hours.
Tug-of-War Toys
Tug-of-war toys are perfect for playtime with your puppy. Toys like rope toys, plush toys with handles, and knotted toys are designed for interactive play between you and your puppy. Playing tug-of-war helps strengthen your bond through play, provides exercise, 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. Interactive balls that dispense treats as they roll and bounce across the floor 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 behavior.
With interactive toys that stimulate their mind and body, keep your puppy engaged and help strengthen the bond between you, your puppy will stay happy and healthy. Puzzle toys, tug-of-war toys and treat-dispensing balls are excellent options for interactive play with your puppy. Be sure to 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 rewarding and help set them up for success.
Indestructible Dog Toys That Stand Up to Heavy Chewers
For puppies and dogs that chew heavily or aggressively, durable and long-lasting toys are essential to keep them stimulated and avoid destruction of household items. Several high-quality, indestructible 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. The erratic bounce and shape of the Kong make for an unpredictable experience each time it’s tossed. Fill the centre with peanut butter, kibble or treats for even more extended play. The Kong Extreme comes in multiple sizes for any breed of dog.
Goughnuts Ring
The Goughnuts Ring is made of a proprietary 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. Goughnuts guarantees the ring will outlast every other chew toy on the market.
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 proprietary Zogoflex material, the Hurley is stretchy yet tough, and can withstand chewing on the hardest of surfaces. 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. Supervising your dog with any toy is always recommended to ensure their safety. 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 puppies that are appropriately sized. 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. Always supervise the first few times your puppy plays with any new toy to ensure safe and appropriate use.
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: Your Top Toy Questions Answered
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 can be chewed or gnawed on. 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 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 then pose 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, and be sure to remove any toys that become damaged or torn to prevent injury. 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.