Your new puppy is adorable, enthusiastic, and - right now - chewing absolutely everything in sight. The shoes, the chair legs, the corner of the rug, your fingers. If your puppy is between three and seven months old, this behavior is not misbehavior: it is teething. Their 28 baby teeth are falling out and 42 permanent adult teeth are pushing through sensitive gum tissue, creating real discomfort that puppies naturally relieve by chewing.
Choosing the right toys for teething puppies is one of the most important early decisions you will make as a new dog owner. The correct toys soothe inflamed gums, redirect destructive chewing onto safe objects, and lay the foundation for good dental hygiene habits. The wrong toys - too hard, too small, too easily shredded - can crack fragile baby teeth, cause choking hazards, or teach a puppy that hard chewing on any object is acceptable. This guide covers everything you need to know, including a complete list of the 12 best options at every stage of teething. See our full roundup of best toys for puppies for picks beyond the teething phase, and our new puppy essentials checklist for everything else your pup needs in their first weeks home.
Puppy Teething Timeline
Understanding when teething happens - and what your puppy is experiencing at each stage - helps you choose the right toys at the right time and interpret behaviors that might otherwise seem puzzling or alarming.
Baby Teeth: Weeks 3 to 12
Puppies are born toothless. Their 28 deciduous teeth - the milk teeth or baby teeth - begin erupting around three weeks of age and are fully in by approximately eight weeks. These teeth are sharp as needles and sit in shallow sockets, making them susceptible to damage from hard objects. When you bring your puppy home at eight weeks, all of their baby teeth are already present, but the roots are still developing. Soft, gentle chew toys are the only appropriate option at this stage.
Transition Phase: Months 3 to 4
Between approximately 12 and 16 weeks, the first baby teeth begin to loosen and fall out. The incisors - the small front teeth - are typically the first to go. You may find tiny teeth on the floor, in their food bowl, or notice your puppy swallowing them during a chew session. This is completely normal. The gums in the areas where teeth are loosening become mildly inflamed and tender, which is why chewing increases dramatically during this window.
Peak Teething: Months 4 to 6
This is the most intense phase, and the one that tests most owners' patience with furniture and belongings. The larger teeth - canines, premolars, and eventually molars - are erupting, pushing through denser gum tissue and causing more significant discomfort than the earlier incisors. Chewing behavior peaks during this window, and puppies have a genuine biological drive to bite and gnaw almost constantly. This is when having an arsenal of appropriate teething toys matters most.
Adult Teeth Complete: Months 6 to 7
By six to seven months, most breeds have their full set of 42 adult teeth. The intensive teething discomfort subsides, though the habit of chewing - if not redirected appropriately during the teething phase - often continues as a learned behavior. Providing consistent appropriate toys during teething is therefore also an investment in good adult-dog chewing habits.
Signs Your Puppy Is Teething
- Sudden increase in chewing on everything - furniture, clothing, hands
- Drooling more than usual
- Swollen or slightly red gum tissue
- Finding small white teeth around the house or in their bedding
- Mild reluctance to eat hard kibble (gums are tender)
- Pawing at their mouth or face
- Slightly bloody marks on chew toys (minor gum bleeding is normal)
Mild gum redness and occasional small blood spots on toys are normal during teething. Contact your veterinarian if you notice persistent heavy bleeding, a retained baby tooth sitting directly alongside an adult tooth, or if your puppy stops eating entirely for more than 24 hours.
12 Best Toys for Teething Puppies
These picks span every stage of teething, every budget, and every puppy personality - from gentle soothers for the youngest pups to more durable options for older puppies working through tougher adult teeth. Always match the toy to your puppy's current stage and size. For additional picks beyond teething age, our guide to the best dog toys covers every life stage.
1. KONG Puppy - Best Overall Teething Toy
The KONG Puppy is the single most recommended teething toy by veterinarians and professional trainers, and it earns that reputation by doing several things at once. It is made from a softer rubber compound specifically formulated for puppy teeth and gums - gentler than the adult KONG Classic, which is too hard for baby teeth and can cause fractures. The hollow center can be stuffed with kibble, peanut butter, or wet puppy food and then frozen, transforming a simple chew toy into a cold, soothing enrichment activity. Available in pink and blue in sizes XS through L to match your puppy's breed. Batch-prepare several stuffed KONGs and store them in the freezer so you always have a ready-made teething soother on hand. Replace when the rubber shows signs of tearing.
2. Nylabone Puppy Chew - Best Gentle Nylon Chew
Nylabone's puppy-specific chews are made from a significantly softer nylon than the adult versions, designed to flex and indent slightly under puppy bite pressure rather than resisting with hard rigidity. The surface is embossed with raised nubs that massage inflamed gum tissue during chewing, providing gentle counterpressure relief. Available in chicken, bacon, and other flavors that motivate reluctant chewers. The key distinction to understand: always choose products specifically labeled "Puppy" - the adult Nylabone line is too hard for teething puppies and risks tooth fractures. Replace when the chew becomes visibly thin or when pieces begin to break off.
3. Frozen Wet Washcloth - Best DIY Soother
Sometimes the best teething relief costs nothing. Soak a clean cotton washcloth in water, twist it into a rope or knot shape, and freeze it for two to three hours. The frozen cloth is cold enough to numb inflamed gum tissue while being soft enough that a puppy can bite and gnaw on it without any risk to delicate baby teeth. The texture of the fabric also provides satisfying tactile stimulation. Always supervise your puppy with a frozen washcloth - as it thaws it can fray, and loose fabric strings present a swallowing hazard. Prepare two or three at a time and rotate them back to the freezer as they thaw. This is an especially useful tool at night or whenever you need immediate soothing without a trip to the pet store.
4. KONG Puppy Binkie - Best Soother-Style Toy
The KONG Puppy Binkie is shaped like a pacifier or baby soother, with a nipple-like end that puppies instinctively mouth and chew. Made from the same soft puppy rubber as the KONG Puppy, it can be stuffed with wet puppy food or peanut butter through the central cavity and frozen for additional cold relief. The shape is particularly comforting for very young puppies still in the transition from their mother, as the mouthing motion mimics nursing behavior. It pairs well with other teething toys in a rotation - offering variety in shape and texture keeps puppies engaged and prevents habituation to any single toy.
5. Chuckit! Puppy Ball - Best Fetch and Chew Combo
Chuckit! makes a puppy-specific version of their popular fetch ball in a smaller size suited to puppy mouths, made from a softer natural rubber than the adult versions. It bounces unpredictably, which holds attention during play, and is durable enough to withstand enthusiastic puppy chewing without cracking. The high-visibility coloring makes it easy to find in grass or on patterned floors. Short, low-key fetch sessions provide both mental stimulation and physical activity during the teething phase - when puppies need appropriate outlets for all that restless chewing energy. Keep throws short and low to protect developing joints alongside those developing teeth.
6. Benebone Puppy Wishbone - Best Flavored Chew
The Benebone Puppy Wishbone is designed specifically for puppies, using a softer nylon formulation than the adult line and infused with real chicken or bacon flavor throughout the material - not just on the surface. The curved wishbone shape allows puppies to hold the toy between their paws and work at either end, making it easy for small puppies to use independently. The flavor infusion provides strong motivation for puppies who are reluctant to engage with unflavored chews. As with all nylon chews, replace it when the ends become thin or jagged, and monitor to ensure your puppy is not breaking off and swallowing large pieces.
7. Outward Hound Invincibles Gecko - Best Soft Plush
Plush toys serve an important role in a teething puppy's toy rotation as the softest option available - gentle against tender gums, satisfying to carry and mouth, and comforting in a way that harder chew toys cannot replicate. The Outward Hound Invincibles Gecko is a flat, lightly padded plush toy with no stuffing inside (reducing the ingestion risk if seams are chewed open) and multiple squeakers that reward interaction. Plush toys should always be used under supervision during teething - a determined puppy will eventually pull apart seams and access the squeaker. Use them for interactive play and bonding sessions rather than solo entertainment, and retire any plush toy that develops holes or exposed squeakers.
8. Petstages Orka Chew - Best Gentle Rubber Ring
Petstages makes a range of puppy-specific chew toys from a proprietary soft rubber compound that is gentler on baby teeth than standard rubber. The Orka Chew ring shape is easy for puppies to pick up, carry, and chew from multiple angles, with a satisfying texture that provides gum stimulation without hard resistance. It is nontoxic, latex-free, and dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning between sessions. The ring design also makes it easy to freeze - dip it in water, freeze for two hours, and serve cold for maximum gum-soothing effect. A good choice for the 12-to-16-week window when teething is just beginning and very soft options are essential.
9. West Paw Zogoflex Hurley (Puppy Size) - Best Durable Option for Older Puppies
As puppies move into the 5-to-7-month window and their adult teeth begin to fully emerge, they can handle slightly more resistant chew toys. The West Paw Zogoflex Hurley in the Small size is an excellent step up for older puppies, made from West Paw's flexible, non-toxic Zogoflex material that absorbs bite force rather than cracking or splintering. It floats for water play, cleans up in the dishwasher, and is backed by West Paw's guarantee. Important: this toy is appropriate for puppies whose adult teeth have substantially come in - not for very young teething puppies still on baby teeth. Use the smaller size matched to your breed's current weight.
10. Rope Toy - Best Interactive Toy (Supervised Only)
A cotton rope toy works well for teething puppies as a supervised interactive play tool. The texture of the braided cotton fibers provides satisfying gum stimulation, and gentle tug-of-war play is an excellent bonding activity that also provides an outlet for mouthing behavior in a controlled context. The critical rule with rope toys and puppies: never leave a puppy alone with a rope toy. Puppies will chew rope fibers into loose strands quickly, and those strands are a serious ingestion hazard - swallowed rope fibers can form dangerous intestinal obstructions. Keep rope toys only for interactive sessions and store them away completely between uses. Choose a rope with no small knots or embellishments that could detach.
11. Frozen KONG Stuffed with Plain Yogurt - Best Cold Treat
This is not a separate product but a preparation method that transforms the KONG Puppy into the most effective teething soother in this list. Fill a KONG Puppy halfway with plain, unsweetened, xylitol-free yogurt, add a small layer of wet puppy food or mashed banana, then top with a smear of puppy-safe peanut butter (xylitol-free) to seal the opening. Freeze for at least four hours - overnight is ideal. The cold temperature provides direct gum numbing on contact, the multiple layers create a long-lasting puzzle, and the flavors provide powerful motivation to keep chewing. A frozen stuffed KONG can occupy a teething puppy for 20 to 40 minutes. Prepare five or six at a time and store them in the freezer for a ready-made, on-demand teething solution throughout the week.
12. Teething Ring Toy - Best Dedicated Teether
Dedicated puppy teething rings - circular or multi-ring designs made from soft, non-toxic rubber - are purpose-built for exactly this stage of development. The ring shape is easy for puppies to pick up and manipulate with their paws, the soft rubber material provides immediate gum relief without tooth fracture risk, and the compact design works well for smaller and medium-sized puppies who may struggle to hold larger chew toys in place. Look for options that are freezable for added cold relief, free from BPA and phthalates, and large enough that the ring itself cannot be swallowed even if the puppy gets their mouth fully around it. A dedicated teether rounds out a well-stocked teething toy kit alongside a frozen KONG and a gentle nylon chew.
The Frozen Toy Method
Freezing appropriate toys before giving them to your teething puppy is one of the most effective and widely recommended strategies for managing teething discomfort. Understanding why it works helps you use the technique correctly and get the most out of it.
Why Cold Helps Teething Gums
When adult teeth push through gum tissue, the surrounding area becomes mildly inflamed - warm, tender, and sensitive to pressure. Cold temperatures constrict blood vessels, reduce localized inflammation, and partially numb the nerve endings in the gum tissue. The effect is similar to applying an ice pack to a mild sprain: it doesn't eliminate the underlying process, but it significantly reduces the sensation of discomfort. For puppies, a frozen toy provides this relief in a form they can self-administer through natural chewing behavior, making it one of the most practical and humane pain management tools available at home.
Safe Foods to Freeze in KONGs
The frozen KONG method works best when the filling is nutritious, puppy-safe, and motivating enough to hold a puppy's attention as it slowly thaws. Here are the safest and most effective options:
- Plain unsweetened yogurt - freezes solid, provides a long-lasting cold core, and is generally well-tolerated by most puppies in small quantities
- Wet puppy food - freezes easily, highly palatable, and nutritionally appropriate since it is formulated for puppies
- Mashed banana - a puppy-safe fruit that freezes well and provides natural sweetness without added sugars
- Peanut butter (xylitol-free) - use as a thin plug or top layer; confirm the label reads "no xylitol" as this sweetener is acutely toxic to dogs
- Unsalted, unseasoned cooked chicken - shredded and mixed with a little water, it freezes into a high-value filling that motivates even picky puppies
- Puppy-safe broth - low-sodium chicken or beef broth (no onion, garlic, or spices) can be used to thin fillings or freeze as a liquid base
Prepare five or six frozen KONGs at once and store them in a zip-lock bag in the freezer. Having a ready supply means you can respond to a teething episode immediately rather than waiting hours for a single KONG to freeze.
How to Freeze Toys Safely
Not every toy is safe to freeze. Rubber teething toys designed to be frozen - like the KONG Puppy and Petstages Orka Chew - are formulated to remain flexible and non-brittle at freezer temperatures. Hard plastic toys should never be frozen: plastic can become dangerously rigid and sharp when frozen, dramatically increasing the risk of tooth damage or injury to gum tissue. Always check the manufacturer's instructions for any toy before freezing, and discard any frozen toy that shows signs of cracking, splitting, or material degradation.
Toys Dangerous for Teething Puppies
Knowing what to avoid is equally important as knowing what works. Several product categories that are marketed to dog owners - or commonly used by adult dogs - present serious risks when given to a teething puppy.
Adult-Size Hard Rubber Toys
Adult dog rubber toys, including the standard KONG Classic, are formulated from a significantly harder compound than the puppy versions. Baby teeth sit in shallow sockets and lack the root depth to absorb the same bite forces that adult molars handle. Giving a teething puppy an adult-grade hard rubber toy risks slab fractures - where a section of the tooth cracks off rather than yielding - causing pain, potential infection, and a costly veterinary dental procedure. Always verify the toy is explicitly labeled for puppies and matches your puppy's age and size before purchase.
The "thumbnail test" is a useful guide: press your thumbnail into the surface of any chew toy. If the material does not indent at all, it is too hard for a teething puppy with baby teeth. Puppy teeth fracture far more easily than adult teeth - a cracked baby tooth can introduce infection and complicate adult tooth eruption.
Rawhide Chews
Rawhide is one of the most commonly purchased dog chews but presents multiple problems for puppies specifically. First, rawhide softens and swells when wet - a puppy that chews off a large piece can easily swallow a chunk that expands in the stomach, creating a serious intestinal blockage. Second, rawhide processing can leave chemical residues unsuitable for young animals. Third, the chew action on rawhide does not provide the same gum-soothing counterpressure that purpose-designed rubber and nylon teething toys offer. Avoid rawhide entirely during the teething phase and consult your veterinarian before introducing it to adult dogs.
Anything That Splinters
Natural wood items - including sticks from the yard, pressed wood treats, and some flavored stick-style chews - can splinter under puppy bite pressure, creating sharp fragments that lacerate gum tissue or, far more dangerously, are swallowed and perforate the digestive tract. This is a veterinary emergency. Even hardwood sticks that seem unlikely to splinter can do so unpredictably. Keep puppies away from wood-based chewing objects entirely.
Toys with Small Detachable Parts
Any toy with sewn-on eyes, buttons, squeakers accessible through minimal chewing, attached ribbons, or small plastic components is a swallowing hazard for a puppy that is actively motivated to chew everything. During the teething phase, puppies apply sustained chewing effort to every object they engage with - safety features that hold up under occasional adult gnawing will not necessarily survive a determined teething puppy.
Toys Sized for Small Breeds When You Have a Large-Breed Puppy
A toy appropriately sized for a Chihuahua puppy becomes a choking hazard for a puppy that will grow into a Labrador. Always select toys based on your puppy's current weight and the manufacturer's stated weight range, not on their eventual adult size. As your puppy grows, reassess toy sizes every four to six weeks during the teething phase.
