Puppy Teething Toys & Stages (2025): Vet Approved Guide to Comfort & Safety 🦷

By Dr. Duncan Houston BVSc

🗓️ Puppy Teething Timeline

Puppies begin teething around 2–3 weeks with baby (deciduous) teeth. By 5–6 weeks, all 28 baby teeth are typically in place. Between 12–16 weeks, adult teeth start replacing baby teeth, completing around 5–7 months with 42 permanent teeth.

Common signs between 3–7 months: increased chewing, drooling, tender or bleeding gums, seeking relief.

🧸 Best Teething Toys by Stage

🍼 Early Stage (3–6 weeks): Soft Rubber & Cloth Toys

• Opt for plush or soft rubber like Petstages Cool Teething Stick—soak and freeze for cooling relief.
• Frozen washcloths offer gentle cooling; safe if monitored closely.

🌱 Mid Stage (6–12 weeks): Textured Nubs and Frozen Kibble

• Use KONG Puppy, Nylabone Puppy Power Rings, or Petstages chews—texture soothes gums, toy is durable.
• Freeze kibble inside a KONG or puzzle toy for mental and gum relief.

🌳 Late Stage (12 weeks–6 months): Strong Chewers & Advanced Toys

• Introduce tougher tug toys or advanced chew tools for heavy chewers, as long as they're vet-approved.
• Rotate toys to maintain interest and prevent destructive habits.

🔍 Choosing Safe Teeth Toys

• Fingernail Test: toy should indent slightly—too hard risks breaking teeth.
• Avoid small parts, rope strands, and rawhides—they pose choking and GI dangers.
• Rotate toys and remove damaged items promptly.
• Freeze or chill toys for added soothing relief.

🧠 Redirecting Chewing Behavior

• Puppy-proof your home—remove tempting items and secure hazards.
• When puppy chews inappropriate items, swap immediately with an approved toy and praise the switch.
• Avoid punishing; reinforcement is more effective than scolding.
• Provide plenty of exercise and mental games to reduce boredom chewing.

📋 Dr Houston’s Teething Toy Checklist

• ✔️ Soft cloth/frozen toys starting at 3 weeks
• ✔️ Textured chews for 6–12 week puppies
• ✔️ Tough chews for late-stage teething
• ✔️ Apply nail test to gauge texture safety
• ✔️ Rotate and replace toys regularly
• ✔️ Puppy-proof early and consistently
• ✔️ Redirect chewing with praise and swap toys
• ✔️ Enrich with exercise and games to reduce chewing urges
• 📱 Ask A Vet available for toy selection or chewing concerns

🌟 Final Thoughts

Puppy teething is a normal development phase—but you can make it much more comfortable and safe. By using stage-appropriate, vet-approved toys, offering chilled options, and practicing positive redirection, you protect both your pup’s gums and your home. With patience and consistent support, your teething puppy will emerge confident, content, and chew-toy savvy! 🐾❤️

Need help choosing toys or tracking teething progress? Visit AskAVet.com or download the Ask A Vet app—comfort and clarity are just a tap away. 📱🐶