When Do Puppies Start Teething?

If your sweet little puppy has suddenly turned into a tiny chewing machine, don’t worry — you’re not doing anything wrong. This is simply one of those classic puppy milestones.

Most puppies begin losing their baby teeth around 3–4 months old, and their adult teeth usually finish coming in by about 6–7 months.

During this stage, you might notice a few telltale signs:

• a sudden increase in chewing (on… everything)
• a little extra drooling
• slightly cranky puppy moods
• tiny baby teeth appearing on the floor (surprising but totally normal!)
• an enthusiastic interest in chewing anything within reach

If it feels like your puppy is testing every object in your house with their teeth, you’re not imagining it. Teething can make their gums sore and sensitive, and chewing is their natural way of relieving that pressure.

This is where having a few safe puppy teething toys nearby can make a big difference — both for your puppy’s comfort and for your home.

VCA Canada explains that chewing during teething helps relieve gum discomfort while those new adult teeth push through.

The good news? This stage doesn’t last forever.

With the best puppy toys for teething and a little patience, you can help soothe your puppy’s sore gums while also protecting your furniture, your socks… and possibly your favourite pair of shoes.

Over time, most puppies learn what’s theirs to chew — especially when they’re given the right puppy teething toys to guide them.

Think of it as one of those slightly chaotic, very temporary chapters of puppyhood — and one that gets much easier when your pup has safe, satisfying things to chew.

Why Teething Puppies Need Chew Toys

uncomfortable. That’s pretty close to what puppies experience while their adult teeth are pushing their way in. No wonder they’re looking for something to chew on.

This is exactly why having the best puppy toys for teething can make such a meaningful difference during this stage.

Chewing actually helps puppies in several important ways. It can:

• soothe sore gums
• strengthen their growing jaw muscles
• help them explore different textures and objects
• release a bit of stress or extra puppy energy

In other words, chewing isn’t your puppy being naughty — it’s your puppy trying to feel better.

Of course, if we don’t provide appropriate options, puppies will politely take matters into their own paws. And their choices might include things like chair legs, slippers… or that one blanket you really love.

This is where having a small rotation of safe puppy teething toys becomes so helpful. When puppies have clear, appropriate outlets, it’s much easier to guide them toward good chewing habits.

Over time, they begin to learn what’s theirs to chew — especially when you consistently offer the same familiar puppy teething toys during those bitey moments.

Chew toys also work beautifully alongside a predictable daily routine. Puppies thrive on structure, and pairing enrichment toys with a consistent rhythm can help them settle more easily throughout the day.

If you’re building a routine for your pup, you may also find this helpful:

If you’re building a routine for your pup, you may also find our Puppy Daily Schedule helpful! There is a free printable to help the whole house stay organized.

Because when puppies have clear routines and satisfying things to chew, life tends to feel calmer for everyone in the house.

What Makes a Good Puppy Teething Toy?

Once you start looking for puppy toys, you’ll quickly discover something surprising: there are a lot of options out there. Some are wonderful… and some are clearly designed by people who have never met a determined teething puppy in their life.

The truth is, not all dog toys are created equal — especially when it comes to young puppies with delicate little teeth. Choosing the best puppy toys for teething can make a big difference in keeping your puppy comfortable and your furniture just a little bit safer.

Here are a few simple things to look for when choosing safe puppy teething toys that actually work.

Soft Enough for Puppy Teeth

Puppy teeth may be tiny and sharp, but they’re actually quite delicate. Toys that are too hard can sometimes damage those new teeth as they’re coming in.

A simple little test many trainers recommend is this:

If you can’t press your fingernail into the toy and leave a small dent, it’s probably too hard for a young puppy.

Think gentle resistance, not rock-solid chewing blocks.

The best chew toys for teething puppies will always have a bit of softness to them, so they can soothe sore gums without risking damage.

Durable — But Still Flexible

While toys should be soft enough for puppy teeth, they still need to be sturdy enough to survive enthusiastic chewing sessions.

The best puppy teething toys tend to have a little bit of flex or bounce to them. They bend slightly rather than snapping, cracking, or splintering.

This helps protect both your puppy’s teeth and their tummy — because broken toy fragments are never something we want puppies swallowing.

Made From Safe, Non-Toxic Materials

Puppies explore the world with their mouths, so the materials in their toys really matter.

When choosing safe puppy teething toys, look for options made from:

• Natural rubber
• Food-grade silicone
• Durable nylon specifically designed for puppies

Try to avoid toys made from mystery plastics or materials that don’t clearly list what they’re made from. When in doubt, it’s always better to choose brands that are transparent about safety.

Easy to Clean (Because… Drool)

Teething puppies are adorable.

They are also, unfortunately, a little bit slobbery.

During the teething phase, toys can get covered in drool pretty quickly, so it helps to choose puppy teething toys that are easy to clean.

Ideally, look for toys that can be:

• Rinsed quickly in the sink
• Tossed in the dishwasher
• Sanitized every so often

A quick rinse now and then helps keep toys fresh and prevents bacteria from building up — which is a small habit that can make a big difference over time.

The goal isn’t to find the perfect toy. It’s simply to give your puppy a few safe, satisfying options that help soothe those sore gums while their new teeth grow in.

And trust me — when your puppy happily chooses their chew toy instead of your favourite shoes, it will feel like a very small miracle.

Vet-Recommended Puppy Toys for Teething

When you first start shopping for puppy toys, it can feel a little overwhelming. There are entire aisles of squeaky things, chewy things, rubber things, and mysterious objects that claim to be “indestructible.” (Your puppy will almost certainly take that as a personal challenge.)

The good news is that trainers and veterinarians tend to recommend a few simple, reliable categories when it comes to choosing the best puppy toys for teething. You don’t need dozens of toys — just a handful of safe puppy teething toys that help soothe sore gums and give those busy puppy jaws something appropriate to do.

Below are some of the most trusted types of puppy teething toys that puppies tend to love.

1. Rubber Puppy Chew Toys

If I could recommend just one type of toy for teething puppies, this would be it.

Rubber chew toys are some of the best puppy toys for teething — gentle on sore gums, durable enough for enthusiastic chewing, and endlessly versatile.

Many of these toys have a hollow center, which means you can turn them into a little enrichment activity too. You can fill them with things like:

• puppy kibble
• a spoonful of wet food
• plain yogurt
• mashed banana

And here’s the little magic trick — pop it in the freezer.

A cold, stuffed chew toy can feel so soothing on teething gums and will often keep your puppy happily occupied for much longer than a regular toy.

If you’re looking for a safe place to start, this is a classic for a reason:

 Kong Puppy Toy 

It’s specifically designed for puppies (so it’s softer than the adult version), making it one of the most safe puppy teething toys for beginners.

These toys are especially helpful during rest times or crate time, where you want your puppy to settle without feeling bored.

If you’re building a calm crate routine, you might also enjoy reading:

Easy Puppy Crate Training for Working Parents

If you’d like to explore more gentle, puppy-safe options, you can browse a full collection here: Shop more puppy chew toys on Amazon

2. Soft Rope Toys

Rope toys are one of those simple things that end up being surprisingly useful.

They’re soft, a little textured, and perfect for those moments when your puppy just needs to chew something… or grab something… or enthusiastically wrestle your sleeve.

The cotton fibers can gently massage sore gums while your puppy chews, making them a great addition to your collection of puppy teething toys.

And here’s where they really shine:

When your puppy goes for your hands, clothes, or anything they shouldn’t be chewing — a rope toy becomes your best redirection tool.

Keeping a small, puppy-safe rope toy nearby can make a huge difference:

Kong Puppy Goodie Bone with Rope

It gives your puppy a clear “yes” option instead of just hearing “no.”

Over time, they start to understand:

Ohhh… THIS is mine to chew.

If puppy biting is something you’re navigating right now, our guide may help:

Puppy Biting and Nipping Solutions

Every puppy is a little different, so it’s okay if it takes a bit of experimenting to find what they love most.

If you’d like to explore more gentle, puppy-safe options, you can browse a full collection here: Shop more puppy rope toys on Amazon

3. Freezable Teething Toys

When puppies are deep in the teething stage, a little cold relief can make a big difference.

Many of the best chew toys for teething puppies are designed specifically to be placed in the freezer, helping to soothe sore gums and calm down some of that intense chewing energy.

Cold toys can help:

• Numb tender gums
• Reduce inflammation
• Slow down frantic chewing

Some puppy parents also get creative with simple freezer-friendly options like:

• A damp washcloth twisted into a rope
• A stuffed rubber chew toy
• Frozen carrot sticks (given in moderation)

A simple option many puppy parents love is a freezable chew ring like this Natural Rubber Freezing Ring

Always supervise your puppy with new chew items to make sure they’re chewing safely.

These types of safe puppy teething toys are especially helpful during peak teething days.

But when used properly, frozen teething toys can feel like a tiny spa day for sore puppy gums.

If you’d like to explore more gentle, puppy-safe options, you can browse a full collection here: Shop more frozen puppy chew toys on Amazon

4. Plush Chew Toys for Gentle Puppies

Not every puppy is a power chewer.

Some puppies simply love carrying a soft toy around the house like their prized possession. If you’ve ever seen a puppy proudly parade through the living room with a stuffed animal in their mouth, you know the vibe.

For these puppies, plush toys can offer:

• comfort
• companionship
• gentle chewing

That said, plush toys do require a little supervision — some puppies enjoy them a bit too enthusiastically and may try to remove the stuffing.

For these pups, plush toys can still be part of a balanced mix of puppy teething toys, especially for comfort and gentle chewing.

There are also reinforced plush toys designed specifically for puppies like these Goose Toys which can be a great option if your pup loves soft toys.

If you’d like to explore more gentle, puppy-safe options, you can browse a full collection here: Shop more plush puppy chew toys on Amazon

5. Natural Chew Options

Some puppies are especially drawn to natural textures, and there are several safe chew options that can satisfy that instinct.

Popular choices include:

• bully sticks
• yak cheese chews
• collagen chews

These chews tend to last longer than soft toys and can keep puppies busy for a good stretch of time.

If you’re introducing these, look for high-quality, single-ingredient options like these Bully Bunches 

However, they should always be given under supervision, especially for younger puppies. Choosing chews that are digestible and appropriately sized for your puppy is important. These longer-lasting chews can complement your puppy’s rotation of safe puppy teething toys, especially when you need a little extra quiet time.

The American Kennel Club also provides helpful guidance on selecting safe chew options for dogs and puppies.

The goal isn’t to find the perfect toy.

It’s simply to give your puppy a few safe puppy teething toys as options that help soothe their gums and teach them healthy chewing habits.

And if one of those toys happens to save your favourite shoes along the way… well, that’s just an added bonus.

If you’d like to explore more gentle, puppy-safe options, you can browse a full collection here: Shop more natural puppy chew on Amazon

Puppy Toys to Avoid

Most puppy toys are perfectly safe, but every once in a while you’ll come across one that makes experienced puppy parents quietly say, “Hmm… maybe not.”

When you’re trying to choose the best puppy toys for teething, knowing what to avoid is just as important as knowing what to buy.

Teething puppies have delicate little teeth and curious mouths, When you’re trying to choose the best puppy toys for teething, knowing what to avoid is just as important as knowing what to buy.

Here are a few types that are generally not recommended for young puppies.

Extremely Hard Bones

Very hard chews like antlers, hooves, or extremely rigid nylon bones can sometimes be too tough for puppy teeth.

Remember, those tiny teeth may be sharp, but they’re still developing. Chewing on something rock-hard can occasionally lead to cracked teeth, which no puppy (or puppy parent) enjoys dealing with.

o it’s worth being a little selective and focusing on safe puppy teething toys that truly support this stage.

Cheap Plastic Toys

Some low-quality plastic toys can break apart quickly once a determined puppy gets to work on them.

Those broken pieces can become sharp or small enough to swallow, which is why it’s always worth choosing well-made puppy teething toys from trusted brands or carefully crafted handmade options.

Your puppy may not care about craftsmanship… but their little tummy definitely will.

Toys That Are Too Small

Size really matters when it comes to choosing safe puppy teething toys.

A toy that’s too small can become a choking hazard, especially for enthusiastic chewers.

Always choose toys appropriate for your puppy’s breed and size.

For example, a tiny dachshund puppy will need much smaller toys than a growing Labrador. The goal is to choose puppy teething toys that are large enough to chew safely, but still comfortable for your puppy to carry around.

How Many Toys Does a Puppy Actually Need?

Here’s a little secret many new puppy parents are relieved to hear:

Puppies don’t need a giant toy collection.

In fact, too many toys can sometimes overwhelm them. A simple toy rotation system usually works much better.

A good starting setup might look like:

• 3–5 chew toys
• 2–3 enrichment toys
• 1 favourite comfort toy

Then every few days, swap a few toys out and bring others back.

To your puppy, it suddenly feels like brand new toys appeared out of nowhere, even though they’ve had them the whole time.

Toy rotation helps keep puppies interested and mentally engaged — which can go a long way toward reducing destructive chewing.

It’s especially helpful during training phases like:

Puppy Potty Training Schedule

Because a busy puppy with appropriate outlets is far less likely to go looking for trouble.

If you’re unsure where to start, you can browse a few safe, well-reviewed options here with the Puppy Essential Starter Kit.

How to Use Toys to Stop Puppy Chewing

One of the most helpful mindset shifts for puppy parents is realizing that toys aren’t just entertainment — they’re training tools.

Every time your puppy chooses the right thing to chew, they’re learning an important life skill.

When your puppy grabs something they shouldn’t:

1. Calmly remove the item
2. Offer an appropriate chew toy instead
3. Praise them warmly when they choose the toy

That’s it.

No frustration required. No dramatic lectures needed.

Over time, your puppy starts to understand the simple rule:
“Chew this, not that.”

Consistency is far more important than perfection here. Puppies learn through gentle repetition and patience, and every small win adds up.

Teething and Puppy Behaviour

Teething doesn’t just affect your puppy’s mouth — it can influence their behaviour too.

During this stage, many puppies become a little more:

• Mouthy
• Restless
• Sensitive

And honestly, that’s completely normal.

Their gums are sore, their teeth are changing, and they’re still learning how the world works.

Providing safe chew toys, enrichment activities, and predictable routines can make this phase much smoother for everyone involved.

Nutrition also plays an important role in healthy development during puppyhood.

If you’re curious about feeding guidelines, you may find this helpful:

What Should I Feed My Puppy?

The Calm Puppy Method: Structure + Chewing

When you step back and look at healthy puppy development, it often comes down to three simple pillars:

Routine
Enrichment
Rest

Teething toys support all three.

A puppy who has:

• Appropriate things to chew
• Predictable daily routines
• Enough sleep throughout the day

is much more likely to grow into a relaxed, well-adjusted adult dog.

Another important piece of the puzzle is confidence. Puppies who gradually explore new environments and experiences tend to feel calmer and less stressed.

If you’re building your puppy’s confidence, our guide may help:

Puppy Socialization Guide

Because confident puppies are usually happier — and much less likely to chew the couch.

Final Thoughts

If your puppy seems deeply committed to chewing their way through your home right now, take a deep breath — this stage is incredibly normal, and it won’t last forever.

Teething can make puppies extra mouthy, extra busy, and just a little bit dramatic. Their gums are sore, their teeth are changing, and chewing is one of the main ways they try to cope with all of it. In other words, your puppy isn’t trying to be naughty — they’re just being a puppy.

The good news is that having the best puppy toys for teething can make a huge difference. Safe chew toys can help soothe sore gums, redirect biting, and give your puppy a healthy outlet for all that teething energy. And for you? They can save your hands, your slippers, and maybe even the corner of your coffee table.

As you work through this stage, try to keep your expectations gentle. Offer a few safe puppy teething toys, stay consistent with redirection, and celebrate the little wins as they come. Sometimes progress in puppyhood looks very glamorous, and sometimes it looks like your puppy choosing a rubber chew toy instead of your sock. Both count.

With the right support, most puppies move through teething beautifully. Before long, those tiny needle teeth will be gone, your puppy will be more comfortable, and this chaotic little chapter will start to settle.

And if you’re still gathering all your new puppy essentials, you can also visit:

The Ultimate New Puppy Checklist 2026

Because raising a puppy is a big job — but you are absolutely not doing it alone. 

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• The Ultimate New Puppy Checklist 2026

• Easy Puppy Crate Training for Working Parents

• Puppy Potty Training Schedule

• Puppy Daily Schedule

• Puppy Socialization Guide

• Puppy Biting and Nipping Solutions