Tiny Teeth, Big Care: Safe Chews for Puppies



Puppies fill our lives with endless joy; their playful antics, adorable faces, and wagging tails are irresistible. But with the cuddles comes a habit every pet parent knows: chewing. If you’ve caught your puppy gnawing on slippers, furniture, or random objects, you’re not alone. Chewing is a natural part of their growth and development, but those tiny teeth need extra care.

Why do puppies chew?

Before exploring the option of safe chews for puppies, it’s important to understand why puppies chew so much. From as early as 3 weeks old, puppies use their mouths to explore the world. Chewing isn’t just an activity to keep them busy; it has other significant benefits, too.

Teething Relief

Puppies start teething at around 3–6 months of age. During this time, as baby teeth fall out and adult teeth grow, they experience soreness and discomfort in their gums. Chewing eases teething pain and massages the gums.

Exploring the World

Like babies, puppies are curious about their surroundings and use their mouths to explore what’s around them. Chewing helps them learn about shapes, textures, and smells.

Dental Health

Chewing promotes fresher breath and good oral hygiene. It also helps prevent plaque and tartar buildup. Establishing proper chewing habits during puppyhood supports long-term dental health.

Safe Chews for Puppies

Before purchasing any chew, be it toys or calming treats for puppies, it is important to consider a few factors like the size and breed of your pup, their bite strength and chewing habits. Some of the safe chews for puppies include:

1. Natural Puppy Chews

Natural chews like yak milk dog chews are the best dental treats for small dogs. These chews are high in protein, easily digestible and long-lasting. For example, Dogsee Small Yak Chews for puppies are made from 100% natural yak milk from the Himalayas. The hard texture of these chews helps remove plaque and tartar and maintain oral health, while keeping your pup busy for longer hours.

2. Chew Toys

Safe chews for puppies, like chew toys, are helpful during teething as they soothe sore gums, encourage healthy chewing habits, and provide comfort and mental stimulation. Ensure the toy is the right size and made of non-toxic materials. For example, the Dogsee Play Treatoy has a textured shape that’s gentle on the gums and also cleans teeth. The toy is microwave-friendly and comes with a puffed treat for pups to enjoy.

3. Rope Toys

Lightweight rope toys are also great for chewing and playing interactive games like tug of war. The soft fibres in the rope toy are gentle on developing teeth & gums and clean teeth naturally as your pup chews on it.

A good trick is to slightly dampen the rope toy and freeze it. It can then serve as a cooling, gum-soothing chew for your pup.

Chews to avoid for Puppies

Some popular dog chews can be harmful for puppies because of their fragile teeth and sensitive stomachs. Avoid giving your pup:

• Hard Bones (Cooked or Raw) – Can splinter or break teeth

• Antlers or Hooves – Too hard for developing teeth and can cause fractures

• Rawhide Chews – Difficult to digest and pose a choking risk

• Toys with Small Detachable Parts – May be swallowed accidentally

• Very Hard Nylon Toys – Can chip your puppy’s teeth

Safety Tips When the Pup Chews

1. Always Supervise Chewing

Never leave your puppy unattended with a new chew. Supervision prevents choking and allows you to notice any wear and tear early.

2. Choose the Right Size

Chews should be large enough to prevent swallowing but small enough for your puppy to hold comfortably.

3. Rotate Chews to Keep Interest

Puppies get bored easily. Keep a small collection of safe chews and rotate them to maintain excitement.

4. Check for Wear and Tear

Discard any chews or toys that are breaking apart to avoid ingestion of small pieces.

5. Follow Age and Weight Recommendations

Chew brands often list age or weight suitability; stick to these guidelines for safety.

Building Healthy Chewing Habits

Chewing isn’t just about teething; it is also an opportunity to train your puppy for good behavior. Here’s how to build positive chewing habits:

• Redirect Chewing Behavior: If your puppy chews on furniture, calmly replace it with an approved chew.

• Reward Good Behavior: Praise and give treats when your puppy chooses the right toy.

• Use Chews for Mental Stimulation: Puzzle toys or treat-dispensing chews keep your puppy entertained and engaged.
  
  

Over time, your puppy will understand what’s acceptable to chew and what isn’t.

Your puppy’s tiny teeth need care. Safe, age-appropriate chews play an important role in teething relief, oral health, and behavioral training. From soft rubber toys to natural chews, there are plenty of options to keep your pup happy, healthy, and occupied.

By choosing the right chews and practicing safe chewing habits, you protect your puppy’s teeth, reduce destructive behavior, and strengthen the bond you share. After all, happy chewing leads to a happy, healthy pup!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

1. What types of chews are safe for puppies?

Answer: Chews made from single ingredients, natural sources, durable rubber, rope toys, and frozen chews are some of the safe chews for puppies.

2. What types of chews should be avoided for puppies?

Answer: Rawhide, cooked bones, toys with small parts, very hard chews, or chews that easily break into small pieces should be avoided.

3. How do I choose the right size chew for my puppy?

Answer: Consider your pup’s size and chewing style. Chews should be large enough not to be swallowed whole, yet small enough for a puppy to manage.

4. How do I ensure my puppy's safety while they are chewing?

Answer: Supervise your puppy while chewing, especially with a new chew. Take it away once it becomes small enough to swallow to prevent choking. Also, watch for signs of discomfort or difficulty.

5. How long should I let my puppy chew at a time?