Accidents can happen when we least expect them. If you want to avoid those accidents happening at the exact worst moment (like when you’re about to sit down for Christmas dinner and the vets are closed), then this blog walks you through some of the top things to look out for.
The best chews for puppies – what to choose (and what to avoid!)
Puppies teethe. Just like any ordinary human baby, those baby teeth will come out, and adult teeth take their place. During this time, they might have poorly gums and turn from cute to chaotic and chew everything in sight. It’s not bad behaviour. It’s just puppy teething.
So, what CAN a puppy chew safely when teething so they can get some sweet relief on those gums of theirs, that doesn’t involve chewing up your skirting boards or stealing everything within reach?
We’ve created a guide so you can try a range of different things. Some puppies will prefer one chew over another, so you might want to introduce them one at a time and see which is the biggest hit. And then stock up!
Don’t worry, teething doesn’t last forever. It just FEELS like forever! However, chewing is a healthy, long-term, natural behaviour that your dog will need to do daily. It reduces anxiety and builds calmness.
Best Puppy Teething Chews that are Gentle on Gums
Dog chews for teething puppies should be soft-ish and soothing and not a choking risk. Plastic chews can break, so keep a close eye on them.
Look for chews that are designed specifically for teething like kongs.
Top tip: Freeze teething chews for extra relief. Frozen kongs with filled frozen food help with teething and give your puppy a super brain activity to try out.
Natural Chews for Puppies
Natural chews are an excellent option because your puppy can digest them! We’ve got a HUGE variety of chews they can try. And they don’t tend to get bored easily because obviously, its food!
We have what our customers often call a ‘pick and mix’ of chews in store. Some we recommend for puppies are:
If in doubt, give us a shout, and we’ll help you pick some suitable chews for your puppy.
You can also choose healthy veggies like carrots and broccoli sticks. Both cold, crunchy snacks your puppy will probably love.
Yak Chews & Antlers for Puppies
Yak chews are amazing, however, we DO recommend waiting until puppies have all their adult teeth. And they suit owners too because they don’t smell!
Yak chews are made from Himalayan yak milk, the milk is boiled, curdled, pressed and dried to create an amazing chew that’s:
- Long-lasting
- Hard and satisfying
- Odour-free
Antlers are also fairly tough, so again, wait until all the adult teeth are through and start with a split antler.
Dental Chews for Puppies
It’s a good idea to start looking after dental health for your puppy from day one.
We’ve got a range of toothbrushing tools in the shop to choose from, but you can also reduce your puppy’s plaque and tartar with dental chews. Dental chews freshen breath and start to build chewing habits. They’re fairly soft, so they don’t last a huge amount of time, so more of a treat chew than a long-lasting chew.
We have different flavoured chews from a few different brands, so you can mix it up for your puppy. We recommend a chew a day – and they come in different sizes depending on the size of your puppy.
Chews you shouldn’t give your puppy
You definitely shouldn’t give your puppy any of the following things to chew on.
Cooked bones – cooked bones splinter and can get stuck in your puppies mouth, throat and digestive tract. One to avoid at all costs!
Sticks from outside – just like cooked bones, wooden sticks you pick up in the woods can splinter and get stuck. Choose a safe softwood alternative like coffee wood, which we stock in the shop.
Toxic foods – you can read more about toxic foods in our Christmas blog, such as grapes, raisins, onions and garlic.
Safety around puppy chews
However old your puppy is, it’s always a good idea to keep a close eye on them when they’re getting stuck into a chew. Some puppies will eat a chew carefully to the end, others might chew half and then try to swallow the rest in one go, which they don’t realise, isn’t the best idea in the world!
Always check chews (and toys) for wear and tear and get rid of small pieces straight away. Rotate chews and don’t leave them lying around. If they’re always available, then the novelty wears off.
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