---
title: "Chew toys for a teething puppy, and the ones to avoid"
description: "Rubber that gives, textures that soothe, and the thumbnail test for hardness."
url: https://evapup.com/journal/toys/chew-toys-for-teething
category: "Toys & Enrichment"
author: "Olivia Marsh"
published: 2026-08-19
updated: 2026-09-13
---

# Chew toys for a teething puppy, and the ones to avoid

Rubber that gives, textures that soothe, and the thumbnail test for hardness.

Teething runs from about twelve weeks to six months. The puppy will chew. Your job is to decide what.

## The thumbnail test

Press your thumbnail into the toy. If it does not dent, it is too hard for puppy teeth. Antlers, bones, and hard nylon can crack teeth.

> **Rawhide.** Skip it. Swallowed pieces swell and do not digest. There are safer long-lasting chews that break down.

## What soothes

Soft rubber, frozen stuffed toys, and a wet washcloth twisted and frozen. Cold numbs the gums. Stuffing keeps the puppy at it longer.

### Teething kit

- [ ] One soft rubber chew you can stuff
- [ ] One treat-dispensing toy for downtime
- [ ] Two washcloths, twisted, wet, and frozen
- [ ] Training treats broken small

[How to stuff and freeze a chew toy, in ninety seconds.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQw4w9WgXcQ)

### Supervision

Anything with a squeaker or stuffing is a supervised toy. Anything the puppy can fit whole in its mouth is the wrong size.

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