Puppies go through sensitive stages as they develop in the way human babies do. This is why becoming a new pup parent is very challenging.
It’s hard to know what the best toy toys for 8-week-old puppies are because of the countless options.
You need to consider their teething phase, which can be very painful if not managed properly.
Because your puppy relies on you for providing them with the best tools to get through teething, we share with you a list of the best toys for 8-week-old puppies!
We also determine the ideal toy types based on your dog’s age and some tips on how to stop your puppy from nipping.
Best Toy for an 8-Week-Old Puppy
If you want the most durable, useful, and enjoyable toy for your 8-week-old puppy, try a KONG Puppy Rubber Chew Toy.
As one of the most popular brands when it comes to doggie chew toys, Kong is rightfully at the top of the list because of its simplicity yet helpfulness for your teething puppy.
Just fill it with any treat, whether they’re biscuits or nut butter, so that your pup can chew the durable rubber for their developing gums and teeth.
This toy is extremely versatile and long-lasting. If the breed of your puppy is toy or small-sized, then they can enjoy this item until they grow old!
Toy Types by Dog Age
As with babies, puppies need different types of toys for their development based on their age.
But size also matters sometimes.
Smaller dog breeds might be okay with using the same toy they had when they were puppies, while larger breeds need a wide array of dog toys.
As gentle giants grow, so must their toys because they might swallow their smaller dog toys while they are teething.
Here’s a guide on which toy to pick for your dog based on their age.
6-8 Weeks Old
Puppies who are only 6-8 weeks old are still teething. They will need smaller toys that are budget-friendly.
Take note that these toys need not be expensive, especially if they’ll grow into large dogs.
If you’re already crate-training your puppy, dog bones for teething are not recommended. Stick to ordinary chew toys which we will discuss later.
2-4 Months Old
Your dog is still a puppy at this age, so toys for teething are still recommended.
Their teeth get sharper, and they become bigger, so you might want to switch to a slightly larger toy.
Some also let their puppies use their taste buds by buying flavored teething toys.
If their mouth hasn’t grown as much and their old chew toys are still intact, then you don’t have to buy new toys.
4-6 Months Old
This is when your puppy starts losing its teeth and grows quickly. Here, it’s required to replace their small toys with medium or large toys.
It’s also typical for dogs to grow tired of their toys. Feel free to experiment with different interactive toys and chew toys for your pup.
This is also the best time to train your dog to avoid bad behaviors, such as chewing on the carpet or wood trim.
7-9 Months Old
Same as for 4-6 months old dogs, you want to make sure your pup has larger toys as they grow.
Some dogs experience delays in the falling out of their teeth, so expect this to happen at this stage.
10-12 Months Old
Your dog is almost finished teething!
Start preparing toys for adult dogs with longer shelf life. If you have a larger dog, make sure to get them a toy that won’t get ruined with a single bite!
You can get your dog as many toys as they want at this age, just make sure to make the rounds and don’t let them destroy them all.
Puppy Teething
Puppies teeth painfully at 3-4 months old. This process is very uncomfortable, so you must provide them with something to chew on.
They get their baby teeth at a very young age compared to human babies. At two weeks old, most puppies already have tiny fangs to chew on things!
This is also a critical time where they try to explore their world as much as possible using their mouth.
When they reach 3-4 months old, their teeth fall out to grow 42 adult teeth, which is 10 more than what we humans have.
This is when teething happens. Their gums become sore, and they drool with blood. You’ll even notice red spots on their toys, but it’s normal!
This phase ideally ends at 6 months old. Their teeth may have fallen on the floor.
It’s also likely that they have swallowed most of their teeth, which is also okay.
By giving your dog something to relieve their sore gums, they’ll get more comfortable and will stop chewing on your furniture, shoes, and other stuff.
Top Six Toys for 8-Week-Old Puppy
While the Kong Dog Toy remains the top one on our list of the best toys for 8-week-old puppies, here are six other toys we like!
Nylabone Dura Chew Wishbone
Nylabone is known for its various dog chew toys, but the Nylabone Dura Chew Wishbone is ideal for teething puppies because of its unique shape.
Unlike your typical dog chew toy, this one has a wishbone-like form that is excellent for soothing sore gums.
It’s not an actual dog bone since it is made of heavy-duty nylon that can withstand heavy puppy bites.
If you want something with dental nubs, this isn’t the perfect choice. However, its three ends will surely be loved by your teething pup!
Kong Puppy Teething Stick
Another Kong product has made it to our list! Kong Puppy Teething Stick is a great distraction for furry friends who like nipping on your arms, shoes, and furniture.
This toy reminds us a lot about pacifiers for babies because of the shape and rubber material. It’s the best formula for soothing sore gums and growing baby teeth.
Like the Kong Classic Toy, this teething stick allows you to add peanut butter or other liquid treats inside to motivate your pooch.
The toy is intended for dogs up to nine months of age.
West Paw Zogoflex Rumpus Chew Toy
West Paw is another reputable brand of dog toys you can find. Their Rumpus Dog Chew Toy is a floatable toy for aggressive chewers.
This means it’s perfect for puppies who love to swim and teething puppies who chew on stuff like there’s no tomorrow!
Unlike other chew toys, this one is available in four sizes. Buy a whole set and your pup already has all the toys they will need throughout their life.
The Rumpus Chew Toy features three chew lobes to keep your pooch engaged.
Benebone Real Bacon Dog Chew Toy
Another bone-like chew toy for your puppy is Benebone’s Wishbone Dog Chew Toy.
Aside from bacon, this dog chew toy also comes in chicken and peanut flavor. Dogs love these flavors, and the taste lasts for weeks.
The peanut butter flavor is made from 100% real peanuts, too!
Remember that this toy is not edible, so don’t leave it to your pup in the crate.
Benebone Wishbone Chew Toy is curved like a wishbone so your puppy can quickly grip the toy and get a good chew.
Nylabone TeeThe ‘N Tug Puppy Chew Toy
Something smaller but not small enough to be swallowed is Nylabone’s TeeThe ‘N Tug Puppy Chew Toy.
It’s another Nylabone toy that looks like a petite rubber ring that is more appealing to their teeth and gums than an ordinary rope toy.
Its deformed figure makes it even more fun to play with!
The Teether and Tug Toy are specifically made for teething puppies using durable materials that other Nylabone toys use.
Hide-A-Squirrel Puzzle Dog Toy
If your dog likes chewing on cloth material like the couch or your blankets, try Outward Hound’s Hide-A-Squirrel Puzzle Dog Toy!
It’s a squeaky puzzle toy that can get them engaged for hours. It’s not necessarily a chew toy, but your teething puppy can enjoy nipping it while playing hide-and-seek.
Just fill the tree trunk toy with the three stuffed squirrels, toss it, then let your puppy channel the hunter in them.
You can also take toys out of them and throw them for a game of fetch.
This is not recommended if your puppy breaks things easily and you want something that will last long.
But this puzzle dog toy is a great choice for a safe and interactive toy!
How to Stop Your Puppy from Nipping
Nipping is normal among teething puppies. But you want to make sure that they outgrow this behavior!
And besides, their sharp puppy teeth hurt. You need to train and redirect them as early as possible to avoid nipping.
Aside from giving your 8-week-old puppy some chew toys, interrupt inappropriate nipping by using a cue word like “ouch” or “no.”
You need to startle them without scaring them away. Soon, they will learn that you are not going to tolerate biting when playing or communicating.
Give them dog treats when they stop! This is the most vital part of positive reinforcement, so they will always stop when you tell them to.
Don’t yell at your dog for bad behavior because doesn’t show them what to do instead. It damages trust and relationships, resulting in adverse consequences.
You can also stop them from nipping by making sure that they get lots of physical activity and mental stimulation.
These daily routines provide the right outlet for their natural instincts.
FAQ Puppy Teething and Chewing
Which Dog Breed is Less Likely to Teethe?
Most puppies go through teething. They chew and nip to cope with their sore gums.
But some breeds are less destructive than others, which means they easily outgrow their bad behaviors because of their breed temperament.
Some of these include the Mini Schnauzer, Boston Terrier, and Chihuahua.
These breeds are less likely to destroy your furniture and other items because they rarely get bored or experience separation anxiety.
Check out our full list of the least destructive dog breeds if you’re planning to get a new dog!
Is it Okay for Dogs to Eat Puppy Pads?
No.
Puppy pads contain toxic chemicals that might put your dog in danger. If you have a teething puppy, keep an eye on them because their gums might find the pads appealing!
One of the reasons why puppy pads are dangerous when ingested is their absorbent feature. The materials absorb the fluids in your puppy’s stomach, expand, and get stuck in there.
The grass scent, ammonia, and pheromones are also poisonous. Some signs of poisoning include heavy bleeding, lack of balance, hyper-salivation, convulsions, and more.
It’s important to know what you should do if your puppy eats puppy pads to make sure they are always safe and healthy.
How Can I Stop My Dog from Biting?
Puppies bite a lot when they are teething!
Most of the time it’s playful biting. But you don’t want this to be the reason for their developing aggression.
One way to stop your dog from biting so much is by establishing boundaries to show them what is right and wrong.
Positive reinforcement techniques really help when you want to assert yourself as the leader of the pack.
It’s a critical part of teaching your dog to stop unnecessary behaviors such as too much biting.
Stop Your Puppy from Biting
Puppies are motivated to investigate their discomfort and relieve the discomfort they feel from teething by chewing on different things.
Special dog toys can help them numb their teething pain. Even as they grow old, they still need a variety of appropriate chew toys for stimulation and relief from anxiety.
While these items work, you still need to guide your puppy to stop inappropriate biting and chewing. They need to learn what is okay to chew and what is not.
