Puppies chew everything: shoes, table legs, your fingers. Much of that is teething, and the right puppy chew toy can make it easier on your pup and your furniture. But when can puppies have dental chews? Are puppy treats and chew toys the same thing? And what's safe for brand-new teeth?
Here's a simple guide to the puppy teething timeline, when to start dental chews and chew toys, and how to choose safe puppy teething chews.
The puppy teething timeline
Puppies go through two sets of teeth, just like people do:
| Age (approximate) | What's happening | What helps |
|---|---|---|
| 3–6 weeks | Baby (deciduous) teeth come in | Still with mom; no chews needed yet |
| 8–12 weeks | Settling into a new home with sharp baby teeth | Soft chew toys and lots of supervised play |
| 3–6 months | Peak teething: baby teeth fall out and adult teeth come in | Gentle teething chews to soothe sore gums |
| 6–7 months | Most adult teeth are in | Move to chews matched to adult chewing style |
| Up to 12 months | Adult teeth and jaw keep strengthening | Size and density upgrades as your puppy grows |
Every breed develops a little differently, so ask your vet about your puppy's teeth at their checkups.
Signs your puppy is teething
- Chewing on everything, especially hard or cold objects
- Extra drooling
- Red or swollen gums
- Small spots of blood on toys
- Finding tiny baby teeth on the floor (many puppies swallow them, which is normal)
- Mild fussiness or a smaller appetite
When can puppies have dental chews and treats?
It depends on whether you mean something your puppy eats or something your puppy chews.
Edible dental chews and puppy treats
Edible dental chews and chewy treats are food. Your puppy's digestive system is still developing, and new foods can cause an upset stomach, vomiting or diarrhea. Many edible dental chews are labeled for dogs 6 months and older, so always follow the age and weight guidance on the package, and introduce any new treat slowly. Treats should also count toward your puppy's daily calories.
Puppy chew toys
A durable chew toy isn't food, so your puppy can use one as soon as they start chewing, as long as it's soft enough for baby teeth and big enough that it can't be swallowed. Chew toys give teething puppies relief without adding calories or upsetting their stomach.
Why puppies need the right chew toy
- Teething relief. Gnawing on a gentle, textured chew helps soothe sore gums while adult teeth come in.
- Protects your stuff. A chew toy gives your puppy something they're allowed to chew, which makes training easier.
- Supports dental health. Textured chews help scrape away plaque and massage gums from an early age.
- Mental stimulation. Chewing is calming and helps a busy puppy settle down.
How to choose safe puppy teething chews
Choose a softer chew
Baby teeth are sharp but fragile, and adult teeth are still forming under the gums. Very hard chews can damage them. The American Animal Hospital Association warns that "hard chews, such as bones, sticks, rocks, yak milk chews, antlers, and rawhides, can damage or fracture your dog's teeth" and suggests a thumbnail test: "If you can't leave an indentation, the toy is too hard" (AAHA). Here's why softer chews are the right choice for puppies.
Choose the right size, then size up
A chew that's fine for a Yorkie puppy won't last a minute with a young German Shepherd, and a chew that's too small can be swallowed. Choose by your puppy's current weight, and size up if they're near the top of a range or growing fast. It's very hard to go too big and very easy to go too small.
Skip rawhide, real bones and hard nylon
Rawhide can be swallowed in large pieces, cooked bones splinter, and hard nylon and antlers can be too tough for developing teeth. Learn more about why rawhide is risky for puppies, whether nylon bones are safe for puppies and which bones are safe or unsafe for dogs.
Check the ingredients
A short, clear ingredient list is easier on sensitive puppy stomachs. Look for chews without artificial colors, harsh chemicals or mystery flavorings.
Know when to replace it
Every chew toy has a lifespan. Inspect your puppy's chews often and replace them when they're worn, cracked or small enough to swallow.
BetterBone Light: a gentle teething chew for puppies
BetterBone Light is our softest durability, made for teething puppies, senior dogs and gentle chewers. It's easy on developing teeth and sore gums while still giving your puppy something satisfying to gnaw.
- Gentle for baby teeth. Light has give for sensitive gums and developing teeth.
- Dental enrichment textures. Ridges and nubs help massage sore gums and buff away plaque.
- Built to flake, not splinter. It wears into small, rice-sized flakes instead of sharp shards.
- Made from two plant-based materials. BetterBone is made with Vernovo, a blend of cellulose from tree fibers and plant extracts, with no nylon, rawhide or animal byproducts.
- Independently tested. In February 2026, TÜV SÜD found no detectable PFAS, phthalates or BPA in our material.
- Puppy-friendly scents. Veggie, Beef and Venison are hypoallergenic, vegetarian scent infusions.
- Grows with your puppy. When your dog outgrows Light, move up to Moderate. If you pick the wrong durability, our Free Replacement Guarantee swaps it for free.
Tips for introducing a chew to your puppy
- Start with short sessions. Around five minutes at a time, then build up as your puppy gets older.
- Supervise. Stay close, especially the first few times.
- Make it interesting. Smear a thin layer of dog-safe spread, like plain pumpkin purée, into the ridges. For extra teething relief, freeze the spread on the bone before offering it.
- Trade, don't scold. When your puppy chews something off-limits, swap it for their chew toy and praise them.
- Watch how it wears. Small flakes are normal and generally safe if accidentally swallowed. If your puppy breaks off larger pieces, take it away and move up a density or size.
- Keep it clean. Rinse with warm water and let it air dry.
BetterBone is a chew toy, not a treat, and isn't meant to be eaten. See our dog chew safety guidelines for when to replace it, and try these homemade teething relief ideas too.
Frequently asked questions
When can puppies have dental chews?
Many edible dental chews are labeled for puppies 6 months and older, so check the package. A non-edible puppy chew toy that's soft and sized correctly can be used as soon as your puppy starts chewing.
What can I give my teething puppy to chew on?
A soft, textured chew toy that's too big to swallow, like BetterBone Light. Chilled chew toys and homemade options like a frozen wet washcloth, used under supervision, can also soothe sore gums.
How long does puppy teething last?
Most puppies teethe from about 3 to 6 months of age, with most adult teeth in by 6 to 7 months.
Are puppy chew toys and puppy treats the same?
No. Treats and edible chews are food and add calories. Chew toys are meant to be chewed, not eaten, and can be used every day.
Are dental chews good for puppies?
Textured chews help clean teeth and massage gums, but they don't replace brushing and vet checkups. Choose a puppy-appropriate chew and start brushing early. Read our guide to the best dental chews for dogs.
Help your puppy through teething the gentle way. Shop BetterBone Light puppy chew toys, or learn how to choose the best chew bone for your dog.
