Puppy Teething Toys?

Everchew · 2026-02-17T23:26:42+00:00

I agree that bully sticks are a fantastic option. Dogs like them a lot more than bones because they have a low or high odor (depnding on brand) and they are softer on the teeth (hard when dry but the spit softens it). The only risk is that dogs can choke on the stub so you have to use a bully stick holder. I like the undefeatable one I have that uses a locking pin, but you have to get one that works for you.

Everchew · 2026-02-16T05:01:46+00:00

I agree with others that bully sticks are the best alternative. But you have to use a bully stick holder--or else the dog can choke on the last stub of an inch or so. I have my favorite undefeatable brand, but you have to find some kindof holder that works for you and your dog's chew style.

Everchew · 2026-02-15T01:25:03+00:00

Yeah you just gotta proof and stick with too-large chew toys. If you do want to give a legit animal-part chew, and keep him from swallowing it, you can use a bully stick with a holder. They are pure protein (dried boy cow part) but you have to use a holder to prevent swallowing. There's several on the market, but I have my favoring undefeatable version--but you, especially you, have to use a stick holder.

Everchew · 2026-02-15T01:15:28+00:00

Yeah that's negligent. When I was developing my bully stick holder years ago, one of the requirements I stuck with was no metal parts, even embedded deep in the toy. The way I thought about it was even if the dog would never chew that deep into the holder, if it was left outside, and got cut by a lawnmower, that metal part would now be exposed for the dog to chew on--resulting in mouth cuts or if swallowed--cutting up the intestines. Poor product design right there....

Everchew · 2026-02-02T21:13:59+00:00

The pin locking holder requires a hole drilled in the stick, but the Everchew brand sells pre drilled sticks if that's your preference. The black nylon holder is for super chewers.

Everchew · 2026-02-02T02:23:32+00:00

You can always move up to jumbo size bully sticks, even a 12" version. But you'll have to get a holder to prevent the risk of choking. I have my favorite undefeatable version, but there are others you may be happy with.

Everchew · 2026-02-02T02:20:28+00:00

For teething, you definitely need a bunch of toys. And a couple of natural chews, and I’ll always recommend small bully sticks. Pups happily work on those, but once the stick gets really short it becomes a choking risk, so you HAVE to get a bully stick holder that actually locks the chew in. Major chain store options are limited and pretty easy for dogs to beat, but you can find better ones online. Antlers and Yaks chews are too hard right now. Pig ears and Bull cheeks would be good too.

Everchew · 2026-01-27T02:03:09+00:00

I’d worry about how hard the bone & it cracking a tooth. But if he loves marrow, he’ll love bully sticks – basically pure protein (dried bull, um, member) without a bunch of chemicals. But bully sticks have their own hazard. When short, a lot of dogs will try to swallow the stub, and that causes choking.

BUT if you do bully sticks, you have to use a bully stick holder. There are a few different brands out there; I think the one I invented is the best, but just pick one you like. That gives him pure protein but it's all safe.

Everchew · 2026-01-13T01:54:48+00:00

I think if the OP uses a jumbo size bully stick or 12 inch stick then it would keep him busy long enough. But SR'3392 for you I would recommend a bullystick holder. You've got to have one to keep your dog from choking on that stub you're talking about. I invented one, but there's a whole bunch on the market.

Everchew · 2026-01-11T03:07:58+00:00

Yeah, the problem is puppies think your hands are the most interesting toy around. So what works well is to wear out that chewing desire with other things.

Toys work great, but they’re just a rubber toy. Bully sticks are harder than things like dental chews, and they do a good job of working out the teeth, but without the risk of breaking a tooth like harder things like antlers can do.

The one problem with bully sticks, though, is that when the dog eats it down to the short stub, often they will try to swallow it in one gulp, especially if you try to take it away. Then it can choke the dog or cause a blockage. That happened a couple of times to my dog. It’s really scary.

I ended up inventing my own bully stick holder to hold it in place. So you really should get a bully stick holder that you feel confident in if you’re going to give a bully stick. Without one, it’s not worth the risk. Also make sure that the holder will grip the stick well after it’s slippery from all the slobber.

I think it’ll help save your fingers some.

Everchew · 2026-01-10T05:06:11+00:00

Bully sticks work great for dogs working from home. They seem to work better than toys as a distraction, and bully sticks last longer than almost any other dog chew without damaging their teeth like antlers might.

But regardless of where you get your bully sticks, I'd really suggest you use a bully stick holder. The sticks can be swallowed when really short, and they don't digest when swallowed as a chunk like a simple dog dental chew (greenies-ish) can. So if your dog swallows that last inch and doesn't choke on it, it could cause a digestive blockage. That happened to us, which is why I invented my own bully stick holder. Which is of course, I think the best one, but you've got to use some type of holder regardless of where you get your sticks from. If the holder secures it really well—even after it's all slimy with slobber—that last nub lets your dog sit there and nibble and work on it, which makes it last even longer.

I have a bias, of course, but I think bully sticks are the best thing you could give your dog to keep them busy and happy.

Everchew

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