Best Teething Toys for Golden Retriever Puppies: Safe Chews That Actually Help

When a golden puppy is teething, anything is a toy: table legs, shoes, your hand. Giving them chew toys that are safe and satisfying cuts down on damage and helps sore gums. Here is what to look for.

Why puppies chew

Teething starts at about three to four months and wraps up around six to seven months (see the teething timeline). Gums are sore and chewing feels good. Goldens also love having something in their mouth, as the AKC’s golden timeline notes.

Teething toy types

Type	Why it helps	Cautions
Firm rubber chews	Satisfying, durable	Choose size and hardness carefully. Too hard can chip teeth
Stuffable rubber toys	Hold food, can be frozen	Count the food as part of meals
Textured rings	Massage gums	Check for wear
Frozen washcloth (wet, twisted)	Cool relief	Supervise. Remove if pieces come off
Rope toys	Good for gentle tug and chewing	Fray over time and strings can be swallowed. Discard when frayed
Soft plush toys	Comfort and carrying	Not for heavy chewers. Remove stuffing and squeakers if shredded
Natural chews	Some dogs love them	Hard or large pieces carry risks. Ask your vet

What to avoid

• Real bones, antlers and hard nylon. Hard enough to break teeth.
• Small balls and toys. Swallowing hazards.
• Sticks. Splinters.
• Toys with removable parts.
• Anything your puppy is shredding and swallowing.

A rule of thumb used by vets: if it is too hard to dent with your fingernail, or you wouldn’t want it hitting your kneecap, don’t give it to your dog.

How to use chew toys well

1. Put toys where the trouble starts. Keep a toy near the couch or in each room.
2. Swap, don’t scold. When your puppy grabs something forbidden, trade it for a toy and praise.
3. Stuff and freeze. Fill a hollow toy with part of their meal and freeze for a couple of hours.
4. Keep sessions supervised until you know how your puppy chews.
5. Rotate toys. Fresh toys are more interesting.
6. Give chews in the crate to build a calm association.

Also consider how chewing links to biting. See puppy biting.

Protect your house

• Use baby gates and pens to limit access.
• Pick up shoes, remote controls and kids’ toys.
• Wrap cords or use cord covers.
• Use bitter-taste sprays on furniture legs, but check they are pet-safe.
• Increase exercise and naps. A tired puppy chews less.

Dental health

Chewing helps keep teeth clean, but only appropriate chews. The Veterinary Oral Health Council evaluates products for plaque and tartar control. See our guide to dental care for goldens.

When to call the vet

• Your puppy swallows something that isn’t food
• Vomiting, loss of appetite, tummy pain or constipation after chewing
• A broken tooth or bleeding gums
• Heavy drooling or reluctance to eat

Related

• Teething timeline
• All-purpose toy guide