A Pet Owner’s Guide to Plush Toys: Safe Play Options for Puppies and Teething Dogs
Have you ever felt the magic that changes your life the moment you bring home a new puppy? As kids, most of you must have constantly asked your parents for a pet and your parents have put in equal efforts to deny your plea. Cut to a few years later and you decide to bring home a little furry friend. As new pet parents, you feel the weight of the responsibility as well as the joy of having a little wagging tail and puppy eyes staring right back at you the moment you return back home from work.
However, this phase soon transitions to an apocalypse and all of a sudden you find teeth marks on your expensive leather loafers, the corner of your center table or your favourite carpet. Every little item gets a sharp blow from your pet’s baby teeth.
As experienced pet parents, we can assure you that a teething puppy won’t be satisfied with just another toy. You need strategy and your pet needs a plush toy that is safe and comfortable.
The Pawfect Story brings before you a guide where you would get a detailed knowledge of how to pick the right plush toys for your puppies and teething dogs.
Why Is My Puppy Trying to Eat Every Item?
While you are wondering why your puppy runs after every available item on the floor and instantly puts it between their teeth, let us help you decode this behaviour. Your puppy is going through an extremely important biological milestone and we are here to help you and your puppy during this significant phase.
- Exploration: Puppies use their mouths to learn about textures, temperatures and tastes.
- Teething Pain: Around 3 to 4 months of age, those baby teeth start falling out to make room for 42 adult teeth. This process causes inflammation in the gums. Chewing provides counter-pressure that actually numbs the ache.
- Stress Relief: Chewing releases endorphins in a dog’s brain. It’s a self-soothing mechanism that helps them relax.
The goal is not to restrict them from chewing, it’s to redirect it toward something safe, like a high-quality plush toy from our Plush Toys Collection.
The Plush Toy Debate: Is Soft Always Safe?
One question we often receive from pet parents- “Shouldn’t I only give my puppy hard rubber toys?” Soft toys are excellent for snuggling, which helps with separation anxiety during those first few nights in a crate.
However, not all plushies are created equal. Look for:
1. Reinforced Seams
Standard stuffed animals are held together by thin threads. A determined Beagle puppy will have that open in three minutes. Look for toys with double-stitched seams. At The Pawfect Story, we curate toys specifically built to withstand the tug and pull of puppyhood.
2. No Small Parts
Avoid toys with:
- Plastic button eyes
- Ribbons or bows
- Zippers
If a puppy swallows a plastic eye, it could lead to an expensive emergency vet visit. Embroidered features are the only way to go.
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Top Plush Categories for Teething Pups
For a teething puppy, here are the three types of plushies that are always recommended:
A. The Multi-Texture Plush
Puppies get bored easily. A toy that combines soft plush with a crinkle material inside or a rubber ring attached is a winner. It gives them different options depending on how much their gums hurt that day.
B. The Comfort Snuggler
While not strictly for ‘chewing,’ they play a massive role in the emotional health of a teething puppy, providing a sense of security that prevents ‘anxiety chewing’ on your belongings.
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If you leave ten plush toys on the floor, your puppy will be bored of all of them in no time. Boredom leads to… you guessed it right… chewing your baseboards.
Instead, keep only three toys out at a time. Every few days, swap them for new ones from the cupboard. This keeps the novelty high and makes your puppy think they’re getting a brand-new gift every week. It’s the cheapest way to keep a puppy entertained.
Your puppy’s teething phase is not going to last for long. By the time your pup hits six or seven months, their adult teeth will be set and their chewing urge will settle into a more manageable hobby. Until then, stay patient, keep your shoes in the closet and keep a rotation of safe, premium plush toys ready to go.
Shop our Plush Collection and give your puppy the ‘pawfect’ outlet for those growing teeth!
