Safe Puppy Teething Toys for 8, 12 & 16 Weeks: A Complete Guide

Welcoming a new puppy into the whānau is a heartwarming adventure — full of cuddles, tail wags and, yes, teething troubles. As those tiny teeth start to push through, you’ll notice your pup chewing anything they can sink their gums into. That's where the right puppy teething toys come in. At each stage — 8, 12 and 16 weeks — puppies have different needs, and using age-appropriate toys helps relieve discomfort, support dental development and protect your furniture from becoming a chew toy!

In this guide, we’ll take you through safe teething toy options for each critical phase of your pup's early development, all tailored to suit Kiwi pet parents. At Petdirect, We Get Pet, and we’re here to make puppy teething smooth, safe and a little bit fun too.

What To Expect At 8 Weeks

At 8 weeks, most puppies are leaving their mum and siblings and settling into their forever homes. Teething has usually just begun, with baby teeth breaking the surface. At this stage, their gums can be tender, and they have a curious urge to nibble.

• Soft rubber toys: These are gentle on sensitive gums. Look for flexible materials that puppies can mouth without causing injury.
• Textured toys: Bumpy textures can offer soothing relief while also gently encouraging proper chewing habits.
• Toys with scent or flavour: Lightly flavoured or scented teething toys make them more enticing for pups to chew.

Explore age-appropriate dog chew toys that are puppy-safe and designed to go easy on delicate mouths at this stage.

What’s Best At 12 Weeks

By 12 weeks, teething gets serious. Puppies begin losing their baby teeth to make way for adult ones. Drooling, irritability and a need to chew almost constantly are normal.

• Durable rubber teething toys: Slightly tougher chew toys can withstand more pressure but are still safe and not too hard.
• Freezable toys: Popping certain toys in the freezer can reduce gum inflammation and offer soothing relief.
• Enrichment toys: Toys that you can stuff with soft treats or puppy food add fun and focus. Bonus points if they help with training!

Some pups may also love engaging with plush toys for comfort during crate time or bedtime.

Top Toys For A 16-Week-Old Puppy

At 16 weeks, most puppies are halfway through the teething process. Their jaws are getting stronger, and they can handle more robust toys. This is a great time to encourage positive chewing habits that will stick for life.

• Tougher dental toys: Now’s the time to introduce toys that promote healthy tooth development and support emerging adult teeth.
• Tug toys: Supervised tug play helps build your bond while giving their jaw a workout. Just be gentle to protect developing teeth.
• Puzzle chew toys: Enrichment toys that involve chewing and thinking ramp up the mental and physical fun.

Ready for something a bit more advanced? Take a peek at our range of dog interactive toys to keep those sharp little minds and teeth busy.

Safety Tips For Teething Puppies

While it might be tempting to give your puppy anything within reach to chew, not all toys are created equal — especially for baby teeth. Here’s how to make sure their teething toys are a safe match:

• Stick to toys designed for puppies — these are specifically made with softer materials.
• Avoid hard chews like bones or deer antlers at this stage — those budding adult teeth are still vulnerable to damage.
• Check the toys regularly — discard anything that’s worn, broken or could pose a choking hazard.
• Offer soft training treats for chew breaks and positive reinforcement.

When in doubt, our team is ready to help you pick safe, suitable toys for your puppy's specific age and breed stage. At Petdirect, Pet Perks members also enjoy exclusive discounts and early access to puppy-friendly goodies — because your fur baby deserves the best.

Support Teething With The Right Nutrition

Did you know diet plays a role in your puppy’s dental health too? Choosing a kibble or wet food formulated for teething pups can be gentler on inflamed gums and support strong teeth development.

• Browse our complete range of puppy food from trusted brands like Royal Canin, Hill’s Science Diet, and Black Hawk
• Talk to your vet about dietary extras like puppy supplements to support skin, coat and joint health during growth spurts

Good nutrition and safe toys go paw in paw for a smooth teething journey.

Keep Calm And Chew On

From soft chewy toys at 8 weeks to mentally stimulating chews by 16 weeks, every stage of puppyhood brings new teething needs. With the right tools and a little help from Petdirect — your trusted New Zealand partner in all things puppy — you can protect your home (and your fingers) while supporting your pup’s growth and comfort.

Explore our full Puppy Shop for toys, treats and essentials tailored by age, breed and developmental stage. And don’t forget to sign up for Autodeliver so you’re never caught without a fresh chew when teething hits hard!

We Get Pet — and we’re here to help your pup chew, grow and thrive every step of the way.