The teething period or, usually called teeth growing is an important phase that every dog will face. This phase usually begins with an itchy feeling in the gums that encourages puppies to bite and chew anything they find. This can cause concern for owners because if left uncontrolled, puppies can bite dangerous objects or even damage things in the house.

Although the teething period can be a challenging period for dog owners, there are several solutions that can help your puppy get through this phase safely and comfortably. These are several tips you can try in order to find best chew toys for small puppies

1. Provide safe chew toys

You can choose chew toys made from safe and durable materials, such as hard rubber or wood composite. Avoid toys that fray into sharp points or are easy to tear or swallow. It will be sad if your small puppies get injured due to its chew toys. Selecting the right types of chew toys can ensure that puppies have a safe and comfortable teething experience.

2. Offer frozen food

You can use your dog's wet food, or add water or broth to soak kibble, then pack it into ice cube trays. Freeze the mixture and give it to your pup as a refreshing treat. For extra chew time, freeze the food into a suitable hollow rubber toy.

3. Train your puppy

Encourage your puppy to chew on appropriate toys and not objects in the house by teaching them a ‘drop’ or ‘let go’ cue, replacing the object they have with one of higher value, or give them a tasty treat and then offer an appropriate chew toy. In this way the puppy learns that listening to the cue earns them a better outcome.

4. Consult a veterinarian

If you have any concerns about the health of your puppy's gums or teeth, consult a veterinarian immediately. Common dental issues in puppies include retained deciduous teeth, where the ‘baby’ teeth don’t shed out before the ‘adult’ teeth come in, and malocclusion, where teeth don’t line up where they are supposed to. These issues are more prevalent in certain breeds of dogs, particularly small and brachycephalic dogs (pugs, bulldogs, Boston terriers, boxers) due to selective breeding for a particular appearance and associated facial malformation. 

Besides providing best chew toys for small puppies, another option is to provide edible chews. These are products from Vivus can help your small rambunctious and teething puppies.

Calming Supports Chewable Supplement 

Caring for puppies with sensitive stomachs or digestive systems can be a challenge for owners. Luckily, Vivus offers a calming support chewable supplement that is specially formulated to help these puppies feel calmer and more comfortable. This chewable supplement is made from 100% plant-based ingredients, so it is safe for puppies with allergies to common ingredients such as chicken, beef or dairy. The active ingredients come from natural plants, providing a safe and gentle calming effect without the risk of adverse side effects. These chews are ideal for puppies with situational anxiety when left alone, taken a car trip (such as to the vet), grooming or introduced to a new environment. Stress can cause adverse gastrointestinal signs, such as diarrhea.

Gastrointestinal Support Chewable Supplement 

A healthy digestive system helps your growing puppy absorb important nutrients, maintain their energy, and ensure they avoid uncomfortable digestive problems such as diarrhea, constipation, or bloating. However, just like human children, puppies can experience digestive problems due to various common factors, such as changes in diet, changes in environment, food allergies, stress, or parasitic infections. Vivus Gastrointestinal Support Chewable Supplement can be offered as a solution for puppies to avoid digestive problems. These chews are made from natural ingredients such as turmeric and algae oil which have strong anti-inflammatory properties in the gastrointestinal tract and can help relieve inflammation. The chews also contain both pre- and probiotics, which work together to support a healthy gut microbiome.

References:

Landsberg G, Huggins S, Fish J, Milgram NW () The effects of a nutritional supplement (Solliquin) in reducing fear and anxiety in a laboratory model of thunder-induced fear and anxiety. In: Denenberg S (ed) Proceedings of the 11th International Veterinary Behaviour Meeting, Samorin: Slovakia, 2017.  

Pike AL, Horwitz DF, Lobprise H (2015) An Open-Label Prospective Study Of The Use Of L-theanine (Anxitane) In Storm-sensitive Client-owned Dogs. Journal Of Veterinary Behavior.

Scandurra A, Mastellone V, Pero ME, Musco N, Iomelli P, Di Lucrezia A, Malgeri A, Tudisco R, D’Aniello B, Cortese L, Lombardi P (2022) Effects of a nutritional supplement (DiRelaxTM) on anxiety in dogs in a randomized control trial design. Animals 12(4), doi:10.3390/ani12040435.