teething

Question
Hi there!
I have a 8 month old male boxer who has started to chew random things around the house. I know I cannot give him rawhide but I was wondering if you could tell me a better alternative. I have tried the non-edible nyla bones but he doesn't like those. I was thinking about getting these pork skin twists, but I don't know if he is too young for those. Or maybe the edible nyla bones may work? Help me please!

Answer
Hi Rachael,

I am not familiar with pork skin twists, but I would think they'd have the same risks as rawhide. The regular Nylabones might be a little too hard right now for his mouth, but Nylabone also makes bones and toys specifically for teething puppies. My pups have always loved them, but if you have an adult in the house you'll need to keep them away from the puppy bones. My adults can chew those bones into pieces that could easily lodge in the intestines.

You can also try one of the soft-but-durable rubber bones or toys, the same materials that Kong toys are made from. (Kong does make bones, too.) Many companies are now making teething-specific toys, as well -- Pet Stages has several, and the Chilly Bone can be frozen to help ease the discomfort of teething (similar to freezable teething rings for human babies).

You might just want to take your puppy with you to the pet store and try out the teething toys with him; purchase those he seemed to like the most, so that he has a few options when he needs to chew.

Good luck!