Frenchie puppies are like little terminators—they explore the world with their mouths! During the teething phase (from 3 to 6 months), providing the right toys is the only way to protect your shoes and furniture.
1. The Best Toys for Frenchies
- Rubber Chew Toys (KONG): These are indestructible and great for anxiety.
- Pro Tip: Stuff a KONG with a little bit of Authority® wet food and freeze it. It will keep your puppy busy for an hour and soothe sore gums.
- Rope Toys: Great for interactive play (tug-of-war), but always supervise. If the puppy starts shredding the rope, take it away so they don’t swallow the threads.
- Nylabones / Hard Nylon Chews: Excellent for heavy chewers. Choose the “Puppy” strength for now and upgrade to “Power Chew” as they grow.
- Soft Crinkle Toys: Frenchies love the sound! Look for “unstuffed” plush toys to avoid a mess (and a choking hazard) if they rip them open.
2. What to Avoid (Dangerous Toys)
- Rawhide: This is a big NO. It is hard to digest, can cause blockages, and is a major choking hazard for brachycephalic breeds.
- Tennis Balls: The fuzz can act like sandpaper on their teeth, and if they pop the ball, the pieces can be swallowed.
- Small Toys: Anything small enough to fit entirely in their mouth can be swallowed and cause an emergency.
3. Teething Relief
When those adult teeth start coming in, your puppy’s gums will be itchy and sore.
- The Frozen Washcloth: Soak a clean washcloth in water, twist it, and freeze it. Letting your puppy chew on the cold fabric is a safe and cheap way to relieve teething pain.
- Cold Carrots: A chilled (not frozen solid) baby carrot is a healthy, crunchy snack that helps massage the gums.
4. Playtime Safety
- Supervision is Key: No toy is 100% indestructible. Check toys daily for cracks, missing pieces, or loose stuffing.
- Rotation: Don’t give all the toys at once. Give them 2 or 3, then swap them out every few days. This keeps the “new toy” excitement alive!
Owner Advice: If you catch your puppy chewing on something they shouldn’t (like your rug), don’t just say “No.” Immediately replace the object with a legal toy and praise them when they start chewing it.