Now to the fun part! What do you get your new puppy to play with? So much to choose from.

Hard bone option: The Nylabones are flavored and pretty "indestructible” we put this in quotes because we are not sure how big of a chewer your puppy is. There are edible Nylabones options and ones that are designed for them to chew on for a while.

SJR recommendation!

Nylabone Dog Toys, Chews, Treats, & Edible Dental Chews

Balls: There are many options here as well, tennis, squeaky, or hard. Getting a ball for your puppy will help them learn fetch and exert some energy in the yard. Keeping your puppy well exercised is very important for you puppy’s brain health. If they are not mentally stimulated, they may go find themselves a shoe or wall to chew on.

Plush toys: A lot of puppies love these toys; they are fun to shake and pull the stuffing out. We would like to caution you, to make sure they do not eat the filling, this can cause an obstruction. Some puppies just enjoy pulling out the squeaker and then they move on, but again make sure they are not ingesting the toy.

Bones: For your puppies’ sake and your wallet, no bones. We are talking about the marrow bones. They can cause an upset stomach with whatever they fill them with, their jaw can get stuck in them and must be surgically removed.... we have seen it. Lastly if they break down the bone into pieces, you must worry about their mouths that they don't get cut by the bone, or they ingest a sharp bone piece, hoping it doesn't do damage to their insides. A lot to consider, there are tons of other options then this type of bone I would just stay away from it.

Maze toys: These toys are a fun way to challenge your puppy’s intelligence.

Kong toys: this is a specific brand; they are known for their indestructible toys. They are also known for the Kong toy you fill up and give to your pet to keep them busy. The options you can fill this toy with is endless. Please be mindful of your puppies’ stomach.

What is a KONG Dog Toy | KONG Company

Rope toys: Tug of war type of toy, this is a fun toy for them. If you find them shredding the rope, take it from them and only take it out when you are ready to pay tug of war. When they shred it, they eat it and cause and obstruction.

Any toy you give to your puppy, it should be monitored to prevent any issues or choking.

Vet tech story time:

We have seen many toys ingested and many toys seen as an exploratory surgery. A favorite obstructrion of mine was seen on an x-ray and it was the cap of a Yuengling bottle. Anything can become an obstruction, puppies are very curious with their mouths so please keep an eye on them esspecially if you are having a party.