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  • New Puppy Essentials: Top Picks for Safe and Fun Toys

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    If you’re welcoming a new puppy into your home, congratulations! 🎉 You’re in for lots of love, laughter, and yes — plenty of chewing. Puppies are naturally curious and playful, and toys aren’t just fun for them… they’re essential.

    As a certified veterinary technician, I’ve seen how the right toys can make all the difference. They help your puppy develop healthy habits, reduce boredom, soothe teething pain, and build confidence.

    Let’s talk about the must-have puppy toys that every new pet parent should have on hand — and how to pick the safest ones.

    🧸 Soft Teething Toys (Gentle on Baby Teeth)

    When those little teeth start coming in, puppies need something soft and flexible to chew. Hard toys can hurt their gums, so it’s important to start with toys designed specifically for teething.

    Nylabone puppy rings are one of my top picks because they’re soft, safe, and made for tiny mouths. You can even chill them in the refrigerator for extra relief.

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    💡 Vet Tech Tip: Always check for wear and tear. Replace toys that start to fray or break — you don’t want your puppy swallowing bits of plastic or rubber.

    🦴 Interactive Chew Toys (For Teething & Training)

    The KONG Puppy Classic is a must-have for every household with a new pup. It’s made from soft, bouncy rubber designed specifically for developing teeth and gums.

    What makes the KONG extra special is that you can fill it with healthy treats, peanut butter, or even freeze it for a longer-lasting distraction. It’s perfect for crate training, easing separation anxiety, or keeping your puppy entertained while you get things done.

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    💡 Vet Tech Tip: Use the KONG as a positive training tool — give it when you leave the house so your puppy associates your departure with something good.

    🐾 Plush Toys (Comfort & Bonding)

    Every puppy needs a comfort toy — something soft to snuggle and carry around. Plush toys help young dogs feel secure, especially during naps or when they’re adjusting to a new home.

    Look for toys made without small buttons, eyes, or squeakers that can be torn off. Puppies are curious, and if it fits in their mouth, they’ll try to eat it!

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    💡 Vet Tech Tip: Keep plush toys as supervised play items. Once your puppy grows and becomes a more intense chewer, you may need to switch to tougher materials.

    🧠 Puzzle Toys (Mental Stimulation)

    Puppies don’t just need physical exercise — they need to exercise their brains too! Puzzle toys encourage problem-solving and help prevent boredom (which can lead to unwanted chewing).

    The Hide-A-Squirrel toy is a favorite for many of my clients. It keeps puppies entertained by letting them “hunt” squeaky toys hidden inside a plush tree trunk.

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    💡 Vet Tech Tip: Rotate puzzle toys every few days, so your puppy doesn’t get bored with them. Variety keeps playtime fun and stimulating.

    🦷 Natural Chews (For Satisfying Their Instincts)

    While not technically a “toy,” safe natural chews like bully sticks are a great addition to your puppy’s play and teething routine. They satisfy the urge to chew and promote dental health — just make sure you supervise!

    Avoid rawhide at this age, as it can be too tough and difficult to digest.

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    💡 Vet Tech Tip: Always buy single-ingredient chews made from 100% beef and free from additives or chemicals.

    🐶 Final Thoughts

    Your puppy’s first few months are a time of learning, exploring, and (let’s be honest) testing boundaries. The right toys can help channel all that energy into positive behaviors and keep your new best friend happy and safe.

    Start with a mix of soft teething toys, a classic KONG, a comfort plush, and a puzzle toy, and you’ll have everything you need to keep your puppy entertained and healthy.

    And remember — no matter how cute they are, always supervise playtime. 💙

    ***

    Please note, this article contains affiliate links, where I will receive compensation if you buy the product, without any extra cost to you.

    ***

    You should also note that the information provided is for educational and informational purposes only. Although I am a veterinary professional, this blog should not be used as a substitute for professional veterinary advice. 

    If your pet is experiencing a medical problem or concern, please contact a veterinary health professional immediately. 

  • Top Products for Puppy Chewing Safety

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    If there’s one thing every puppy parent learns fast, it’s this: puppies love to chew. 🦴 From shoes and table legs to your favorite hoodie, nothing seems safe during those teething months!

    As a certified veterinary technician, I’ve seen what works (and what doesn’t) when it comes to safe chewing. The right products can help your puppy soothe sore gums, build good habits, and stay out of trouble — all while keeping those new teeth healthy.

    Here are my top vet tech–approved products for puppy chewing safety — including toys, treats, and must-have accessories.

    🦷 Thin Bully Sticks (for Teething Puppies)

    Bully sticks are one of my favorite natural chews for puppies — but not all are created equal. Choose thin or junior-sized sticks that are softer and easier for tiny mouths to manage.

    These sticks are made from 100% beef, easily digestible, and help satisfy your pup’s natural urge to chew. Always supervise and remove small pieces as your puppy chews them down.

    💡 Vet Tech Tip: Limit chew sessions to about 10–15 minutes at a time to prevent overdoing it on calories or jaw fatigue.

    🧸 Nylabone Puppy Teething Rings

    Soft, flexible, and specifically made for teething puppies, these are a must-have. They help massage gums and reduce discomfort from new teeth coming in.

    Product Available on Amazon

    Unlike harder adult chews, the puppy-grade nylon is gentle enough not to damage teeth — perfect for young pups under 6 months old.

    💡 Vet Tech Tip: Try freezing one for 15 minutes before giving it to your puppy for extra soothing relief!

    🍖 Benebone Puppy Chews (Softer Nylon Blend)

    These chews are made from a softer nylon than adult versions and infused with real flavor (like bacon or peanut butter). They’re great for puppies who’ve graduated from teething toys but still need something satisfying to gnaw on.

    Product Available on Amazon

    Their ergonomic shape makes them easy for little paws to hold, which encourages safe, healthy chewing.

    💡 Vet Tech Tip: Switch to regular Benebones once your puppy’s adult teeth are fully in (usually around 6–7 months).

    🧊 Frozen Washcloths or Puppy Teething Rings

    Sometimes, the best chew toy isn’t a store-bought one at all. Wet a small washcloth, twist it, and freeze it — it makes a perfect homemade teething tool!

    Frozen puppy teething rings are also fantastic and a little less messy. The cold helps reduce inflammation in sore gums while giving your pup a safe, soft texture to chew on.

    💡 Vet Tech Tip: Always supervise to ensure your puppy doesn’t shred or swallow cloth pieces.

    🐾 KONG Puppy Classic

    A long-time favorite among vets and trainers alike, the KONG Puppy Classic is a staple for mental and dental health. It’s made of soft, bouncy rubber designed for baby teeth and can be filled with small treats or frozen for longer playtime.

    Product Available on Amazon

    KONGs are great for redirecting chewing behavior — instead of shoes or furniture, your puppy learns that good things come from their own toy.

    💡 Vet Tech Tip: For extra fun, fill it with a small spoon of puppy-safe peanut butter or yogurt and freeze it overnight.

    🪥 Puppy Toothbrush Chew Toys

    Start dental care early! These che Amaw toys are designed to clean teeth as your puppy chews. They’re made from soft, food-grade rubber with little bristles that gently massage gums.

    They’re a safe, low-pressure way to introduce dental hygiene while your pup thinks it’s just playtime.

    💡 Vet Tech Tip: Choose BPA-free toys that are small enough for your puppy’s mouth but too big to swallow.

    🐶 Final Thoughts

    Chewing is a normal and healthy part of puppy development — but safety should always come first. Look for toys and treats that are:

    • The right size and texture for your puppy’s age
    • Made from natural or puppy-safe materials
    • Easy to clean and durable
    • Used under supervision

    With the right tools, your puppy can chew safely, strengthen their teeth, and learn what’s okay to sink those teeth into! 💙

    ***

    Please note, this article contains affiliate links, where I will receive compensation if you buy the product, without any extra cost to you.

    ***

    You should also note that the information provided is for educational and informational purposes only. Although I am a veterinary professional, this blog should not be used as a substitute for professional veterinary advice. 

    If your pet is experiencing a medical problem or concern, please contact a veterinary health professional immediately. 

  • Puppy Tips: Tips to Have a Well-Behaved Dog

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    Getting a puppy can be an exciting time for most people. They can’t wait to add a fur ball to their life. They think of all the fun and love that a new puppy can bring into their lives.

    That being said, it can also be stressful. Puppies can’t be left alone because they can get into such trouble in a short period of time. They need to learn what they can and can’t do. Potty training can be pretty overwhelming for everyone involved (including the puppy).

    Struggling with your puppy? Here are some tips to help you raise a good dog.

    When you first get your puppy, you don’t want to overwhelm him or her. 

    Give your new puppy time to get used to you and your family, as well as his or her new home. Though socializing is essential, you don’t need to have everyone come over and visit right away. You also don’t want to take him or her to the dog park or pet stores until he or she is fully protected with vaccines. Then, do it slowly.

    If your pet looks overwhelmed or uncomfortable, it is time to go back home. Don’t push, or you may not be happy with your puppy’s behavior. They may become anxious in new situations and may lash out when feeling this way.

    It helps to get into a routine. 

    You should put your puppy to bed at the same time every day, and get him or her up at a regular time. If you feed your puppy at the same time every day, he or she will end up going to the bathroom at regular intervals, which will help immensely when it comes to potty training.

    With potty training, you need to listen to your puppy. 

    You may want to keep your puppy on a short leash so that you can watch them closely. This will also keep them from sneaking off to go to the bathroom in the house.

    It also helps to take your pet to the same spot outside, so that he or she knows that is where it is safe to go to the bathroom. If you take your puppy out and nothing happens, put them in the crate and try again in a few minutes.

    You need to get your puppy used to going to the veterinarian. 

    Puppies who go to the vets regularly aren’t scared of them. It may even help to take them a few times when they don’t have an appointment, to get them used to walking in the building and meeting the staff and other animals. If they learn early that the vet can be a good place where they get treats, they will be less likely to get scared as they get older.

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    Make sure that you get them used to being handled. 

    Sometimes, the vet isn’t the problem. It may be the restraint, or your puppy may not like his or her feet touched. You should touch their feet regularly, along with their ears, and all over their body, so that you will be able to do this easily when they get older.

    When you are playing with your new puppy, you need to consider what you are teaching them carefully. 

    It might be cute when your five-pound puppy jumps up at you, but once he or she is full-sized, you may get hurt by this action.

    The same goes for play biting. You don’t want to teach your puppy that it is ok for him or her to bite you. You could seriously get injured when he or she is one hundred pounds!

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    Getting a puppy can really change your home, though once you get him or her settled into a routine, you will just be able to enjoy your new bundle of joy. This is also the time to socialize your puppy. Make sure that going to the vet is a good thing, even if you take your new puppy to hang out and visit at the vet. You also want to get them used to being handled, including their ears and feet.

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    Please note that the information provided is for educational and informational purposes only. Even though I am a veterinary professional, this blog is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. 

    If your pet is experiencing a medical problem or concern, please contact a veterinary health professional immediately. 

  • Why You Should Use An Ethical Breeder

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    I recently wrote an article entitled Yes, You CAN Get a Puppy If You Want One. If you haven’t had a chance to read it, you can check it out here.

    The comments, especially from other veterinary professionals, weren’t very nice. They ripped me apart, both in terms of the topic and the writing style. I was pretty upset about all the comments I received, since I was just trying to write a piece to help people not feel bad if they genuinely wanted a puppy.

    One of the main concerns about the article was that it didn’t address the issue of ethical breeding versus backyard breeding at all. For this reason, I have decided to write what ethical breeding really is.

    So, what is ethical breeding?

    Ethical breeders are ALL about the breed. 

    They want to preserve the breed so that they will breed only the best representatives of the breed. They will even go above and beyond, conducting health testing to ensure that they are selling the highest quality and healthiest animals possible.

    This may include OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) testing. They have a database of tests that can be run to make sure that puppies will be less likely to have genetic problems (such as hip dysplasia).

    They may also request that you visit their home or kennel before picking a puppy. 

    You will want to ensure that the puppies appear healthy, happy, and clean. Are they active and playing around? Are they a good weight and look solid? Does the mother look delighted to be with them? You can tell a lot about a breeder by looking at their moms and puppies.

    That being said, during COVID, more and more people did visits like this over Zoom. If the breeder isn’t close to you, you can request a visit online so that you can still take a look at the breeder’s setup and how their animals look.

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    They will require a contract to ensure that their puppies get taken care of. 

    They may ask you what you are planning to do with your dog. The breeder may require you to spay or neuter your pet at a certain age. They may also ask that you return the dog to you if anything happens. Regardless of the dog’s age, owners would prefer to take them back rather than have the dog end up in a shelter.

    Ethical breeders want the best for their puppies. 

    This includes ensuring that they receive the socialization they need to raise healthy and confident dogs. They work with their puppies on socialization and training to ensure that they are ready to be homed.

    Because they do so much with their puppies, they have a good idea of what each puppy will need.

    Good, ethical breeders match puppies with families. You don’t get to choose a puppy. You let the breeder know what you are looking for (show, pet, working, etc.) and they will figure out which puppy will best fit your lifestyle. If you are active and prefer the outdoors, they will ensure that you get a puppy that is confident and playful. If you are looking for a companion to sit beside you, they will help you find the right dog for you. If you have little ones, they will choose a puppy that they think will handle your children.

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    Ethical breeders are all ABOUT the breed. They are going to choose the best parents to ensure that their puppies are of high quality and are able to do what they were bred for. They spend a lot of time with their puppies and will do what they can to ensure they are properly socialized. They will also help you choose the right puppy for you, rather than allowing you to choose one that you want. Not only that, but they are happy to match puppies with the right family.

    ***

    Please note, the information provided is for educational and informational purposes only. Although I am a veterinary professional, this blog should not be used as a substitute for professional veterinary advice. 

    If your pet is experiencing a medical problem or concern, please contact a veterinary health professional immediately. 

  • Yes, You CAN Get a Puppy If You Want One

    As a veterinary professional, I firmly believe in the importance of adoption and rescuing dogs that need homes. You can even get puppies that have been rescued and need someone to love them.

    I truly get the saying, “Adopt, don’t shop.” That being said, it also irritates me. If you WANT to buy yourself a puppy, you shouldn’t be made to feel bad about it! That being said, many people that you meet will make you feel bad for buying a puppy instead of “saving one” that needs a good home.

    However, if you want to buy yourself a puppy, there is no reason why you should feel guilty. In fact, here are some reasons why you shouldn’t feel guilty about choosing your next best friend!

    One of the biggest reasons why one would choose a puppy over a rescue dog is that you don’t want to deal with issues!

    The shelters are filled with dogs who have problems. Many are stressed and filled with anxiety. Some are there because they don’t get along with other dogs or cats (which you may or may not be able to find out before you adopt).

    Many have serious behavioral issues that can be hard to live with. It may take months or years of work, as well as medication and daily care, to help the dog live a life as normal as possible.

    In fact, you can raise the puppy the way that you want it. 

    A new puppy is very impressionable, and you will be able to start his or her training in the way that you want it to.

    If you want to housebreak your dog to go outside or inside on a puppy pad, you can do that. Don’t want a dog on your couch or bed? Start young. If you adopt a rescue dog, they may already have a certain behavior, which can make it challenging to change.

    Shelters are often full of Pitbulls, which you may not be allowed to have. 

    Unfortunately, shelters are often filled with dogs, such as Pitbulls and other breeds deemed “vicious.” If you are renting a home, you may struggle to find a place to live if you bring along your large dog, regardless of how well-behaved it is.

    If you have your own home, you may end up paying more for your homeowners’ insurance simply because of the type of dog that you have. Some companies may not even insure you if you have the type of dog that could be considered dangerous.

    When buying working dogs, upbringing and training are everything. 

    Many livestock guardian dogs are with sheep and goats before they are ready to leave their parents! Many hunting dogs require training as soon as possible, whether they work with their owners or begin training as soon as they find their new home. It also helps to have parents who have the “drive.” These dogs are more likely to succeed at their new job.

    You may not even be able to get a rescue dog. 

    There are numerous rules and regulations that come with getting a rescue dog. Although some make sense, such as ensuring that their other pets are vaccinated and spayed, others can be quite unusual.

    Fences are a good idea, but I had one client who was turned away because she worked outside the home! The rescue team wanted to ensure that the dog would never be alone. Others have been turned away due to their age. They worry about what will happen if something were to happen to the adopter. Families with young children may not be able to adopt a dog as easily as others.

    As one person put it, purebred guilt? Is that a thing now? 

    Why are we even taking the time to worry about this? There are so many things to worry about; this should not be one of them! This rings very true. If you want a puppy, get one and don’t worry about it for a moment!

    It was also mentioned, it is no one’s business but your own. 

    If you are happy with the puppy that you chose, be happy. Don’t worry about what others are going to say.

    Someone added, if you feel guilty, it is up to you to come to terms with your conscience. 

    Though many prefer to adopt, if you don’t, that is your decision, and you should stand by it. Nobody should make you feel guilty for making a decision that is right for you and your family.

    Some people say that you should not feel bad because you are not the one breeding the dogs. 

    That being said, many people would argue that you are supporting breeders who will continue to bring puppies into an already overpopulated world.

    However, the truth is that responsible breeders are NOT the problem. The people who don’t spay or neuter their dogs and find themselves with an unexpected litter of puppies are the real problem. Backyard breeders who just want to breed their dogs are also part of the problem. Just because you love your dog doesn’t mean that she is meant to be a mother!

    Someone pointed out that the same could be said about children. 

    Too many children are in the foster system, yet that doesn’t stop people from having their own children. While this is true, I can see that even mentioning this in the article will raise eyebrows, and I can hardly imagine the comments I will receive. But it is a point, so I will keep it in the article anyway.

    If you choose wisely, you should never feel guilty for buying a puppy that is right for you. If you choose one that is going to fit into your lifestyle, you have nothing to feel guilty about. If you are looking for a working or show dog, ensure you buy the right puppy for the job.

    Many people even like knowing the origin of their dogs. Seeing the parents and knowing that they are healthy and may have been tested for genetic diseases can go a long way to get yourself a healthy pup for years to come!

    ***

    I would also like to add that I consulted with other veterinary professionals. While many gave me plenty of grief for writing an article like this, when so many dogs are in shelters that need homes, others truly understood that there are times when buying a puppy is the right thing for you and your family.

    It also amazed me how many veterinary professionals (including veterinarians) can’t get dogs from shelters. Their rules and regulations make it nearly impossible for even those who work hard daily to improve the lives of pets to rescue a dog from the shelter.

    ***

    Please note that the information provided is for educational and informational purposes only. Although I am a veterinary professional, this blog should not be used as a substitute for professional veterinary advice. 

    If your pet is experiencing a medical problem or concern, please contact a veterinary health professional immediately.