5 Easy Homemade Puppy Teething Toys (Safe & Cheap DIY Ideas)

Let’s be honest—those tiny puppy teeth are sharp. One minute you’re playing fetch, the next, your favorite shoes have become a chew toy. But before you spend a fortune on store-bought teething toys, why not try making your own?

Homemade puppy teething toys are safe, budget-friendly, and customizable to your pup’s chewing style. Plus, they’re a great way to repurpose old household items. Below, I’ll share five simple DIY teething toys that actually work—no fancy crafting skills required.

1. The Frozen Washcloth (Instant Gum Soother)

Best for: Puppies with inflamed gums who love to gnaw.

What You’ll Need:

• 1 clean washcloth (avoid dyes/perfumes)
• Water or low-sodium chicken broth

How to Make It:

1. Soak the washcloth in water or broth.
2. Twist it into a rope shape and freeze for 2-3 hours.
3. Give it to your pup for 10-15 minutes of soothing relief.

Why It Works:

• The cold numbs sore gums (just like teething rings for babies).
• The texture massages their teeth gently.

Safety Tip: Supervise your pup to prevent them from shredding and swallowing fabric.

2. Braided T-Shirt Rope (Durable & Chew-Resistant)

Best for: Puppies who love tug-of-war.

What You’ll Need:

• 1 old cotton t-shirt (no buttons/zippers)

How to Make It:

1. Cut the shirt into three long strips.
2. Braid them tightly and knot the ends.
3. Tug-test it (it should hold up to gentle pulling).

Why It Works:

• The knots give puppies something to grip.
• Cotton is soft but durable for moderate chewers.

Pro Tip: For extra fun, hide treats between the braids.

3. Cardboard Roll Treat Dispenser (Mental + Teething Combo)

Best for: Puppies who get bored easily.

What You’ll Need:

• 1 empty toilet paper or paper towel roll
• Puppy kibble or small treats

How to Make It:

1. Fold one end of the roll inward to seal it.
2. Fill it with treats, then fold the other end shut.
3. Let your pup roll and chew to release the snacks.

Why It Works:

• The cardboard is safe to chew (and digestible in small amounts).
• The treat reward keeps them engaged longer.

Safety Note: Remove any sticky tape or glue residue first.

4. Ice Cube Tray Broth Bites (Tasty & Cooling)

Best for: Hot days or pups who love licking.

What You’ll Need:

• Ice cube tray
• Low-sodium chicken/beef broth or plain yogurt

How to Make It:

1. Pour broth or yogurt into the tray.
2. Freeze for 4+ hours.
3. Pop one out as a cooling chew snack.

Why It Works:

• The cold relieves gum pain.
• The flavor keeps them interested.

Bonus Idea: Mix in mashed banana or pumpkin for extra nutrients.

5. Knotted Sock Crinkle Toy (Simple & Fun)

Best for: Puppies who love crinkly sounds.

What You’ll Need:

• 1 clean sock (no holes)
• Crinkly plastic (from a chip bag or bubble wrap)

How to Make It:

1. Ball up the plastic and stuff it into the sock.
2. Tie multiple tight knots along the length.
3. Let your pup enjoy the noisy, textured chew.

Why It Works:

• The crinkling sound stimulates their curiosity.
• The knots provide resistance for chewing.

Warning: Only use if your pup doesn’t try to eat the plastic.

Safety Tips for Homemade Puppy Teething Toys

⚠ Always Supervise – Even safe toys can become hazards if shredded.
⚠ Avoid Small Parts – No buttons, beads, or loose strings.
⚠ Check for Wear & Tear – Replace if the toy starts falling apart.
⚠ Know Your Pup’s Chew Style – Gentle chewers vs. aggressive destroyers need different toys.

Final Thoughts

You don’t need to break the bank to keep your teething puppy happy. These five homemade puppy teething toys are safe, easy to make, and effective at soothing sore gums.

Which one will you try first? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear what works for your pup!