5 Types of Toys for Dogs with No Teeth or Bad Teeth

Just because your dog may be down a tooth (or a few) doesn’t mean they’ve completely lost their natural chewing instinct! 

Let’s find out what causes our furry friends to lose their teeth and explore the best toys for a dog with no teeth or bad teeth.  

Why Do Dogs Lose Their Teeth? 

The most common reasons dogs lose their teeth are dental disease and old age. To help ensure your dog’s teeth stay healthy and strong for as long as possible, preventative dental care is a must—especially for senior dogs. Habits like brushing your dog’s teeth or giving them dog dental treats may seem time consuming but can have a big impact on their overall health! 

Older dogs are also more susceptible to oral diseases and infections than younger dogs. If your senior dog is losing teeth, it could be a sign of tooth decay or periodontal disease, which is a bacterial infection that damages the tissue surrounding your dog’s teeth. If signs such as red or swollen gums, bad breath, yellow or brown teeth, or ropey saliva persist, you should contact your veterinarian for a proper diagnosis and care.  

🐶 Related: A Pet Parent’s Guide to Mastering Dog Dental Care

Types of Toys for Dogs with No Teeth 

Just because tooth loss is more common in senior dogs doesn’t mean it can’t happen to dogs of all ages. If your dog has lost teeth or has a history of dental problems, try some of these toys! 

#1: Dental Chew Toys 

If your furry friend’s teeth and breath need some support, dental chew toys are always a good place to start when searching for toys for dogs with bad teeth. In addition to encouraging positive chewing habits and providing a fun activity, dental chew toys are specially designed with features like ridges and nubs that help reduce plaque and tartar as dogs chew. 

#2: Play Toys 

Play toys made with softer materials such as flocking (imagine that fuzzy-like texture of a tennis ball) are easy on teeth and gums while still providing engaging playtime features! Our Power Play Football Gripz and Tennis Teddy Gripz, for instance, combine soft material, fun squeakers, and bouncy action, making them great toys for a dog with no teeth or bad teeth.  

#3: Soft Chew Toys 

Does your dog still love to get their chew on? A chew toy made of flexible material can be the just-right mix of softness and durability. Options like our Flexi Chew toys are made with a gummy and bouncy texture, which is gentler on teeth and designed for lighter chewers.

They can also be frozen, which can feel especially nice if your dog has any discomfort from dental issues. 

#4: Puzzle Toys and Treat Toys 

If your dog enjoys brain games, a puzzle or treat toy would be a good choice! These intriguing toys come in a variety of shapes and with different features, such as treat compartments or openings that can be filled with your dog’s favorite soft treats or spreads. They also give your dog the option to switch between snacking or chewing depending on their mood!  

#5: Plush Toys 

Not only are stuffed or plush options another good toy for a dog with bad teeth, but they also help fulfill a dog’s emotional needs. Similar to a stuffed toy for children, they can offer your dog comfort and companionship, especially if they’re an anxious dog.  

Bad Teeth? No Problem! 

There’s a wide variety of toys to make your dog happy, no matter how many teeth they have! 

If learning which chew toys are good for dogs with no teeth or bad teeth has piqued your interest, here are a few more dog toy guides: 

• ✅  Your All-in-One Guide to the Best Types of Dog Toys 
  
  
• 🩶 Senior Dog Care: Activities & Toys for Older Dogs 
  
  
• 🥱 The Best Types of Toys for Bored Dogs