If your puppy is chewing everything in sight, drooling more than usual, and whining at odd hours, you are likely in the thick of teething. Those sharp little baby teeth are pushing through, and your pup needs relief. You have probably heard about stuffing a Kong with peanut butter, but what about freezing it? The short answer is a resounding yes. Freezing your dog’s Kong is one of the best tricks for teething puppies. It turns a simple toy into a long-lasting, soothing treat that numbs sore gums and keeps your pup occupied for much longer than a room-temperature filling. Let’s walk through exactly how to do it right, what to put inside, and a few important safety rules.
Why Freezing a Kong Works Wonders for Teething Puppies
Teething is uncomfortable. Puppies start losing their baby teeth around 12 to 16 weeks, and the new adult teeth pushing through can cause swelling, redness, and pain. The cold from a frozen Kong acts like a natural numbing agent. It reduces inflammation in the gums and provides a safe, satisfying surface for your puppy to gnaw on. Unlike a frozen washcloth or an ice cube, a Kong is designed to be chewed and licked. The rubber is durable, and the irregular shape massages the gums from different angles. Plus, the challenge of getting the frozen goodies out keeps your puppy mentally engaged, which is a huge bonus when they are cranky from pain. If your puppy is also struggling with eating during this phase, you might find our guide on Recommended Dog Food for Cane Corso Puppies helpful for maintaining good nutrition when appetite is low.
Best Fillings for a Frozen Teething Kong
Not all fillings freeze the same way. You want something that will stay inside the Kong, freeze solid enough to last a while, but still be safe and digestible. Here are three go-to options:
- Plain yogurt and banana mash: Mix a spoonful of plain, unsweetened yogurt with a few chunks of ripe banana. Stuff the Kong and freeze. The yogurt adds probiotics, and the banana gives a creamy texture that freezes into a firm but lickable paste.
- Pumpkin puree and kibble: Use 100% pure canned pumpkin (not pie filling). Mix it with a handful of your puppy’s regular kibble. This adds fiber and makes the treat more substantial. It freezes into a solid block that will keep your pup busy for 20 to 30 minutes.
- Wet food or broth ice: Fill the Kong with wet puppy food or low-sodium chicken broth, then freeze it upright in a muffin tin. This is the simplest option and great for puppies who are picky or have sensitive stomachs.
Always avoid xylitol (common in sugar-free peanut butters), grapes, raisins, onions, and garlic. Stick to simple, puppy-safe ingredients.
If your puppy loses interest after the easy stuff is gone, smear a thin layer of plain peanut butter around the small hole at the top of the Kong before freezing. This creates a plug that forces them to work harder to get the filling out, extending the chewing time.
How to Prepare and Freeze a Kong Safely
Preparation is simple but requires a few steps to avoid mess and frustration. First, clean the Kong thoroughly. Leftover food from last time can spoil or grow bacteria. Next, stuff the filling tightly into the large opening. For a teething puppy, you can also smear some filling into the grooves on the outside of the Kong so they get immediate cold relief on their gums. Then, place the stuffed Kong upright in a cup or a muffin tin and put it in the freezer. Freeze for at least 4 hours, but overnight is best. The longer it freezes, the harder the filling becomes, which means more chewing time for your puppy. When you take it out, run the outside under warm water for a few seconds to loosen the surface, making it easier for your puppy to start licking. If your puppy is a heavy chewer, always supervise them with any frozen toy. If you notice pieces of the Kong breaking off, replace it immediately. For more ways to keep your dog comfortable during warm months, check out our guide on how to Keep Your Dog Cool All Summer: Best Cooling Mats, which pairs nicely with cold treats on hot days.
How Long Should a Puppy Chew a Frozen Kong?
Moderation is key. A frozen Kong is a tool, not a full meal replacement. For a teething puppy, 20 to 30 minutes is a good session. Any longer and the extreme cold can start to irritate their gums or stomach, especially if they swallow a lot of cold filling at once. Also, puppies have developing teeth. While the rubber is soft enough not to damage adult teeth, excessive chewing on extremely hard frozen fillings could wear down baby teeth prematurely. Watch your puppy’s behavior. If they start shivering, drop the Kong, or seem disinterested, take it away. Offer it again later as a reward after a potty break or a training session. You can also rotate between a frozen Kong and a Puzzle Toys for Australian Shepherds: Top Picks for Smart Dogs to keep their brain busy without overdoing the cold.
“A frozen Kong doesn’t just soothe the gums, it buys you 20 minutes of peace while your puppy forgets they are in pain.”
Safety Precautions Every Owner Should Know
Frozen Kongs are safe, but only if you follow a few rules. First, always supervise your puppy the first few times you give them a frozen Kong. Some puppies get so excited they try to swallow large chunks of the filling, which can be a choking hazard. If your puppy is a gulper, make the filling thicker and freeze it longer so it doesn’t come out in big pieces. Second, never fill the Kong all the way to the top with liquid only. A liquid-filled Kong can freeze into a solid ice cube that is too hard for puppy teeth. Always mix liquid with something soft like yogurt or pumpkin. Third, clean the Kong after every use. Bacteria love the nooks and crannies of a rubber toy. Wash it in the top rack of the dishwasher or by hand with hot soapy water. Finally, if your puppy has a sensitive stomach or is prone to diarrhea, start with a small amount of filling and see how they handle it. The cold can sometimes upset digestion. If you are also dealing with a breed that is prone to bloat or gulping, consider using a Reduce Neck Strain: Best Dog Bowls for Cane Corsos to slow down their eating at mealtime, and apply the same principle to their Kong by freezing it extra solid.
If your puppy’s teething seems excessively painful, they are refusing to eat, or you notice bleeding gums that don’t stop, please consult your veterinarian. Teething is normal, but extreme discomfort can sometimes indicate an underlying issue like a retained baby tooth or infection.
When to Stop Using Frozen Kongs for Teething
Most puppies finish teething around 6 to 8 months of age. Once all the adult teeth are in, the need for cold relief diminishes. However, many adult dogs still love a frozen Kong as a special treat on hot days or after a long walk. You can continue to use it, but you might want to reduce the frequency or switch to room-temperature fillings to avoid overexposing their adult teeth to extreme cold. Pay attention to your dog’s chewing style. If they are a power chewer who can destroy a regular Kong in minutes, consider upgrading to the Kong Extreme or a similar black rubber version. For breeds that are known for their intelligence and high energy, like Australian Shepherds, a frozen Kong can be a lifelong tool for mental stimulation. You can read more about their temperament in our article Are Australian Shepherds Good Family Dogs to see if this breed is a good fit for your home.
