How safe are teething kongs?

[Lisa_T]

Holly has never looked twice at rubber toys. She likes ropes and soft cuddly (preferably squeaky) animals. I obviously don't know yet about the pup's preferences, but I've a feeling she'll be more adventurous. With that in mind, I've bought a teething kong for small dogs. Now, it's not the usual curvy kong shape- it's more of a stick, and I find myself questioning how safe it is. I want something that I could leave her with if necessary- Holly's never been into playing or chewing when I'm not there, as far as I can see- so can anyone make any suggestions? What about those teething keys? I think I have nylabones too- but Holly has zero interest in them. What do other people find keeps young puppies occupied for a while?
Oh, and is that Kong-paste safe for pups, or is it laden with sugar and other yukky stuff?

so happy I finally worked out the atavar

[Kingofthehouse86]

It liked the Orka mini chew http://www.petstages.com/default2.asp King loved this toy when he was a pup and still now....It's one of his favs and I found it a good teether....

Or I kinda like the Chili-Bone never used it on King but heard great from other ppl http://www.earthanimal.com/acatalog/chili_bone.html

[Karlin]

Jaspar liked his chili bone. A lot of teething pups like a washcloth dipped in water, twisted out and then frozen while twisted.

The kongs are all really safe toys as long as they are the right size (eg not too small).

[Alison_Leighfield]

I used to freeze the kongs in the freezer overnight, empty with nothing in them, nice and cold for sore little gums.

Alison, Wilts, U.K.

[Claire]

We used these plastic bones with little knobs (not sure right word) they were quite good, they bite into small pieces and are digested..... plus they had the ropes.

[Kingofthehouse86]

I like Karlins idea bout the frozen washcloth, wish I knew bout that earlier could've saved some $$$ on toys...yea rit my King had almost every teething toy I could find

[sallymum]

gave sally a kong 2day stuffed with her food mixed with peanut butter, shes still at it now, never seen anything as good to keep them busy. when ever i have to leave sally now i know what to give her.

[amanda L]

yep, kongs are great, the ones you can stuff food into, just don't get the one I did, it was all rubber and Milly showed no interest in it. I got the small red kong, put in kibble mixed with peanut butter or a little cream cheese, she has loads of fun licking this out and always has a little sticky peanut butter face afterwards

[amanda L]

oops, meant to say that I don't use the kong paste, looks

[Lisa_T]

I don't think I can use cream cheese though- I know Holly's not really supposed to be given any kind of cheese/dairy derivative as her dad nearly died from an allergic reaction to a cheese cube treat I'll have to check if that's an issue for the ruby baby. And what kind of peanut butter? Chunky or smooth? I got the teething stick kong for the toy pup- it's small, but my little girl is tiny, so it should do her a little while, at least. If she likes it though I'll get one of the proper kongs.

Karlin, love the idea of using the washcloth. I take it it's best to buy one brand new, rinse in water and then simply freeze? I suppose if it's too big I could cut it into strips, plait the strips, and then wet and freeze... hey, I like that idea Even cheapo towels like the 72p ones from Asda could be plaited into a good teething rope...