The Best Calming Dog Toys to Help Ease Your Pet Friend’s Anxiety
Dogs experiencing anxiety are not good news for the owners; they practically pass it on. It's exhausting to be aware that your dog is anxious! While nothing beats your presence in your dog's life, the top calming dog toys in 2024 can keep them occupied and distracted throughout the day. If you can get your hand on something that diverts your pet's attention from depression and anxiety towards entertainment, wouldn't you want that?
Like humans, dogs are also known to undergo depression mostly when separated from their owners. In this case, a toy, prop, or activity is your best bet. Toys don't have to be complicated; sometimes, a stuffed animal or an old t-shirt will suffice. Don't know how to pick the best one? This post discusses the top ones in the market that can be chewed or cuddled. Without further ado, let's begin!
Buyer’s Guide for the Finest Calming Dog Toy
Benefits of Getting a Calming Dog Toy
Dogs are pack animals that need to interact with one another. They become nervous when separated from their friends, enter a new location, or engage in strange activities alone, which sets off a chain of anxious behaviors. You must immediately acclimate him to his new surroundings and reduce his anxiety, dread, and restlessness. In this situation, a calming dog toy comes in handy.
Calming dog toys are beneficial to dogs of all ages, from new pups adjusting to their new home to shelter dogs acclimating to their new surroundings to seniors who want to feel protected and loved.
Factors to Consider Before Buying a Calming Dog Toy
Dogs have a short attention span, and it can be tough to find something that can keep your pet dogs distracted for hours. There are numerous alternatives available on the market, but which one should you buy? Before you decide to get one for your dog, keep the below factors in mind.
Material
Remember that most materials used to stuff dog toys, such as polyester fiberfill, aren’t entirely digestible. Dogs should always be supervised when playing with a rippable toy, especially squeaky toys. Toys that are too harsh for your dog’s teeth should be avoided. One good way to know that is via ‘The thumbnail test.’ The test is to apply pressure on the toy with your thumbnails and see if it can endure it.
Safety
When selecting any dog toy, the main priority should be safety and ethical considerations, mostly dependent on the dog’s size, activity level, and preferences. It is recommended that toys be purchased without ribbons, threads, eyeballs, or other tiny parts that can be chewed off and ingested. Experts recommend toys constructed of a strong, robust rubber as a safer chew toy option. Besides, check labels to verify that toxic fillers such as nutshells and polystyrene beads are not included.
Size
Another essential thing to consider is the size of the toy. Large dogs are likely to swallow or choke on the small bits. Small parts might get stuck in your dog’s throat and obstruct their breathing. Therefore, only buy toys that are appropriate for your dog’s size.
Price
When it comes to the price of a dog toy, there are numerous options available. The cost of a toy is frequently linked to its quality and materials. Small, plush toys are less expensive, and high-quality chew toys are more expensive. Make sure it’s made of safe materials by doing your research. Quality matters! Don’t ignore it!
Conclusion
Dogs are also prone to anxiety caused by various factors, and luckily, there are tools available to assist us in keeping our pets calm, such as the best calming dog toys. All of these were made with safe materials and with dogs’ behavioral needs in mind to provide a calming effect. They’ll help your dog develop a positive attitude and cope with everyday stressors.
Top Calming Dog Toys in 2024 Reviewed
Snuggle Puppy Heartbeat Stuffed Toy
– Best Overall
Smart Pet Love Snuggle Puppy is specifically designed to help your pet canines overcome the stress they might be feeling daily. This unique toy acts as a source of intimacy and warmth for your dog, which works well when feeling lonely, scared, or sad.
The toy enhances and promotes a real-life experience for your dog; it comes with a fake heartbeat and a heat source that effectively calms down your pup. As a result, you’ll be able to get a decent night’s sleep as well.
- It helps provide a relaxing new environment
- It helps puppies sleep through the night
- Reduces anxiety-related behaviors like whining and barking
- It is machine washable
- Outcomes may not be as expected
Moropaky Puppy Calming Toy
– Runner Up
If your dog suffers from separation anxiety or cage training, this plush dog toy can be your best pick. It’s a safe and natural way to help your pet cope with stress, anxiety, and other bothersome habits. Moropaky employs acoustic therapy to assist fur-babies in relaxing and feeling at ease in various scenarios.
The package comes with a real heartbeat stimulator attached to the plush dog toy. The dog will hear and feel a realistic human heartbeat when the device is turned on, thereby lowering fear and delivering a great deal of comfort. Besides, it can also help your dog adjust to the kennel as quickly as possible and sleep better.
- Reduces aggression
- Relieves and calms a dog’s separation anxiety
- Made up of high-quality cotton
- Convenient and easy to operate
- Package doesn’t include 3 AAA batteries
All for Paws Behavioral Aid Toy
– Honorable Mention
For paws, puppy behavioral aid toys are designed especially for anxious and lonely dogs. This appealing grey sheep minimizes negative behaviors occurring through instincts, not through medication. It’s a comfortable plush toy for dogs to snuggle, rest, and play with.
Just like other products on this list, this one also offers a pulsing heartbeat for your dog. The pulsing heartbeat can be used continuously for 6 hours on just 3 AG13 button batteries. You can toggle the heartbeat function on and off as needed. Besides, the plush toy is machine washable with the heart removed.
- Recreates intimacy with a simulated heartbeat
- The soft shape is ideal for cuddling/napping
- Eases sadness, fear, and loneliness
- Long-lasting battery life
- Batteries are not included
Calmeroos Puppy Heartbeat Toy
– Also Consider
The Calmeroos puppy heartbeat toy helps puppies sleep peacefully through the night. With the heartbeat toy by their side, it’ll be easier for your dogs to transition into your homes efficiently. The toy works excellent in addressing issues like anxiety and depression in dogs.
It includes two long-lasting, disposable heat packs that give soothing warmth when your dog most needs it! Each heat pack is good for 36 hours. Place the heart and the heat pack into the Calmeroos pouch. This combination delivers snug comfort and soothing warmth to your pet, allowing them to feel peaceful, happy, and at ease.
- Super soft and cozy plush
- Soothes nerves with gentle heat
- Durable and long-lasting heat packs
- Safe for puppies to cuddle with
- Adult dogs may not benefit from it
Nocciola Dog Squeaky Toys
– Also Consider
The Nocciola set includes five interactive animals: Redd the fox, Grumpy the crocodile, Zesty the zebra, Calma the Calf, and Tender the Tiger. Each one has its personality and amusing appearance and was designed to be your dog’s best friend at home. This team is the new weapon to keep your companion occupied over many games. It comes with thrilling features and a slender body for funny movements.
Each Nocciola squeaky buddy contains nine squeakers and crinkles noise producers that continue to perform even after being punched, making it the paw-perfect toy for enticing and exciting your dog. Such squeaky toys are proven helpful in relieving anxiety in dogs, cleaning their teeth, and minimizing destructive behavior.
- Stereo sound effects ideal for interactive play
- Extra soft, fluffy, and cuddly fabric
- Satisfies the dog’s natural urge to chew
- Dogs may destroy it to find the source of sound
People Also Asked
A: Calming toys are excellent aids for re-establishing a routine for your dog. They aid in reducing separation anxiety and ensuring a peaceful night's sleep.
A: Calming toys are for all dogs, puppies, and adults. While they provide warmth and security to puppies, they also offer comfort and love to older dogs.
A: Chew toys help clean your dog's teeth, control plaque/tartar buildup, and satisfy their natural urge to chew. Whereas snuggle toys provide comfort, warmth, and help adjust to a new environment. Both have their pros and cons; it largely depends on whether your canine pup prefers it or not.
A: Yes. For various reasons, including but not limited to being constructed from safe, non-toxic materials and inventive designs.
A: These toys are excellent for anxious dogs who require a soothing distraction. If your dog exhibits compulsive behaviors, it will undoubtedly need additional training and help. Visit the veterinarian with your pet.
- Great Pyrenees – Petfinder
- Great Pyrenees Guide – Animal Planet