While puppy separation anxiety toys may not completely soothe your dog’s stress, they can make it more bearable.
If you’re not sure where to start your search for them, no worries; we’ve got you covered!
Below are some of our picks for the best dog calming aids and toys.
Take a look!
Top Pick
FYI, this post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, we earn a small commission at no extra charge to you.
Want to skip ahead and just grab our top pick? Check out the SmartPetLove Snuggle Puppy Behavioral Aid Toy
How can the right toys help puppies with separation anxiety?
Puppy separation anxiety toys may not be able to completely prevent or stop your furry friend from feeling stressed when you leave, but they can help!
First, they’re entertaining, giving your pup something else to focus on aside from your absence.
Plus, many of them include neat features that you just don’t find in your average everyday plush or chew toy.
Let’s get started, I think it’s easier for you to see what I mean as we go along.
Best Puppy Separation Anxiety Toys
Take a peek at our top 6 favorite puppy separation anxiety toys, then read on for the entire list.
We’ve included Chewy links, too, when applicable.
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TOP PICK
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#2 PICK
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Top Feature:
Heartbeat bear with warming features
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Chew-resistant, soothing lavender
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Heartbeat bear with blanket
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Slow-feeder and toy in one
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Great chew toy
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Plenty of toys, so pup won't get bored
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$90.00
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1. SmartPetLove Snuggle Puppy Behavioral Aid Toy
This toy is absolutely perfect if you can’t hold your puppy non-stop, but will still be fairly close-by to supervise.
He will have the cutest companion, and won’t feel your absence so quite strongly.
Features
It was created to reduce any anxiety-generated behaviors in your dog, by being a fluffy companion.
Because of the “real feel” pulsing heartbeat, along with the heat source, it will make your dog feel like he’s close to his mama.
It only needs two AAA batteries that will assure the functioning of the toy for two, non-stop weeks, and you can wash it in the washing machine on a delicate cycle.
Pros & Cons
- Pros– Calms your puppy, Reduces the effects of separation anxiety,
- Cons-you need to pay attention to the batteries, shouldn’t leave dogs alone with it.
As long as you remember to change the toy’s batteries, your dog will stay happy and content.
Recommendation
It’s very important to still spend as much time as you can with your puppy, as this toy will never be able to replace you.
Also, since it does have batteries and a heat source (albeit a small one), you shouldn’t leave a puppy alone with it.
2. All for Paws Puppy Heart Beat Behavioral Aid Plush Toy
This sweet lamb is another great heartbeat toy for any pup dealing with anxiety.
It will help him stay calm and content, and also make him feel loved even when you can’t cuddle him.
Features
Every calming system this toy has is completely safe for your pup.
The batteries will work for about 300 hours, and it’s suitable for both cats and dogs.
Thanks to the heartbeat simulator, your pup will be able to stay calm during thunderstorms and fireworks shows.
Pros & Cons
- Pros – long-lasting batteries, calming effect, reduces the symptoms of noise anxiety.
- Cons – you need to make sure your pup won’t chew on it.
This toy had a powerful calming effect for any pup, but you still need to make sure that he doesn’t chew on it.
Recommendation
Again, even with all the safety features, it’s best not to leave your pup alone with anything that has batteries.
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10. BarkBox Monthly Subscription Box
The BarkBox Subscription comes with a few different toys each month, so you’ll always have something new on hand to give puppy before a particularly stressful day.
Features
You will get new toys and treats every month, so your dog won’t get bored with the ones he already has.
Pros & Cons
- Pros – new toys every months, interesting treats, dental toys included.
- Cons – you may end up having too many toys.
This is a great option to keep your pup busy for months to come, but you may end up with too many toys!
Recommendation
Since you don’t know what dogs and treats you will receive, you should make sure that they are appropriate for your pup before giving them to him.
4. Charming Pet Calming Lavender Ice Agerz
Lavender is great for calming both humans, and dogs.
This toy managed to combine two very important calming elements, making a cute lavender-scented elephant.
Features
It doesn’t require any batteries, and it’s made out of durable materials, so your dog won’t destroy it quite so easily.
It makes a lot of cute sounds in order to keep your pup engaged, while the lavender scent will keep him calm during hard times.
Pros & Cons
- Pros – calming effect, made out of durable materials, makes rattle and squeaky noises.
- Cons – may lose its scent if you wash it.
This is an amazing toy that’s going to calm your pup, but if you wash it, the scent may go away.
Recommendation
A fantastic toy overall, and your dog will be more than happy to spend a couple of hours with it.
5. Z-vine Dog Toy Heartbeat Plush Toys for Dogs
This one is a little different than the other heartbeat puppy separation anxiety toys above.
It was made considering a dog’s needs for companionship. It’s very cute and mimics having a companion very well.
The heartbeat simulator combined with the blanket-style design will really make the dog feel like he is not alone. Plus, it’s made out of non-toxic materials for his safety.
Features
Being very easy to operate, this toy can be turned on and off in just a second.
Its realistic heartbeat simulator will feel your puppy feel loved, and you can throw it in the washing machine whenever you need to.
Pros & Cons
- Pros – heartbeat simulator, easy to operate, machine washable.
- Cons – the heart may break, and your dog may turn it on and off by accident.
This is an overall great toy and it will calm your pup when he needs it the most.
You should pay attention and see if your dog is learning to turn it on and off.
Recommendation
This is an amazing toy, and it will work perfectly with puppies and small breeds, as they may see it as a littermate.
Again, since it has batteries, be sure to supervise him while he plays with it.
6. Lickimat Soother & Buddy
Even though this is a slow-feeder, it’s also an amazing toy that will keep your pup calm.
The act of licking helps release endorphins that make your dog feel happy and relaxed.
Features
Being a slow feeder, this toy promotes licking.
The dog will spend quite some time eating their meals, and this is incredibly important.
Besides releasing a lot of endorphins, this toy also reduces the risk of gastric torsion (aka “twisted gut”).
It’s also great to protect your dog’s teeth health, as the saliva generated will protect his teeth and gums.
Pros & Cons
- Pros – relieves stress, slow feeding, and protects your dog’s teeth.
- Cons – some dogs may not be interested in it.
This is an amazing toy and will really help your dog cope with stress and anxiety, but some dogs may not be interested in it.
Recommendation
This shouldn’t be used at all times.
You can leave his food in it when you are away, but he may lose interest if it’s used too often.
7. Kong KP32 Puppy Activity Ball
The KONG KP32 is an amazing toy you can use in order to reduce any destructive behaviors caused by separation anxiety.
The inside can be stuffed with treats, so the dog will definitely choose it over anything else.
Features
This one is good for helping puppies deal with the itchy gums during teething, as well as giving him a proper alternative to chewing because of the separation anxiety.
The inside can be stuffed with delicious treats, so the dog becomes a lot more interested in it.
Pros & Cons
- Pros – promotes natural chewing, good for teething.
- Cons – it’s only suitable for puppies.
This is a great toy for any puppy who wants to chew on something when their owners are away.
It’s an amazing toy to help your pup deal with itchy gums.
Recommendation
This is an amazing toy and a good option for every puppy who needs to nibble on something from time to time.
Make sure though, that the treats you use are proper for your dog’s age.
8. Outward Hound Interactive Puzzle Game
Dogs do like to play, and this game is absolutely perfect for that.
Your dog will learn how to open and push the elements on the boards and find some delicious treats in there, all this while staying busy for a long time.
It’s one of the best toys to help your dog with separation anxiety.
Features
The toy contains three types of movable and unlockable elements, so your dog will have a blast learning how to open them and retrieve the treats.
Your dog needs to flip, remove, and slide the treat boxes in order to find them all. It’s easy to clean, and it comes in four different levels of difficulty.
Pros & Cons
- Pros – easy to clean, relieves stress, and keeps your dog entertained.
- Cons – some dogs may not be interested in it.
This is an overall amazing toy that will keep your pup busy for a long time, but after a while, he may start to lose interest in it.
Recommendation
This is a great game, and your dog will try to get his treats as soon as possible.
Just remember that nothing can replace your presence!
9. Petstages Dog Chew Toys Dogwood Puppy Pack
Do you know how dogs just love to chew on tree branches? Well, the manufacturers of this toy seem to have it all figured out.
Your dog will be able to endlessly chew on a piece of wood, without injuring himself.
Features
The dogwood contains the natural wood flavors dogs are so thrilled about, but you won’t have to worry about any splinters hurting him.
It comes in four sizes, suitable for dogs of any age and size.
Pros & Cons
- Pros – keeps your pup calm, wood flavor.
- Cons – some dogs don’t like it.
While some dogs will be completely crazy about this toy and will find it soothing, others won’t be very interested in it.
Recommendation
Just as with any other toy, make sure your dog doesn’t chew too hard on it, because the little pieces may choke him.
9. PAW5: Wooly Snuffle Mat
How about a slow feeder that will keep your pup entertained and calm for hours?
Well, this is what this Wooly Snuffle Mat is all about!
Features
This is a very interesting slow feeder, and it will keep your pup calm for hours at a time.
It’s super easy to fill, and he will have a blast finding all the delicious treats in it.
Even better, it’s suitable for dogs of all ages.
Pros & Cons
- Pros – easy to fill, calming effect, fun for dogs.
- Cons – needs frequent washing.
This is a great toy, and your dog will have a lot of time playing with it.
The downside is that the fabric will require very frequent washes.
Recommendation
This toy is suitable for any dog, regardless of size and age, but you shouldn’t make a habit out of feeding him this way.
Final Recommendation
Even though we told you what our favorite pick is, we also believe that this BarkBox Monthly Subscription Box is incredibly amazing!
What are some of your favorite puppy separation anxiety toys? Share below!
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Last update on 2025-03-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
