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The past few years have taught a lot of us about anxiety—and one thing we’ve learned is that humans aren’t the only ones who experience it. Your dog might feel anxious sometimes, or they might experience a bigger, more consistent problem. Separation anxiety, the fear that kicks in when a dog’s human leaves the home, is especially common, and toys are a helpful tool in managing it.
Calming dog toys offer maximum distraction power that encourages a soothing behavior, like foraging or licking. They’re also a great part of a larger anxiety toolkit to help ease your pup back into a routine, promote mental stimulation, and minimize separation anxiety. Of course, every dog is different—and depending on your pup’s temperament, energy level, age, and chewing habits, some calming toys will have more success than others.
Dealing with anxiety can be overwhelming for dog parents, so we consulted two veterinary experts to discover which types of calming toys are most effective—and in what situations they tend to work best. We’ve rounded up some good ones below that will speak to a range of dogs and their people.
Not sure where to start? Hop down to our explainer on how to get the most out of calming dog toys.
- Best Calming Toy for Puppies: Snuggle Puppy Heartbeat Toy
- Best for Seniors: Outward Hound Hide a Squirrel Plush Puzzle Toy
- Best for Separation Anxiety: Paw5 Wooly Snuffle Mat
- Best for Situational Anxiety: HyperPet IQ Lick Mat
- Best for Nervous Lickers: Stashios Soothing Saucer Calming Kit
- Best for Crate Training: KONG Classic Dog Toy
- Best Calming Toy for Chewers: Nylabone Easy-Hold Power Chew Toy
- Best for Nervous Diggers: iDig Digging Toy by iFetch
- Best for Food-Motivated Dogs: PetSafe Calming Busy Buddy
- Best for Puzzle Lovers: Nina Ottosson Tornado Puzzle
- Best Calming Aromatherapy Toy: AromaDog Therapeutic Plushie
- Best Pet Camera: Furbo 360°Treat Tossing Camera
Best Calming Toy for Puppies: SmartPetLove Snuggle Puppy (Verified Review)
Sometimes the simplest things bring the most comfort. Plush heartbeat toys combine warmth, softness, and a rhythmic pulse to recreate the experience of snuggling with littermates—which makes them particularly helpful with nervous puppies, according to Dr. Jamie Whittenburg, DVM, Veterinary Director at Senior Tail Waggers. “The simulated heartbeat sound may be soothing to orphaned puppies or young puppies in new homes, away from their mother for the first time,” she explains.
The SmartPetLove Snuggle Puppy comes with a single-use heating pad and a battery-operated pulsing “heart” disc. These can be secured with Velcro in the toy’s belly pouch. If your dog finds the heating element soothing, replacement heating pads are available. The toy’s cozy appeal certainly makes it effective with puppies, but we found dogs of all stripes can benefit from its calming properties.
One downside to stuffed heartbeat toys, however, is they make easy targets for heavy chewers. “I warn pet parents that anxiety-prone dogs, as well as younger dogs, may be more likely to chew these toys. This can be dangerous if they ingest the stuffing or the electronic sound maker,” says Dr. Whittenburg. The best way to avoid an accident is to use these toys under supervision.
Features we like:
- Batteries included
- Shell is machine-washable (air dry only)
- Five color varieties to choose from
Things to consider:
- On the pricey side
- Won’t hold up to determined chewers
Best for Seniors: Outward Hound Hide-A-Squirrel Plush Puzzle Toy (Verified Review)
Puzzle toys are ideal for maintaining your senior dog’s cognition and keeping them occupied. “These dogs can use puzzle toys to keep their minds stimulated, which will reduce destructive activity, such as chewing on inappropriate objects or digging,” Dr. Whittenburg remarks.
Senior dogs, in particular, can benefit from softer puzzle toys that are gentle on their aging jaws. Depending on their mobility, they may also find comfort in a toy that doesn’t require too much movement or physical exertion.
This plush hide-and-seek squirrel game is easy on your dog’s teeth, and it offers mental enrichment without being overly challenging. It makes a good choice for seniors with diminished appetites or dogs who aren’t very food-motivated.
The multisensory aspects of this calming dog toy encourage different types of soothing play, like sniffing and foraging, which can help calm your dog while you’re away. And, at the end of a play session, it doubles as a cozy pillow for your senior dog to land.
Features we like:
- Additional squirrels sold separately
- Different sizes to occupy dogs from small to giant
- Squeakers add to the excitement
- Treats or other toys can be stashed in the trunk for longer play
Things to consider:
- Plush design can be destroyed by some dogs
Best for Separation Anxiety: Paw5 Wooly Snuffle Mat (Verified Review)
Providing a safe distraction is key for dogs who suffer from separation anxiety. Snuffle mats keep dogs busy by combining problem-solving and scent exploration. “A snuffle mat is a type of puzzle toy that hides food inside layers of fabric or crevices,” explains Dr. Whittenburg. “Dogs must seek out the food and work at reaching it. This can be helpful in keeping highly anxious dogs busy as well as providing enrichment for bored dogs.”
It may not look like more than a shaggy rug at first glance, but as we discovered, the PAW5 Wooly Mat is actually a pretty great dog toy for anxiety and mental stimulation. With curled strips of felt extending in every direction, it engages your dog’s sense of smell as they hunt for treats embedded in the fabric tufts.
As it turns out, all that extra sniffing could have a calming effect on your pet, according to certified dog trainer and behaviorist Mindy Waite, Ph.D., CAAB, CPDT-KA. “There is some literature (although not much) suggesting that engaging in sniffing activities through nose work increased dogs’ willingness to approach novel objects,” she says.
One Rover tester discovered you can keep your dog busy for longer by stuffing treats deeper into the fabric folds for a more challenging hunt. By the time your dog is done foraging, they’ll be tuckered out with a satisfied belly—which hopefully means they won’t notice your absence as strongly.
Features we like:
- Measuring 18 x 12 inches, it’s big enough for larger dogs
- Machine-washable and dryer-safe
- Can be used with treats or a dog’s regular dinner
Things to consider:
- Can be messy and spread crumbs around
Best for Situational Anxiety: Hyper Pet IQ Treat Mat (Verified Review)
Image by Amber Christensen
Yet another type of puzzle toy, lick mats are designed with textured rubber that can be filled with a spreadable treat to get dogs gnawing and licking. “A lick mat can be used for dogs that are anxious around feeding time or as a tool to allow the dog to self-soothe,” says Dr. Whittenburg.
Waite adds that lick mats are smart for addressing anxiety during temporary tense moments because of their ability to hold a dog’s attention. Given the affinity most dogs have for peanut butter, yogurt, or other tasty treats, we’re not surprised licks mats have so many devoted fans.
Designed with a tighter puzzle pattern, this “calm-style” lick mat creates more of a challenge for your pup—ultimately helping distract them from scary things. Several Rover test pups use this Hyper Pet mat to help with situational anxiety around things like thunderstorms and visitors. Just spread a delicious dog-friendly treat over the mat and freeze it for a tasty, long-lasting distraction.
Features we like:
- Made of food-grade rubber
- Cleans up quickly in the sink (or dishwasher—top rack)
- Microwave safe
- Lightweight and easy to pack for travel (like to the vet)
Things to consider:
- No suction cups; try the Aquapaw instead if you need a bath time distraction
- Extra calories can add up fast
Best for Nervous Lickers: Stashios Soothing Saucer Calming Kit (Verified Review)
The design is unusual, but for anxious or compulsive lickers, it’s hard to beat the Soothing Saucer. Set within a sturdy conical base, a heavy ball rotates in a pool of broth, picking up more of the liquid every time your pup gives it a spin. The Stachios kit comes with a calm-promoting broth formulated with lavender and ashwagandha that pet parents can mix with water to reconstitute—though you can use any dog-safe bone broth in the device.
Our testers found the Soothing Saucer kept anxious pups distracted and relatively peaceful during stressful situations like visits from strangers and storms—with remarkable longevity. Oscar the perpetually anxious Mini-Dachshund made it through a whole week of wound cleanings and licking prohibitions on the strength of the Soothing Saucer (and a recovery suit) alone.
Features we like:
- Kit Comes with a Soothing Saucer and two packets of Beef Bone Broth Soothing Sauce
- Soothing broth contains lavender, ashwagandha, and magnolia bark
- USA-made, BPA-free, and dishwasher safe (top rack)
Things to consider:
- Especially tiny dogs may have a hard time rotating the ball with their tongues
- If supplements like lavender and ashwagandha are new to your pup, reach out to your vet to make sure they’re okay for your dog’s diet
Best for Crate Training: KONG Classic Dog Toy (Verified Review)
A major part of crate training is creating positive associations with your dog’s kennel. To that end, it’s helpful to offer your dog something they really love while they’re in their crate. And for a lot of dogs, that’s food!
Treat-filled puzzle toys offer a welcome distraction for dogs still warming up to their crate. In particular, the KONG Classic is easy to stuff with treats, or you can freeze it with some dog-safe peanut butter to keep dogs focused and relaxed for a longer period of time.
While it makes a good choice for moderate chewers, the KONG Classic won’t hold up to more aggressive chewers, who will need the extra-durable model. There’s also a KONG Senior and a KONG Puppy, so dogs of all types are covered.
One more thing worth keeping in mind: This type of toy might not work for profoundly anxious dogs whose nerves render them unable to eat.
Features we like:
- Durable non-toxic rubber that’s dishwasher safe
- Made in the USA and subject to strict quality control tests
- Can be filled with a variety of dog-safe stuffings and treats
- Affordable toy option
Things to consider:
- Treats will add calories
- Not suitable for dogs with low food drive or who are too anxious to eat
Best Calming Chew Toy: Nylabone Easy-Hold Power Chew Toy
“Dogs have an innate need to chew,” points out Dr. Whittenburg. “They can use chewing behavior to self-soothe as well as to occupy their time when they are bored.” There’s even evidence that the simple act of chewing can decrease stress levels, helping your dog feel better.
For the best chews, Whittenburg recommends KONG toys and soft rubber Nylabones: a vet-recommended brand that offers quite a range of dog chew toys. Highly rated, we like that the Power Chew has four paw grips that make it easy for your dog to grasp. It’s also made with tough nylon, so it should stand up to heavy chewers.
For safety reasons, the strength of your dog’s chew toy must be appropriate for their size and chewing power. So if you have a large or giant dog, they might do better with the Nylabone Monster Bone Power Chew. And, since chewy toys that are especially hard put dogs at some risk of ingesting slab fractures, Dr. Whittenburg recommends doing a simple test first. “You shouldn’t allow your dog to chew on anything that is too hard to easily press your thumbnail into,” she advises.
Waite confirms and adds to this approach. “There is probably no chew toy that is 100% safe, but pet parents can mitigate these risks by talking to their vet, knowing their dog’s chewing behaviors, buying high-quality and size-appropriate chews that are too big to swallow, and supervising their dog whenever possible,” she says.
Features we like:
- Bacon flavor
- Four paw grips allow chewing from any angle
- Textured surface promotes dental health
Things to consider:
- Not for super large or giant breeds
- All chew toys pose some risk
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Best for Nervous Diggers: iDig Digging Dog Toy By iFetch (Verified Review)
Some dogs, like Dachshunds, were born to dig. And many other dogs find it a fun exercise that helps curb boredom and alleviate stress. The concept behind these novel digging toys is similar to that of snuffle mats. They put your dog’s foraging, digging, and scent-tracking skills to work, keeping them focused on the task at hand—rather than their anxiety.
Great for hunty pups, this puzzle toy has pockets and flaps of fabric for hiding snacks and toys for your pup to burrow out. It is on the pricier end. But as we found out in our testing, the stationery design makes the iDig gentler on home wear and tear, a quieter option for apartment living, and a good choice for anxious senior dogs who might have limited mobility.
Features we like:
- Made with three digging flaps
- Flaps are removable and machine washable
- Features outer hard-plastic design
- Good for dogs who like puzzle toys
Things to consider:
- Will take up considerable floor space
Best for Food-Motivated Dogs: PetSafe Calming Chamomile Busy Buddy
Food-dispensing toys come in a range of configurations and difficulty levels. Since they reward dogs with a tasty nibble, trainer Mindy Waite considers them an excellent choice for distracting food-driven dogs in stressful moments—or to even reduce stress during training.
“I love treat-dispensing toys for discouraging problem behaviors,” she says. “They reward the dog for engaging in toy-related behaviors and withhold food if the dog engages in other behaviors. Barking does not result in food dispensation, for instance.”
This pair of chamomile-scented PetSafe toys is slightly more challenging than the KONG Classic, so it should keep dogs occupied for longer. For more of a challenge, the Busy Buddy incorporates soft prongs to hold treats inside longer. These prongs can be trimmed, according to your dog’s ability (once you trim though, you can’t go back!). Fill with dry kibble or a spreadable treat (like dog-safe peanut butter or yogurt) and let your dog lick and chew their troubles away.
Waite does warn, however, that dogs with food sensitivities or digestive issues may need to be careful about what they put into treat-dispensing toys. And you’ll also need to clean them thoroughly to avoid mold growth.
Features we like:
- Two different toys offer variety and help with boredom
- Available in small (dogs 10-20 pounds) and large (dogs 20-50 pounds)
- BPA-free material
Things to consider:
- Dogs who are too stressed may not be interested
- Not ideal for extra-large dogs or super chewers
- Some dogs (and dog parents) may dislike the smell
Best for Puzzle Lovers: Nina Ottosson Tornado Puzzle
As we’ve seen, puzzle toys come in many forms and are often recommended by veterinary experts for handling boredom and keeping dogs mentally engaged. In terms of anxiety, puzzle toys can help dogs to focus on something other than the fact that their beloved human has left for work.
While Waite considers these toys a handy item in your anxiety-busting toolkit, she also thinks the best candidates for puzzles are dogs with previous experience with them.
“Given how little food these tend to dispense, I’m unsure how much these toys would be able to compete within a stressful context,” admits Waite. “Nevertheless, if a dog has a lot of experience with these puzzles and is highly motivated to engage in them, they could reduce the saliency of a stressful situation through distraction.”
From dog game creator Nina Ottosson, this pick is a popular intermediate puzzle toy for pups who are ready for more mental stimulation. It requires your dog to spin the alternating blue and yellow layers to access the treat cavities. If one cavity is open, that means another is closed, making some treats inaccessible.
For an added challenge, removable bone-shaped covers put another obstacle between your pup and their reward. (And, if you have a genius pup on your hands, check out Nina Ottosson’s advanced puzzle toy: the Twister.)
Because of the solo bone pieces, this is a calming dog toy that is best used when you’re at home and available to supervise play.
Features we like:
- Intermediate design for more experienced puzzlers
- Alternating levels to increase the challenge
- Suitable for dogs of different sizes
- Affordable option
Things to consider:
- Could be frustrating for beginners
- Might not have long-lasting distraction power
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Best Aromatherapy Toy: Aromadog Essential Oil Therapeutic Toy
The jury is still out on whether aromatherapy is an effective tool for canine anxiety. Nonetheless, plenty of pet parents report positive results using dog-safe essential oils for their anxious pups. Infused with calming scents like lavender, soft aromatherapy dog toys may be able to offer your pooch a welcome sense of calm.
However, because dogs have more sensitive noses than us humans, pet parents should proceed with caution if they intend to use these toys, warns Dr. Whittenburg. “Though essential oils may be soothing for humans, they can be overwhelming for dogs,” she explains. “If a pet parent wants to try these toys to calm their pets, I do not suggest that they place them in an enclosed space, such as a crate, where the dog cannot move away from it.”
With those guidelines in mind, your dog may appreciate the comfort of a lavender-scented companion from Multipet. These soft and snuggly plushies release their scent whenever your dog chews down on the squeaker. They’re on the smaller side, though, so these plushies are ideal for smaller breeds.
Features we like:
- Size is great for smaller dogs
- Snuggly and scented design
- Easy to pack for stressful trips
- Made with soft fleece
Things to consider:
- Characters are shipped at random
- Scents may wear off over time
- Not for super chewers
Find on Chewy Find on Amazon Find on Petco
Best Pet Camera: Furbo 360° Treat Tossing Camera
Pet cameras are handy for separation anxiety since they allow you to observe exactly how long your dog can handle your absence, then calibrate your training accordingly. Plus, they help you identify what triggers your pet’s anxiety, Dr. Whittenburg tells us.
This updated version of the popular Furbo pet camera gives users a full view of the room by rotating 360 degrees. There’s also a built-in mechanism that tosses treats to your dog via the free app, making temporary separation a little easier. Our tester especially liked the push notifications, which let them see exactly what was going on when their dog was barking.
What’s more, Furbo’s live-stream dog camera lets you speak to your pup remotely—although both of our experts expressed doubts regarding how soothing this feature actually is for dogs. “Some cameras incorporate a two-way feature which allows pet parents to speak to their dogs from afar,” says Dr. Whittenburg. “But in my experience, hearing their human’s voice without them being present can actually unsettle an anxious dog further.”
That’s not to say every dog will find this experience disconcerting. If your dog seems relieved to hear your voice during your lunch break, we say go for it!
Features we like:
- Great for assessing anxiety triggers and observing how dogs react
- Helps dog parents develop a plan for tackling anxiety
- Helps reduce dog parent stress while away from home
- Treat-dispensing feature can add a fun distraction
Things to consider:
- Expensive option
- Remote voice feature may add more stress to your dog
Getting the Most Out of Calming Dog Toys
Calming dog toys work best when you know your dog’s anxiety triggers—the event that sparks their feelings of fear or stress. Some triggers are obvious (like thunderstorms and visitors) and some are harder to figure out (like small male dogs or people with umbrellas).
To get the most out of a calming toy, you’ll want to create a safe space for your dog, then offer the toy shortly before their trigger occurs. For example, if your dog has a hard time when you leave the house, you might settle them in their crate or a cozy corner, then offer a designated separation-anxiety toy that they only get when you’re heading out. Ideally, your pup will be able to focus on the toy and bypass the tough trigger stage.
It’s best to work up to it slowly, though. You might start by offering the toy when you’re in another room, or when you’ll be gone for just a few minutes. You can watch what your dog does on a pet camera or plant another friendly human spy. Whatever you opt for, remember to supervise play in the beginning, since no toy is totally dog-proof.
Additionally, Dr. Whittenburg recommends switching up toys frequently to keep dogs from losing interest. It’s helpful to remember that calming toys are just one part of a broader anxiety-tackling strategy. Some dogs may also require medication, others will benefit from calming beds, and there are also Thundershirts and weighted blankets to consider.
“Each dog is different and what works for one may not work for another,” Dr. Whittenburg remarks. “Like humans, dogs have widely differing personalities as well as likes and dislikes. I recommend trying a few different toys and watching to see what your dog prefers.”
How We Chose
The calming dog toys featured here were selected based on a combination of our own hands-on testing, a comprehensive look at customer reviews, and interviews with veterinary experts. We prioritized toys that appeared effective and durable, as well as toys that promote calmness by encouraging dogs to engage in species-specific behaviors. We’re also guided by the experience of living and playing alongside our own much-loved and strongly opinionated dogs, who are never stingy with their feedback.
Pet Parent Resources
Whether or not your dog experiences separation anxiety, you’ll want to ensure they’re well cared for when you’re away from home. If you plan to be gone longer than usual, consider booking an in-home pet sitter or boarding your dog with a trusted caretaker.
