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Heartbeat dog toys are everywhere these days, and it’s easy to see why. The soft plushes promise to relieve anxiety and soothe nervous dogs. They’re advertised as aids for crate training, separation anxiety, and stressful situations like thunderstorms. If they can do all they say, they’re a huge boon to pet parents. So how effective are they really?
We asked the experts about the science behind heartbeat toys, plus which type of toy works best for different kinds of dogs and different kinds of anxiety.
Different Types of Heartbeat Toys for Dogs
Heartbeat toys are meant to appeal to a dog’s instincts by recreating the sound of their mother’s heartbeat and the feeling of snuggling with their littermates.
Most designs incorporate a rhythmic mechanical heartbeat, plush fabric, and a heat pack for warmth—though how they go about it differs. For instance, the Snuggle Puppy provides a plush stuffy with a replaceable single-use heat pack and a plastic heart insert. Other options, like the HuggiePup, include a non-toxic heat pack that can be warmed in the microwave.
There are also heartbeat blankets, which typically have battery-powered “hearts” tucked into a pocket, and similar heartbeat pillows and cushions in a range of sizes with heartbeat cadences designed for different breeds.
Do Heartbeat Toys Work? What the Experts Say
According to Dr. Linda Simon, MVB MRCVS, a veterinary surgeon and consultant for PawLeaks, heartbeat toys can help calm young pups, especially if they show signs of separation anxiety and need extra comfort.
“While a cozy bed can help mimic the mother’s fur, opting for a heartbeat toy provides a much closer experience to the real deal,” she says. “When their body thinks they’re next to their mom, they can even produce oxytocin, the ‘love’ hormone that promotes feelings of well-being.”
While Dr. Simon often recommends heartbeat toys to new pet parents of puppies, she cautions that there’s still risk involved with these types of toys, especially for young pups or chewers. Because these toys have stuffing and battery components that could be ingested, she advises pet parents to always monitor their dogs and only purchase heartbeat toys from reputable and well-known brands.
Certified canine massage therapist (CCMT) and experienced therapy dog handler Michelle Lehr of Good Dog Swag also believes heartbeat toys can help adult dogs who are anxious and stressed.
“The science behind this type of toy is based on the fact that dogs are sensitive to sound. Studies have shown that they’re particularly drawn to the sound of their own heartbeat,” she says. “Providing a familiar sound, the toy helps soothe the dog and reduce their stress levels.”
She adds that dogs suffering from separation anxiety, loneliness, or general stress may benefit from these toys. “A heartbeat toy can provide comfort and security to dogs in these situations, similar to the comfort and security they would receive from a real-life companion,” she says.
Heartbeat toys can have the opposite effect on some dogs
While these toys can be soothing for some dogs, they could also cause more stress in others. “I would advise dogs who are aggressive, destructive, or anxious not to use a dog heartbeat toy,” says Lehr. “Aggressive dogs may become even more [aggressive] when exposed to the heartbeat toy, as the sound may trigger a defensive or guarding behavior.”
She also warns against giving these plush toys to super chewers. “Destructive dogs may become overly aroused or excited by the sound, leading them to chew or tear the toy apart,” she says.
And while a heartbeat toy can induce a calming effect, it could lead to more stress for some dogs. “Anxious dogs may become overwhelmed by the sound, leading to increased anxiety levels,” she reports.
Lehr adds that there are other methods to try if a heartbeat toy doesn’t work for your anxious pup. “Puppies can be comforted by the sound of white noise, and some pet parents have found success with sound machines that produce a calming sound,” she says.
Final Verdict: Should You Try a Heartbeat Toy?
Heartbeat toys can absolutely help some dogs—which isn’t a big surprise, when you take into account the positive stories and reviews from pet parents, including our own test pups.
The science is there, backing up how they work. But like many solutions to big issues, heartbeat toys may not be a quick fix. They work best as one helpful part of your overall plan to treat your dog’s anxiety. In particular, dog heartbeat toys often work for:
- Puppies adjusting to sleeping without their mother or littermates
- Pups learning how to stay in a crate by themselves
- Dogs experiencing separation anxiety or loneliness
- Pups who need extra comfort during stressful situations, like thunderstorms, fireworks, or car rides
Heartbeat dog toys may not be a good choice for the following dogs:
- Chew-happy or destructive dogs
- Noise-sensitive pups who might become stressed by the sound
- Aggressive dogs and pups prone to resource guarding
When trying out a heartbeat toy, introduce it to your dog slowly and always supervise your pup, especially if they have a history of chewing or shredding their toys.
If your pup isn’t a good fit for a heartbeat toy, consider giving them an alternative distraction like a puzzle toy, lick mat, or snuffle mat—all known to promote soothing and calming behaviors.