Toys for dogs with anxiety
Anxiety is a common experience for humans and man’s best friend is no different. Dogs experience anxiety in stressful situations just like people, but sometimes dog owners may not recognize the signs — or know what to do.
According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), there are three main sources of anxiety in dogs: fear, separation and aging. Separation anxiety, in particular, affects 14% of dogs. Most people can relate to fears, uncertainties and feeling lonely, but we can ask questions or prepare in different ways, which isn’t the case for dogs. Pets rely on their owners to reassure them and keep them focused on something more positive.
One way for owners to help their canine friends with separation anxiety is to find the right toy to soothe and distract.
What does anxiety look like in dogs?
Some symptoms of anxiety in dogs can look like the kind of nervous behaviors owners might expect, such as pacing or whining. But, more often than not, dogs’ anxious behaviors are categorized as destructive or aggressive, which often brings on punishment and more negative feelings in the pet.
Destructive in-home behaviors, such as chewing and accidents in the house, are often signs of separation anxiety, while aggressive behaviors like growling, biting and fighting can be signs of fear-related anxiety and need immediate attention and training.
While destructive and aggressive behaviors get a lot of attention, some symptoms of separation anxiety can go unnoticed, like panting, drooling and excessive barking. Panting can be ignored if the owner thinks the dog is thirsty, and excessive barking can be irritating to the point that an owner might not wonder if there’s anxiety behind the behavior.
What can I do if my dog has separation anxiety?
Because all dogs may experience symptoms of anxiety at some point, it’s good to have a few strategies ready to use when you need them. Depending on the level of anxiety your dog is presenting, you may want to consult your veterinarian for more intensive interventions. If your dog is showing anxiety in most circumstances, they may need medication for treatment.
But if you already know the times when your dog is anxious (for example, car rides or meeting new people), there are a number of dog toys that are made specifically to address the symptoms.
Most dog toys for canine anxiety are made to soothe or distract or both. Some toys function to divert chewing or digging while others are more suited for dogs who need comfort and reassurance. The toy that works best will depend on the specific dog’s anxious behaviors,
Best toys for dogs with anxiety
Best bang for your buck dog toy for anxiety
KONG Classic Dog Toy: available at Amazon and Chewy
Our take: This treat-dispensing toy is good for dogs who chew and lick when anxious.
What we like: Kong is a high-quality dog toy brand, and the classic dog toy comes at a great price and in one- or two-packs.
What we dislike: This toy may be too large for smaller dogs. Also, any toy involving food may get messy.
Best snuggly dog toy for anxiety
Moropaky Puppy Toy with Heartbeat: available at Amazon.
Our take: If your dog needs comfort over distraction, this cuddly stuffed animal provides a heartbeat pulse that lasts up to 8 hours.
What we like: This toy is great for soothing: it looks like a dog and can accompany your pet for kennel training.
What we dislike: If your dog chews and licks, this toy may not last long. Batteries are not included as well.
Best dog toy for distraction
PAW5 Wooly Snuffle Dog Feeding Mat: available at Amazon and Chewy.
Our take: Hide some treats or dog food in this inconspicuous mat and your dog will be able to engage their foraging skills for a highly stimulating distraction.
What we like: The feeding mat looks like a gray rug that isn’t totally out of place among your decor.
What we dislike: While it’s great for at-home use, this mat is inconvenient for anxiety outside the home.
Best dog toy for anxious digging
iFetch Q-100 iDig Digging Toy: available at Amazon and Chewy.
Our take: For anxious diggers, this is a great little mat to keep them from tearing up your yard or floors.
What we like: It looks similar to a dog bed and comes in two sizes so you can hide treats and engage your stressed dog with a paws-on activity.
What we dislike: For the toys on this list, this is a very pricey toy for something that you can only use at home.
Best dog toy for anxious chewing
Willie Bones Modern Dog Chew Toy: available at Amazon.
Our take: This popular choice for aggressive chewers is just as tough as many competitors, but it doesn’t advertise itself as indestructible the way other brands tend to oversell.
What we like: At a great price, you get a chew toy designed for dogs of all sizes and that floats in water.
What we dislike: If you’re looking for neutral or natural colors, this toy only comes in bright blue.
Best dog toy for anxious licking
Lickimat Tough Heavy-Duty Slow Feeders for Boredom and Anxiety: available at Amazon.
Our take: Slow treat-dispensing feeders are a good way to keep dogs busy while you’re gone, and this is a different take on the slow feeding bowls.
What we like: The mat works with peanut butter, yogurt and other wet treats.
What we dislike: Your pet could step on the mat and track the food around the house.
Best puzzle for smart dogs with anxiety
Nina Ottoson by Outward Hound Interactive Puzzle Game: available at Amazon.
Our take: This highly-rated treat-dispensing puzzle for dogs can keep an anxious dog busy while you’re away.
What we like: It features four levels from beginner to expert and comes at a decent price for a more complex toy.
What we dislike: This is another toy that isn’t convenient for separation anxiety outside of the home.
Best on-the-go dog toy for anxiety
Bath Bones Anxiety Bone Slow Feeder: available at Amazon.
Our take: For a lot of pets, car rides can be a source of separation anxiety even when the owner is simply in the front seat, but this slow treat-dispensing licking toy can attach to the car window and keep your dog focused in the back seat.
What we like: Suctions to your car window for convenience and stability.
What we dislike: You might have to wash your car windows more often as it doesn’t cover them and your dog will likely miss the bone as they lick.
Best dog anxiety toy for boredom
ZippyPaws Burrow Squeaky Hide & Seek Plush Toy: available at Amazon and Chewy.
Our take: Not all pets (or owners) like squeaky toys, but the dogs that do will enjoy this soft chipmunk puzzle toy.
What we like: The hide & Seek plush too is a great soothing plushie for restlessness and distraction.
What we dislike: Because it is plush, the toy is not suitable for aggressive chewers.
Ashley Clayton Kay is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
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