4 Best Dog Separation Anxiety Toys to Calm Your Pet

Given the extraordinary situation caused by the pandemic, it’s reasonable to find ourselves overwhelmed by the adjustments we’ve had to make to our daily lives. This situation also impacts your cherished animal companion. Using toys specifically created to reduce separation anxiety in dogs can greatly assist your pet in adapting to their usual indoor and outdoor routines.

It would not be as easy at first, but it is possible to start from there. What’s important is we never stop pondering and learning.

Here’s a Quick List of the Best Dog Toys for Separation Anxiety We Highly Recommend

• 
  Outward Hound’s Hide-A-Squirrel Puzzle Plush Dog Toy (Best Interactive Puzzle Toy)
  
• 
  Snuggle Puppy Behavioral Aid Toy from SmartPetLove (Best Comforting Heartbeat Toy)
  
• 
  Kong Classic Natural Rubber Dog Toy (Best Chew, Fetch, Enrichment, Food Puzzle Toy)
  
• 
  Ethical Pet with Squeaker Toy (Best Realistic Looking Stuff-Free Toy)
  

Best Dog Separation Anxiety Toys See Amazon.com for the best selection and value. #commissionsearned

Let’s get started with some facts on how to help a dog with separation anxiety.

Separation Anxiety in Dogs

Like humans, dogs dislike being alone as they can also detest loneliness. Their separation anxiety is difficult to observe, and it is even more tricky to resolve, making it a predicament for both you and your pet.

Anxious dogs act out when their owners are away from home, which can leave you worried sick and more than a little hesitant to go. 

Separation anxiety in dogs manifests symptoms such as

• Digging or chewing
• Circling around or pacing
• Door scratching
• Constant barking, whining, or howling
• Defecating or urinating indoors

Your dog most probably has separation anxiety when the above symptoms occur. Their anxiousness can damage furniture, tear shoes, and break your appliances if taken lightly.

This can even result in aggressive behavior or self-injury, which may require medical treatment for separation anxiety. Dog toys can be one solution you can turn to then.  

4 Top Dog Toys for Separation Anxiety

Be patient as you likely can not treat separation anxiety in your dog right away. Try experimenting with different ways to get your dog’s attention and tame him. The following toys might be one of your solutions.

1. Outward Hound’s Hide-A-Squirrel Puzzle Plush Dog Toy

Intrigue your dog with Outward Hound’s Hide-A-Squirrel Puzzle Plush Dog Toy by hiding smaller toys in its holes. The toy will challenge him to retrieve them with its obscured squeakers all over.

It is a brain teaser as the squeaky squirrels will spur him to seek them out. As a result, he won’t even notice you’ve left for a few hours. 

This toy is cuddly soft and serves as a mental stimulation and interactive game. It encourages your dog to solve a problem while playing. After removing all the squirrels, you can toss them to let him play a game of fetch.

However, the treat puzzles are for supervised play and not for a chew. Remove them after playing.

Specific Features:

• Soft plush
• Comes with squeaky squirrels
• 2-in-1 interactive play
• Available in different styles and sizes

Pros

• Harnesses mental stimulation ability
• Challenges skills in problem-solving
• Compatible with refill animals
• Positive energy outlet
• Fun interactive play
• Gentle on gums and teeth
• Exercises brain

Cons

• Toy material may be easy to chew and rip
• May cause choking if its nylon materials are ingested
• Needs supervision 

2. Snuggle Puppy Behavioral Aid Toy from SmartPetLove

Snuggle Puppy Behavioral Aid Toy from Smart Pet Love can serve as a perfect buddy that will allow you to leave your dog alone without a worry.

The toy offers more than comfort as it will also relieve his anxiety and your dog gets to calm down. Whether in a new transition, crate training, or the playpen, this item will be there to the rescue. 

Your pet will not feel the separation with the toy’s pulsing, a monitored heartbeat that is incorporated into its body.

The beat resembles that of humans duplicating their attributes. Meanwhile, its heat pack offers warmth when he cuddles the product. 

Specific Features:

• Pet calming solution
• Real-feel pulsing heartbeat
• Has heat and heart packs
• Cuddle buddy

Pros

• Machine washable fabric
• Nontoxic heat source
• Eases loneliness and separation anxiety
• Lessens barking, restlessness, incessant panting, and whining of pets
• Its battery life lasts two weeks (with 24-hour usage)
• Easy to clean

Cons

• The heartbeat can be a little intense for more sensitive or smaller dogs
• Heartbeat functions through a battery

3. Kong Classic Natural Rubber Dog Toy

Keep your four-legged friend healthy and happy while you’re away with Kong Classic Natural Rubber Dog Toy.

This makes separation less lonely and challenging, and more rewarding. Its puncture-resistant natural rubber makes it ideal for the average chewers.

Their repetitive chewing relaxes their stress, allowing them to release their excess energy and frustrations. 

You may stuff the Kong toy with treats or goodies to extend the exploration time of your dog. Choose the right item for your pal as it comes in different toughness and colors. This is one of the best dog chew toys from this company.

Special Features:

• Made from natural rubber
• Has a unique design with unpredictable bounce
• Fetch, food puzzle, and enrichment chew toy
• Stuff with treats and goodies
• Available in various sizes, colors, and toughness

Pros

• Ideal for instinctual needs
• Ideal for average chewing dogs
• Durable
• Vet recommended
• Easy to clean and keep

Cons

• May not be suitable for aggressive and powerful chewers

4. SPOT Ethical Pet with Squeaker Toy

Bring out the natural hunting instinct of your canine with SPOT Ethical Pet with Squeaker Toy.

The toy will fulfill his desires for hunting for hours. Wait a little while until he discovers the hidden squeakers to elevate his playing experience. He can carry it around, look for it, and sleep with it like he finds comfort in it.

The item is made of polyester fabric, which makes it soft and resistant to water. Rather than stuffing with food like peanut butter, its inner material produces a crunchy sound.

Your pup will have fun flipping, shaking, tossing around, and retrieving it. Also, this stress relief item can be the best dog toy for puppies.

Specific Features:

• Made from polyester fabric
• Stuffing-free
• Can calm your dog
• Realistic design
• Available in unique designs

Pros

• Internal squeaker offers satisfaction to the natural hunting instinct of dogs
• Soft and water-resistant
• Great toy for tug-of-war
• Pet safe

Cons

• Too small
• Could be ruined easily by aggressive chewers

FAQs

1. What is best for dogs with separation anxiety?

Dogs with anxiety because of separation need special treatment and affront. Talk to your vet first to get advice on the medication for mild to extreme conditions. You can stuff a puzzle toy with peanut butter for a start. You can buy natural calming supplements over the counter as an alternative option for a dog with separation anxiety.

2. Does Benadryl help dogs with separation anxiety?

Yes, Benadryl’s diphenhydramine content offers drowsiness that helps calm your anxious dog. Try to walk him as well to shake off some of his excess energy.

3. Do Kongs help with separation anxiety?

Kong is a stuffed treat that eases a dog’s anxiety peaks. This makes Kong one of the best separation anxiety dogs toys.

4. What is the first stage of separation anxiety?

At the first stage of his anxiety when left alone, your dog vocalizes and becomes destructive.

5. What is the best dog toy for aggressive chewers?

The best toy for tough or aggressive chewers is one that is made from rubber and thick rope material. These materials will unlikely tear the toy by their powerful grip. Find the best dog toys for chewers to help relieve or to soothe his aggressive behavior.

Final Thoughts

Dog separation anxiety can be a serious pet disorder. Fortunately, these dog anxiety toys are now available for your pup. Select the one that will be effective to curb his anxiousness or relieve stress. A dog separation anxiety training like exercise periods could also help improve his behavior.

Our Top Pick

We choose Outward Hound’s Hide-A-Squirrel Puzzle Plush Dog Toy as the best for a dog with anxiety. The toy will relieve not only his mental condition, but it is also fun and interactive. Every pet owner would love to give this to their pet whenever necessary. It treats your pup, which is a great help in calming him down.

Which of the above toys for separation anxiety is effective to keep your dog calm?

If your pet is still a little distressed, try these top remedies to train him to calm down anytime you have to leave.