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Bringing home a new puppy or helping an anxious dog adjust to their environment can be challenging. Separation anxiety, nighttime whining, and general restlessness are common struggles for young puppies and nervous canines. That’s where heartbeat puppy toys come in—these comforting toys mimic the soothing rhythm of a heartbeat, helping dogs feel safe, secure, and less alone.
Designed to replicate the warmth and reassurance of a mother or littermates, heartbeat toys can be especially helpful for crate training, transitioning to a new home, or calming nervous dogs. By providing a familiar and comforting presence, these toys can help ease stress and promote better sleep and relaxation.
If your pup struggles with anxiety or loneliness, a heartbeat toy could be the perfect tool to provide them with extra comfort and support.
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The Best Heartbeat Puppy Toys for Comfort and Anxiety Relief
The Comfort Cuddler can help ease your puppy’s stress in a variety of situations, such as when left alone for the day or during road trips. It’s a cuddly plush toy that comes with a battery-operated heartbeat unit and a warmer pack to simulate a living dog. Your dog can snuggle with it to feel calm and less alone. If the toy gets dirty, the plush part is machine-washable, but you should make sure you take out the heartbeat unit and heat pack first. Everything in this product is non-toxic, making it safe for animals and humans. Best of all, every heartbeat puppy toy purchased donates a toy to a shelter dog in need.
This is another cuddly dog-shaped toy that’s safe for both animals and humans. It comes with a “Real-Feel” battery-operated heartbeat that goes inside the plush toy with two modes to simulate a mother dog’s heart. If the toy gets dirty, it’s machine-washable once the heart is removed. It works best for dogs who get anxious when left alone, especially in the crate. It can help promote sleep, reducing the amount your dog barks or whines in their kennel.
This toy is still dog-like, but it’s shaped like a blanket to offer a comfortable space for your pup. The top is a fuzzy material while the bottom is a non-slip mat to keep the product in place. The battery-operated heartbeat simulator that goes inside the toy can help your dog feel like they’re being comforted by another canine when they’re alone. It can help prevent separation anxiety, anxious chewing or barking, and fear of loud sounds. If you remove the heartbeat part, the product is machine-washable.
The All for Paws plush is a cuddly sheep that can help control anxious puppy behaviors. It comes with two plastic hearts that beat like a real heartbeat, so you can put one or two inside to comfort your dog. Other versions of this toy come with a heating pad to make it even more lifelike. It’s a small plush to make it easy to bring with you when traveling. This toy can only be surface washed by using a damp cloth, so it may not be a good choice for messy pups. You can also use it as a cold pack if needed by putting it in a plastic bag and then storing it in the freezer.
The HuggiePup toy is great for a nervous pup to rest their head on. It’s a small plush dog that comes with a life-like heartbeat and a reusable heat pack that can go inside. All you have to do is press the button on the heartbeat simulator and warm the heat pack in the microwave before leaving your dog alone. If the toy gets dirty, you can clean it in the washing machine if you remove the heartbeat device and heat pack. Some dogs may need to be taught not to chew on their HuggiePup, but once they get used to it, it can help them feel comfortable when left alone.
This cozy puppy toy comes in either the shape of a heart or a bone. Inside the plushie is a heartbeat simulator that’s meant to replicate the heartbeat of your dog’s mother. There are small breed, medium breed, large breed, and kitten versions, all with different heartbeats per minute to feel as similar to that animal’s heart as possible. The heartbeat piece is removable, so you can clean the plush part in the washing machine if needed. It’s the perfect product for dogs transitioning to a new home or dogs suffering from separation anxiety.
Dogs with separation anxiety often sleep better with this plush dog by their side. The plastic heart that goes inside the toy replicates a dog’s heartbeat while the heat packs make it feel like a living dog. The heart is battery-operate,d and each heat pack works for 36 hours. All the materials in this toy are safe for humans and dogs with no choking hazards, making it extra cuddly. If the toy gets dirty, you can remove the heat pack and heartbeat simulator and then toss the plush part into the washing machine.
This product only comes with the heart simulator, so you can choose what you want to put it in. You can put it in a toy or under a blanket to make your dog feel like they’re cuddling with another dog. It can also work well as a replacement heartbeat for any of the other toys in this article. With the push of a button, you can turn this heartbeat simulator on and off. There’s no need to replace the batteries because it comes with a recharging cord so you can plug it in when you’re not using it.
This product is a similar design to the other Moropaky products on this list, but this one is in the form of a small stuffed animal instead of a blanket. It works great for crate training, especially if your dog has a hard time sleeping when they’re alone. The battery-operated heartbeat goes inside the stuffed animal to replicate the heartbeat of a real dog. The heartbeat will shut off automatically after running for eight hours. The toy is made with comfortable, safe fabrics, and the plush part can be cleaned in the washing machine.
Buyer’s Guide for Best Heartbeat Puppy Toy
Any of the heartbeat puppy toys in this article could be a great choice for your furry friend, but here are a few things to consider before buying one.
Heartbeat Simulator
The heartbeat simulator is the most important part of a puppy heartbeat toy. All the products in this article come with one, which can be put inside a toy to make it seem alive to your dog. Most heartbeat simulators make a pulsing vibration like a heartbeat, but some may also make a sound.
Consider whether you want yours battery-powered or rechargeable. For a unique option, some products have different beats per minute depending on your dog’s size.
Heat Pack
Some of the best puppy heartbeat toys also come with heat packs to put inside. The heat packs can replicate the warmth of a mother dog. If you want some of these with your product, choose one that comes with heat packs or purchase some pet-safe heat packs separately to add to the toy.
Appearance
For some dogs, appearance may matter. A toy that looks like a dog may make your pup more likely to cuddle with it rather than tear it apart. However, some dogs care more about how the toy feels than how it looks.
Materials
The toy’s materials should be soft and cozy to encourage anxious dogs to cuddle with it. All the materials should also be safe for both pets and humans. Before giving the toy to your dog, make sure it has no loose pieces that could become choking hazards.
Size
The ideal size for these toys depends on your dog’s preferences. Some dogs may want a toy that’s bigger than them so it seems more like a mother dog. Other dogs might be fine cuddling with a smaller toy, especially since it will take up less space in their crate.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Does a Heartbeat Puppy Toy Do?
A heartbeat puppy toy simulates the heartbeat of a real dog to comfort puppies or dogs of any age. It’s often used to aid separation anxiety, help dogs adjust to new environments, and reduce stress in overwhelming situations.
Do Heartbeat Toys Really Work for Puppies?
Yes, heartbeat toys work well for many dogs. However, every dog is different, so while some dogs might feel soothed around them, others might get excited and try to use them as chew toys.
Do Heartbeat Toys Work for Separation Anxiety?
Yes, heartbeat toys can help fight separation anxiety in dogs. The heartbeat of the toy makes your dog feel like they’re not alone, helping them become comfortable in situations that are normally stressful for them. However, not every dog reacts to these toys the same.
Why are Puppy Heart Beats so Fast?
Heartbeats typically depend on the size of a dog, so puppies have faster heartbeats than adult dogs because they’re smaller. Small breeds also have faster heartbeats than large breeds when full-grown. So, if your puppy or small breed dog has a fast heartbeat, it’s likely normal, but you can talk to your vet if you want to make sure.
What Causes Separation Anxiety in Puppies?
Puppies may experience separation anxiety if there are changes in their environment, such as a new owner or a new home. Those changes may make them nervous when left alone. Using one of these heartbeat toys may help a dog relax if they’re prone to separation anxiety.
Give Your Dog the Comfort They Deserve
Whether you have a new puppy adjusting to life away from their litter or an anxious dog who hates being alone, a heartbeat toy can offer a simple yet effective way to provide comfort. These plush companions help create a sense of security, making transitions and stressful moments much easier for your furry friend.
While no toy can replace human interaction and training, a well-designed heartbeat toy can make a significant difference in your dog’s overall well-being. With the right approach, you can help your pup feel calm, confident, and loved—no matter the situation!