5 of the best dog toys for separation anxiety

When a quick dash to the shops turns into an anxious ordeal for your four-pawed pal, we know the dog parent guilt can be real. That’s where the best dog toys for separation anxiety come in handy, making alone time a little easier for your fur baby as you cross tasks off your to-do list. We’ve chosen some of the most durable and effective anxiety toys for dogs, but first, let’s take a look at how dog toys for anxiety work.

How do toys help dogs with separation anxiety?

Toys for dogs with anxiety are specially designed to keep pooch pals calm by providing them with a source of comfort during stressful situations. They can also provide great distraction if you're working from home with dogs.

Some keep pups busy with mental stimulation and tasty rewards while others mimic companionship, and if you’re not sure how your four-legged friend acts when you’re away from home, a dog camera is a great place to start.

If you think your furry friend is suffering from separation anxiety, it’s a good idea to speak to a vet about how to treat separation anxiety in dogs. Understanding why your fur baby is suffering is the key to alleviating some of their stress, and aside from anxiety toys for dogs, pet parents may need to think about special training programs for separation anxiety or enriching their pooch pal’s environment with additional activities. Maybe there has been a sudden change - like a house move or introducing a new dog - either way, it's worth discussing with a vet.

That being said, anxiety dog toys definitely play a part in calming down nervous pups, so without further ado, let’s take a look at the best dog toys for separation anxiety.

Five of the best dog toys for separation anxiety 

Kong Classic Dog Toy

Whether you’re looking for toys for anxious dogs or not, you’re missing a trick if you haven’t already got your pup a Kong. This chew toy’s a classic for a reason, acting as anything from boredom-busting treat dispensers to unpredictable additions in a game of fetch, Kong dog toys provide endless entertainment for furry friends, pet parents, and dog sitters alike. Tasty treats are known for their ability to fend off feelings of separation anxiety, and with a Kong filled with delicious delights, Fido won’t even notice you’ve gone! For ultimate distractibility, spread a thin layer of dog-friendly peanut butter around the inside of the Kong chew toy and stick your fur baby’s fave treats to it. Top tip - pop your treat stuffed Kong in the freezer for an hour or so to make it extra tricky for your pup to devour. If you’ve got an enthusiastic chewer who will gobble up the treats and then some, let them channel their energy into the extra-durable Kong Extreme, which is made from the toughest Kong rubber (we recommend using these toys under supervision before leaving your pup to their own devices!).

Pros:

• Treat dispensing toys are a great distraction for separation anxiety
• This toy can be filled with a variety of wet and dry treats or toys
• It’s easy to wash in the dishwasher or by hand. We recommend cleaning the Kong toy before its first use
• All Kongs are made from durable rubber (although choose the Kong Extreme option if you’ve got a monster muncher!)
• They act as slow feeders for pups who normally wolf things down
• Kongs can be used for a fun game of fetch as the toy bounces in unpredictable directions
• They come in a variety of sizes, from x-small to xx-large

Cons:

• If your dog’s anxiety causes them to lose their appetite, food-orientated dog toys like these are unlikely to work

Although super durable, no toy is completely dog chew-proof, so keep an eye on Fido if you know he likes to get his teeth in

Lukito Lick Mat for Dogs

These highly rated lick mats have the paw of approval from thousands of four-legged fans who are kept busy as they indulge in the dog-friendly delights spread across the surface. Four different textures make the tasty treats even more difficult to get to, slowing down feeding time and distracting pups if they don’t like being left alone, or you've got both dogs and babies at home and need your pup busy for a while.

The silicone lick pad is durable, dishwasher-safe, and can be popped in the microwave or freezer to make the toppings of peanut butter yogurt, mashed banana, and other treats extra enticing. The suction cups at the back make it simple to stick these lick mats to any floor or surface, providing the perfect distraction in stressful situations. 

Pros:

• Lick mats are budget-friendly
• They’re durable and easy to clean
• They work well with both wet and dry food
• The mats can be attached to any wall or surface
• They’re easy to take with you when traveling

Cons:

• Lick mats aren’t ideal for pups who aren’t stimulated by food or need to lower their calorie intake 
• This isn’t exactly a toy

Snuggle Puppy Sleepy Time Dog Toy

Transport cuddle bugs back to puppyhood when they were all snuggled up next to their furry brothers and sisters. As much as you’d like to be involved, we’re afraid this soft toy isn’t designed for humans. Instead, it’s one of the best toys for anxious dogs of all ages, be it young pups taking their first steps alone or older four-pawed pals having a hard time. The removable pulsing heart disc mimics the natural heartbeat of canine companions, and a single-use heating pad can also be inserted into the toy for extra cozy comfort. If your fur baby finds calming toys like this one soothing, they might also enjoy snoozing on your t-shirt, bedding, or just about anything that smells of you while you’re out. 

Pros: 

• It’s soft, warm, and comforting
• Snuggle Puppies are suitable for all ages, but they’re especially useful for young pups who are adjusting to life away from their furry mom
• They’re machine washable (but be sure to remove the heat pad and heartbeat disc) 
• They come in five different colors

Cons:

• Aggressive chewers can tear this toy apart pretty easily, so it may not be suitable for all pups

Outward Hound Nina Ottosson Dog Brick

Motivated by the scent of tasty treats, pups will use their problem-solving skills and top-notch noses to nuzzle and paw at this treat-dispensing puzzle toy, opening treat covers and sliding them from side to side to reveal their yummy rewards. With four different levels, pet parents can increase the difficulty as pups go from beginner to expert problem solvers, and this puzzle toy works perfectly as a slow feeder, boredom buster, or dog anxiety toy. 

Pros:

• It’s easy to clean
• Mentally stimulating
• There are a variety of different levels to challenge your pup

Cons:

• As it contains small (chewable) parts, this is designed to be used under supervision, so won’t be ideal if you’re looking for something to distract your fur baby while you’re out
• It works best when filled with individual dry treats

Furbo 360° Dog Camera

Looking for ways to interact with your fur baby when you can’t be at home? Or perhaps you want to see how your furry friend’s getting on without you. Become a fly on the wall of your furry friend’s life with this dog camera, which shows you what Fido’s up to any time of day or night, with a rotating 360° view that follows your furry friend’s movements, high-quality zoom, and color night vision. Soothe your fur baby by speaking through the camera and download the free Furbo App to shower them with treats for good behavior. The barking sensor sends push notifications to your phone to tell you if your furry friend’s got something to say, and upgrading to Furbo Dog Nanny will help give you peace of mind while you’re away from your best bud. 

Pros:

• Dog cameras are easy to set up
• It gives a full view of your fur baby’s activities even if you can’t be with them
• You can interact with your furry friend no matter where you are 
• It can be reassuring for pet parents to know what’s going on at home 

Cons:

• It’s pricey
• Hearing their pet parent’s voice whilst being unable to see them could cause further distress to anxious four-pawed pals - use this function at your own discretion

Trusted tip! Don't forget, camera and recording devices are not allowed on a sit. Check out our Camera & Recording Devices Policy for all the details.

How else can I help my anxious pooch?

While toys can help, separation anxiety is no walk in the park - for you or for your pooch. See here for more tips on how to identify and treat separation anxiety in dogs.