The 11 Best Calming Dog Toys for Anxiety, According to Experts
The past few years have taught a lot of us about anxiety—and one thing we’ve learned is that humans aren’t the only ones who experience it. Your dog might feel anxious sometimes, or they might experience a bigger, more consistent problem. Separation anxiety, the fear that kicks in when a dog’s human leaves the home, is especially common, and toys are a helpful tool in managing it. Calming dog toys offer maximum distraction power that encourages a soothing behavior, like foraging or licking. They’re also a great part of a larger anxiety toolkit to help ease your pup back into a routine, promote mental stimulation, and minimize separation anxiety. Of course, every dog is different—and depending on your pup’s temperament, energy level, age, and chewing habits, some calming toys will have more success than others. Dealing with anxiety can be overwhelming for dog parents, so we consulted two veterinary experts to discover which types of calming toys are most effective—and in what sit...