The best heartbeat toy for a puppy is a special kind of puppy toy that can make all the difference when you're introducing a nervous young dog to your home - and taking them away from their mum and litter mates. Heartbeat toys can greatly help with that transition, giving them a soft, cuddly buddy that emits a soothing and comforting heartbeat to reassure them as they get used to being alone.
Best heartbeat toys for puppies at a glance:
Heartbeat toys for puppies can also help with crate training, so your doggo doesn't feel so alone, and may assist you in getting your puppy to sleep at night as the heartbeat creates a calming, rhythmic sleep environment.
Heartbeat toys aren't just for pups - older dogs can benefit from them too if they are very anxious or struggling with anxiety separation. Such toys are typically available as plushies in various animal varieties, but we've also looked at a pillow-style version, and a bed mat for your pup to lie on. See which one would best suit your puppy in the selection below.
Best heartbeat toy for a puppy
Best overall
Snuggle PuppySnuggle Puppy has been producing heartbeat toys for puppies for over two decades and claims to have helped over a million poor pooches. Their current toy could help yours with its friendly dog shape, 'Real-Feel' pulsing heartbeat simulator and heat pack. The simulator has two modes: 24/7 continuous and eight hours with auto-off – ideal for soothing your dog through the night. The toy is made from certified safe materials and can go through the wash.
Two AAA batteries can last up to two weeks with continuous use, or it can be manually switched on or off.
Customers say this is a strong and well-made cuddle toy. It washes well too. The heart beat sound is a bit loud, according to some reviews. Also, the heat pack is a single-use 24-hour disposable pad. A customer recommends getting a reusable microwave heat pad.
Pros
- Auto-off mode so it's perfect for using overnight
- Batteries included so it's ready to use straight away
Cons
- Heat pack is a single use disposable item
Best budget heartbeat toy
ALL FOR PAWSYour pup can lay with a lamb while we are told to count sheep to help us fall asleep. This sweet snoozing toy offers a heart-shaped heartbeat simulator that beats like a real heart to comfort your baby dog. It's 38cm long, so it's suitable for all breeds. It has super-soft fleecy fur and soft cotton padding. The heartbeat simulator is powered by three AG13 batteries, which are a very affordable option. With the simulator removed, this toy can go through the wash.
In addition to the dosing lamb, All For Paws offers other cute plush heartbeat toys and the heartbeat simulator, which can be purchased separately.
Customer reviews comment that the toy is effective in helping to ease their puppies' anxiety. It's a tremendously comforting toy to give a pup that may have had a difficult start in life. However, the heartbeat sound is quite loud. Also, it could be more durable, so if your pet is anything but sweet-natured with their toys, choose a more robust alternative.
Pros
- Premium plush fabric that's super soft to cuddle
- Machine washable so it's easy to keep it hygienic
Cons
- No heat pack
Best with heartbeat toy with heat pack
Pets Know BestThis HuggiePup option combines warmth and a pulsing heartbeat to comfort your little pooch. Two AAA batteries power the rectangular heartbeat simulator and offer different modes. If you press the heart-shaped power button once, it will stay on for four hours, or press and hold for three seconds, and you'll get eight hours of soothing beats. We like this toy's reusable heat pack – it needs to be microwaved for just a minute to warm up. This toy is machine washable.
The adorable huggy hound is available in Golden or Chocolate plush. Customer reviews praise HuggiePup for helping their pup sleep in their crate through the night. It's also been a comfort to older dogs that are suffering from separation anxiety. The heartbeat device is securely enclosed by a double layer of Velcro that prevents chewers from getting at it. But that also makes it a bit tricky to remove it and replace the batteries. A review says to slowly prise the Velcro apart because rushing would rip it at the seams.
Pros
- Reusable, microwaveable heat pack
- Four and eight hour modes
Cons
- Batteries not included
Best pillow-style heartbeat toy
ALL FOR PAWSAnother All For Paws heartbeat toy is this pillow option. This bone-shaped pillow can be placed in your dog's basket, bed, or crate and emits a steady stream of soothing beats. Two AAA batteries power this pillow's heartbeat simulator, which has a simple on/off button. This lightweight cushion measures 30cm by 19cm.
It can be used as a behavioural and sleep aid to ease anxiety in dogs who are home alone or getting used to a new environment.
Customer reviews say this a great toy that has longevity beyond being a soothing puppy toy. Dogs quickly become attached to their heartbeat bone. It can help settle an excitable pup. However, the stitching is not robust enough to withstand rough play. Also, the heartbeat sound is described in a review as "ticking".
Pros
- Strong alternative to a toy
- Simple to operate
- Stays with your pup into adulthood
Cons
- Some reviewers say the heartbeat is too loud
Best for large pups
WoekWe like WEOK's heartbeat dog toy for its generous dimensions. It measures 57cm long, so it is suitable for larger dogs or even to comfort a litter of smaller pups. This is a soft, fluffy, stuffed plush with a Velcro closure compartment for the heartbeat simulator to be hidden away in. The pulse is described as a 'life-like beat'. This offers eight hours of operation with a press of the power button. It also has tap-to-activate functionality, so if your pup is particularly smart they can learn to turn it back on with a nudge or tap of their paw.
This cuddly sausage dog toy can be used as a travel companion, calming sleep aid or for behavioural training. Its soothing cuddles can help ease separation anxiety.
Customer reviews praise the heartbeat as realistic. The toy is lovely and soft, and it's also a decent size for a pup to cuddle with. The only negative was from an owner who bought a second toy after being impressed, but the latter was not as good quality.
Pros
- Long length is great for larger dogs
- Tap-to-activate functionality
Cons
- Supplied vacuum-packed
Best for small breeds
Beezteeswww.ebay.co.uk
Beeztees 'Snoet' is a rabbit-shaped plushie toy with a friendly face and a fluffy belly. It is a more compact solution than other options we're highlighting, measuring 25cm long and slimline at 7.5cm. This makes this bunny a good choice for smaller breeds who might be nervous of larger toys. The Beeztees heartbeat simulator is sold separately and offers ten-minute bursts of heartbeat sounds from each press of the power button.
There is, in fact, a range of Beeztees puppy cuddle toys and more to choose from. But we love this adorable little rabbit. The seller gets high and positive feedback. Just bear in mind the small size of this plushie, as it's best suited to toy and small breeds.
Pros
- Slimline design that doesn't take up too much space
- Tactile fluffy detail that's comforting to cuddle
Cons
- A bit too small for larger dog breeds
Best bed mat-style heartbeat 'toy'
WoekAnother WEOK option, this is a substantial 'toy' that works well as a bed mat to go in your puppy's basket or crate or – if you allow such shenanigans – be placed on an armchair or sofa. Your puppy can lie on the soft, padded body of the elephant, rest up against the elephant's head and enjoy the soothing heartbeat sound. This measures approximately 45cm long and has the bonus of squeakers in the paws for some fun sonics.
Customers say the heartbeat pulse can be felt and heard when placed next to your ear—so, thankfully, it's not too loud. You need three AAA batteries, as these are not provided, and you'll need a small screwdriver to pop the batteries in. Note that this particular heartbeat toy doesn't have a heat pad.
Pros
- Large size so a dog can lay on it
- Squeaky paws for fun
Cons
- Cushion insert is not machine washable
Best heartbeat stuffed animal toy
Pet PrimeThe cutest snuggle bear for your puppy is this Pet Plush Toy with Heartbeat and Warmer. Its reassuring heartbeat helps to alleviate anxiety that eases feelings of loneliness. The heartbeat is powered by 2 x AAA batteries and the warmer can be heated in the microwave. The plush toy is made from skin-friendly fabric that is also a doddle to clean.
Customer reviews praise this Pet Prime heartbeat toy for helping to solve night-time behavioural issues with their puppy. It's just the right size for puppies to cuddle up to and feel safe and snug. However, it is intended for relaxation and will not withstand rough play and excessive chewing.
Pros
- Helps alleviate anxiety and loneliness in puppies
- Includes a microwaveable warmer to provide comforting warmth
- Ideal for puppies to cuddle up to, promoting a sense of security
Cons
- Not designed to withstand aggressive chewing or rough play
How we chose the best heartbeat toy for a puppy
All of these heartbeat toys have been hand-selected by our team of Take A Break Pets shopping experts. We carefully considered what it's made from, its effectiveness and its value for money in our selection of the best. Our team has spent hours investigating and researching heartbeat toys for puppies to make it easier for you to find the very best, and we'd never recommend a product we don't believe in.
With pets big and small on our team, where possible we'll share the best products that have been tried and tested by our own furry friends who have given their paw of approval. And, with help from veterinary experts, we share their knowledge to ensure everything we choose is paw-fect for your pet.
FAQs
Do heartbeat toys for puppies actually work?
It all depends. Some puppies find massive comfort in such a toy, and there are thousands of product reviews online from grateful owners to back this up. However, particularly nervous pups might find a heartbeat toy frightening. As with all puppy toys, it's best to introduce a heartbeat toy gradually so your dog can get used to it. Heartbeat toys are never suitable for aggressive chewers who could wreck the toy and gain access to the simulator and/or heat pack.
Are heartbeat toys machine washable?
All of the heartbeat toys we're featuring are machine washable - once you've removed the heartbeat simulator and any heat packs, of course. They can go in the machine on a standard gentle wash.
Are the heartbeat simulators replaceable?
Yes, there are a wide variety of replacements available online and from pet shops. Just check the measurements to ensure they are the same as the one you're replacing so you know what kind will fit inside your toy. Replacement heat packs are also readily available.
Is it safe to leave my puppy alone with a heartbeat toy?
It's not ideal. Manufacturers recommend supervising your pup when they have their heartbeat toy. Only leave them alone with it if you are absolutely certain they won't chew it, as this could mean they get access to the simulator and/or heat pack inside.
What else can help a nervous puppy settle in?
An anti-anxiety bed - whether it's going to be used in a crate, or just on the floor, consider a hooded bed that feels like a cosy cave, a soft doughnut bed they can sink into, or a bed with high sides so they feel protected as they snooze.
A pet-calming plug-in - these work like plug-in air fresheners and emit calming pheromones similar to those their mother would release to reassure her litter.
Teething toys - while such toys are designed to relief the pain of teething, a chew toy can also help with anxiety, satisfying your pup's natural biting instincts.
Interactive puppy toys - super-nervous puppies may not have the confidence for all kinds of interactive toy, but if you can get your pet engaged, it can take their mind off their worries.
Amy-Mae Turner is a Commerce Content Writer for Modern Gardens, Yours, Take A Break Pets, and A Modern Kitchen. When she's not pottering in the garden or mucking around in the kitchen, she can be found having doggy cuddles with her two beloved cockapoochis.