Cuddly Cute! A Dog Heartbeat Stuffed Animal

Would you be surprised to learn that more than 72% of dogs experience anxiety? Your anxious pup is not alone with this ailment according to a survey published on Science Reports.

The issue then becomes, how to help your furry buddy deal with anxiety in an effective manner. A heartbeat stuffed animal could be the solution. Honestly, I didn’t think this type of gadget would help my dog, Henry. Heck, he hates dog toys. I was wrong!

While it may take a few minutes for a dog who doesn’t like toys to get used to a heartbeat plush animal, it does help. Actually, it’s a surprising game-changer! Henry is proof positive. Today, today let’s dig in and discover the cuddly awesome benefits of a dog heartbeat stuffed animal. 

A heartbeat stuffed animal simply calms stressed pups.
disclaimer note

*Updated: October 2, 2024

Budget tip:

While a plush animal toy may seem just like just another toy, it definitely isn’t a “toy”. It’s a soothing aid for your dog. In fact, by using a heartbeat stuffed animal, you may decrease your dog’s anxiety and your need to purchase calming supplements. It can be a great relief for any pup, even those who don’t like toys. Thus, it’s a huge win-win for your dog and your wallet!

What is a heartbeat stuffed animal?

a cute pup naps with a heartbeat stuffed animal

Henry received one of these heartbeat dogs for Christmas. Surprisingly, within minutes he had settled down and snuggled down and was napping with his new “toy”. WOW!

Basically, a heartbeat toy is an adorable stuffed animal with a real feel heartbeat. It’s rather an innovative idea. Moreover, these cute devices provide a constant heartbeat to mimic your dog’s human or their mother. In a nutshell, think of it as a pacifier for your dog even if they don’t like toys.

Does your pup hate dog toys? It’s really a matter of learning how to play the way your dog likes. In this article, I share the tricks I’ve learned from Henry.

How can a heartbeat stuffed animal help my dog?

dog sleeps with his heartbeat stuffed animal

Here’s the cool part. The benefits of a heartbeat toy are great for your dog. They include:

  • Providing comfort and security, much like you or their mother 
  • Helps with anxiety issues, including separation anxiety
  • Promotes better sleep

Pretty cool, huh?

Have you ever looked at your dog and wondered if you should go to the vet? I have with Henry. In this article, I share the top signs your dog needs to see your vet.

If you’d like to get a heartbeat stuffed animal, similar to Henry’s, just click here!

How does a heartbeat dog toy work?

puppy naps with a calming heartbeat stuffed animal

The premise behind these heartbeat plush animals is simple, to soothe and calm your dog.

For example, with Henry’s dog, there’s a pocket in its chest that contains a pink heart-shaped device. Some of these cute stuffed animals come with a red heart.

When you press the heart the snuggle puppy begins to beat rhythmically and sounds like a heartbeat. This simple sound is calming to all dogs. It helps relax them when stressed. 

Moreover, Henry’s heartbeat snuggle puppy will run for 7 hours, unless I turn it off sooner. This is great for nighttime or when I leave him alone.

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When should I use a heartbeat stuffed animal for my dog?

Henry with Rex his heartbeat stuffed animal
Henry with his heartbeat puppy, Rex.

Simple – whenever your dog feels stressed or anxious, turn on the plush toy and lay it next to him/her. 

Also, when Henry is stressed, he’ll generally seek out his crate. Thus, I will put his heartbeat dog either in the crate with him or on top of the crate. 

However, there are other times you may want to give your dog a heartbeat toy. These will include:

  • Traveling
  • Vet visits
  • Distract from negative behaviors, such as chewing on furniture
  • Crate training
  • Senior dogs, who may get scared more easily

NOTE: Remember a heartbeat plush animal isn’t necessarily a dog toy. Thus, even if your dog is averse to dog toys, these stuffed animals can be a great benefit!

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What should I look for in a heartbeat animal for my dog?

a cute pup sleep with a heartbeat stuffed animal

You will want to consider your dog’s natural instincts. For example, if your dog is a chewer, then a more durable plush heartbeat animal will be better. Overall, you’ll want to look for these specific features with your dog heartbeat stuffy:

  • Durable
  • Washable or spot-cleanable
  • Will shut off automatically after a long period, such as 7 hours
  • Fits your dog’s size 
  • Easy return policy if your dog hates it (which I’d be shocked since Henry loves his)

A general rule of thumb is a larger plush animal is better for larger dogs. While a smaller one will be better for smaller dogs. However, Henry’s plush dog is nearly as big as him and he still loves it. In fact, I’ve caught him giving it “kisses” before bedtime. 

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What if I’m still worried my dog will chew the heartbeat toy?

You will want to watch your dog with the plush animal for a while. I watched Henry with his snuggle puppy for a few days. However, he doesn’t chew and it was safe to leave him snuggled up with “Rex”. Yep, I let him name his dog and he picked Rex. I did it the same way as when Henry picked his name. 

However, if your dog is a heavy chewer, then try to put the heartbeat toy near yet slightly removed from your dog.

For instance, there are times when it looks like Henry wants to be in his crate by himself. Yet, he’s anxious about the weather or something else in the area. In these cases, I turn on Rex and put him on top of his crate. This will always soothe and calm Henry. Moreover, in just a short while, he’ll be napping safely in his crate and not anxious at all! 

Want to learn about how Henry picked his name? In this article, I detail the adventure and tell you how your dog can do it too. This is exactly how Henry named his heartbeat dog, Rex.

What types of heartbeat toys are available?

an older dog relaxes and naps with a heartbeat stuffed animal

While Henry’s heartbeat toy is a dog, there are other options.

I’ve seen all of the following heartbeat toys for dogs:

  • Dog
  • Lamb
  • Teddy bear
  • Breed-specific such as Husky and Cockerpoo pups (super cute!)
  • Unicorns
  • Hippos
  • Blankets

NOTE: These heartbeat toys are also great for other furry friends like cats.

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How much does a heartbeat plush animal cost?

You can find these innovative stuffed animals at all price ranges. However, they are generally around $30. 

Think you want to try a heartbeat stuffed animal for your furry friend? Here’s where you can get one similar to Henry’s Rex.

What are the cost benefits of a heartbeat animal for my dog?

Yes, you can save money with a heartbeat toy. Consider the following possible expenses without a dog heartbeat toy:

IssueEstimated Cost
Behaviorist training $30 – 100/hr
Replacing chewed items$4 – 50,000
Ingesting chewed items$2,000 – 5,000
Not needing to buy calming supplements regularly
(to get the calm treats I use for Henry go here and use “LaylasWoof” for a 10% discount)
$34/month
More stressful travel and nighttime routinesIMMEASURABLE!!!
Calmer and happier dogPRICELESS!!!

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Pups Calm With The Thump Of A Dog Heartbeat Stuffed Animal

Admittedly, I was skeptical when Henry received his heartbeat stuffed dog toy. I thought, “Well, it’s cute, but it won’t work for Henry.” Wow, was I wrong! It did take him a little bit to get used to the heartbeat plush dog. But once he warmed up to him, he named it Rex, and let him do his magic. I was pleasantly surprised to see how Rex calmed and soothed Henry.

While Henry falls into the majority of dogs with anxiety, I can help him easily. Honestly, having Henry relaxed even in stressful situations helps me as well. It calms me knowing he’s well. Plus, I don’t have to purchase calming supplements so often. Who knew a heartbeat stuffed animal for a pup who hates toys would work? Call me pawsitively giddy with the results!

A husky naps with a heartbeat stuffed animal.

About Terri Rodefer

Terri Rodefer is the founder of Tail Wag Wisdom, a blog focused on affordable pet care. She likes to say helping pet parents afford and love their animals even more, makes her tail wag. As a lifelong lover of all animals with a background in economics, biology, and marketing, allows Terri to bring a unique spin to pet care. 

2 thoughts on “Cuddly Cute! A Dog Heartbeat Stuffed Animal”

  1. Oh, what a clever idea for a toy! I had not heard of these before (they remind me of the Build A Bear shops where kids can put a heart in their stuffies! Why not make one for our dogs? Clever!) Having had a Husky with major anxiety episodes, I this would have been so welcome! We always wrapped a clock in a soft cloth when they were puppies, why not for when they are grown up and need an extra “something” to soothe them. My Wolife, especially after he lost the last of his four other packmates, his anxiety was exacerbated and I think this would have been a lovely, soothing toy for him to have. I think something like this would comfort many dogs. I’m glad Henry took to it! And it ran for 7 hours – amazing! Great great post (as always). Will be sharing for sure!

    Reply
    • You know, it really is a clever device. I would’ve never thought of such a thing or how impactful it could be for dogs, cats, and other furry friends, even if they don’t like toys. It’s like a child’s security blanket of pacifier. It would be so beneficial after surgery even or for a rescued furkid. Truly it seems to be beneficial to a variety of fur babies. I bet Wolfie would’ve found comfort in a heartbeat toy. Amazing how quickly technology moves! Now, if the medical industry moved just as fast for Epi-Dogs. Thank you so much for your kind words and share. I’m very grateful!

      Reply

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