Can calming dog toys reduce anxiety in dogs?

While calming dog toys can effectively decrease arousal in dogs, promote relaxation and boost their mood, it's important to note that they may not necessarily reduce anxiety. Anxiety is a complex condition characterised by a constant feeling of unease and worry, even in the absence of stimuli. It can be caused by various factors such as genetics, past experiences, and lifestyle, and can manifest in many different ways.

However, calming dog toys can be a helpful tool for decreasing arousal in dogs, which can be the leading cause of anxious behaviours and stress. If we can keep anxious dogs in a positive or calm state as often as possible, it can help tremendously in our journey to recovery. Our goal with anxious dogs should be to fill their days with activities that promote seeking, such as sniffing for food, exploring familiar environments, breaking through boxes to get food, and practicing their breed-specific behaviours. These activities might not be as calming, but they are beneficial. After such activities, calming toys such as Kongs, Licki Mats, and Ostrich Knuckles can be used.

While calming dog toys can be useful in calming, occupying, and promoting the release of feel-good chemicals in the brain, they may not address the underlying causes of anxiety. For example, if a dog has a history of traumatic experiences, providing them with a chew toy will not be enough to alleviate their anxiety.

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