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Top 12 Toys For Sad Dogs

Is your dog looking a little down and depleted lately? Whether he’s sick, old, or simply lonely, there are plenty of ways you can cheer him up – including treating him to one or more stimulating dog toys.

Dogs need frequent stimulation in order to thrive. However, it’s not always possible for a dog owner to provide 24 hour attention to their pooch, which is why toys can help. Sure, some of them will be more enjoyable to your dog when you’re the one encouraging the play. That said, there are many toys he’ll have fun with, whether or not you’re available to play with him.

I tracked down the top 12 toys for depressed dogs so that your dog can find joy in life once more. Here are the ones I found that I’m sure he’ll love just as much as my dog does!

Moropaky Puppy Toy with Heartbeat

Moropaky Puppy Toy with Heartbeat Dog Training Toy for Separation Anxiety Claming Behavioral aid, Heartbeat Toy Plush Toys for Dogs Cats Pets Puppy Starter Kit

Is your dog dealing with separation anxiety? Moropaky Puppy Claming toy is a safe and natural option for keeping your dog calm, happy, and comforted in stressful situations. It uses acoustic therapy to mimic a heartbeat to help your pooch relax and feel calm in a number of different stressful situations.

This heartbeat toy enables your fur baby to feel the stimulation of a true pulsing heartbeat, making him feel instantly at ease whenever he’s feeling lonely or afraid. It can also be effective if you’ve just moved into a new home, and he needs some time to adjust. Simply give him this heart beating toy, and it’ll make him feel soothed and less alone. It can also help improve his sleep.

What I love about this toy is that it provides a form of companionship to your dog during the day when you’re at work, during the night when he gets afraid, and even during new events that might be stressful to your dog, like moving house or having guests over.

Made from comfortable, safe fabrics, this toy is machine washable with the heart removed. It’s also easy to operate. Just put in the device with the batteries, switch it on, and it’s ready to go!

Big Goblets Pig Latex Dog Toy That Oinks

Multipet's 9-Inch Latex Polka Dot Globlet Pig Dog Toy, Assorted Colors

Looking for the best toys for grieving dogs? Or maybe he’s just feeling a little lonely and needs a bit more stimulation in his day to day life? Treat your fur baby to this plush filled rubber toy to cure loneliness and anxiety.

When your dog bites this toy, he’ll hear a grunt sound like that of a pig. It’s a great way to inspire his curiosity, keep him entertained, and make him forget about his depression. If he doesn’t get it at first, squeeze the toy for him to show him how it works.

This grunting dog toy is perfect for training, easing stress, and relieving boredom and depression. You can play with it outside or inside. Either way, he’ll have a lot of fun with it.

Plus, it’s perfectly safe for him to bite thanks to its non-toxic latex make up.

Soccer Ball with Grab Tabs

Dog Toys Soccer Ball with Grab Tabs, Interactive Dog Toys for Tug of War, Puppy Birthday Gifts, Dog Tug Toy, Dog Water Toy, Durable Dog Balls for Small & Medium Dogs(6 Inch)

If you’re looking for a toy for depressed dogs, you might want to consider this soccer ball with grab tabs toy for interactive play with your pooch. Durable and soft, this dog ball can be kicked and bounced for hours of fun play with your dog.

It’s made with nylon tabs sewn into the seams to create bounce, as well as to make fetching, tossing, and tugging easier. The toy features dog prints all over to attract your dog’s attention and get him ready to play. It also includes a long strap for people to hold onto the ball if you’re looking to play with or train your dog.

Thanks to its lightweight design, ultra bouncing power, and ability to float on water, soccer ball can be played at the beach, pool, or park. Bring it with you wherever you go with your furry friend for hours or fun!

Your dog will definitely have a lot of fun playing fetch with this interactive dog toy.

Nina Ottosson by Outward Hound Dog Treat Puzzle

Nina Ottosson by Outward Hound Dog Brick Interactive Treat Puzzle Dog Toy, Intermediate

According to experts, 15 minutes of mental exercise equals 30 minutes of physical exercise for dogs? If you have a dog yourself, you’ll know how much fido loves exploring and problem solving. That’s why he’s always sniffing the ground when you take him for walks! Well, this fun puzzle for dogs is a great way to exercise his mind, keep him sharp, and diminish depression.

This boredom busting interactive dog toy features games designed with your dog’s natural behaviors in mind. The Dog Brick interactive puzzle includes combinations of steps to help your dog stay focused and mentally-stimulated so he never has time to get lonely, bored, or depressed. Plus, he gets to sniff out some tasty treats!

The Nina Ottosson Dog Brick features three types of treat hiding compartments to keep your furry friend guessing. The flip lid compartments open and slide to reveal treats, while the removable bricks conceals other hidden compartments.

This puzzle is a great toy for grieving dogs or for any dog needing more stimulation in his life. Fun, rewarding, and anxiety-reducing, it’s the perfect game for reinforcing positive behaviors in your pooch. It’s also effective for redirecting destructive behavior – especially in pups.

You’ll be happy to hear that this interactive treat dog puzzle is BPA, PVC, and phthalate-free, so you can enjoy peace of mind while he plays.

Wobble Wag Giggle Ball, Interactive Dog Toy

Wobble Wag Giggle Ball, Interactive Dog Toy, Fun Giggle Sounds, As Seen On TV

One of the best interactive toys for depressed dogs, Wobble Wag Giggle Ball makes fun giggly noises when pushed around or picked up, shaken, or thrown. It’s fun for dogs of all ages to keep them fit, healthy, and happy. Featuring six clutch pockets, this ball can easily be picked up by your dog for simple, fun play. It can be used both indoors and outdoors.

Fun no matter the size of your dog, Wobble wag ball makes playtime 10x more fun! With the nudge of a nose, the ball goes and starts making its fun, giggly noises. It’s a great tool for entertaining your dog and keeping him happy. In fact, he won’t be able to get enough! Once he starts playing with it, he’ll struggle to resist.

You see, dogs need their curiosity sparked often to keep them healthy and happy. This ball will keep your pup entertained for hours thanks to its enticing sounds and easy-to-use design. Get ready for a whole lot of fetching, rolling, and shaking when this ball is introduced to your canine.

Multipet Lambchop Plush Dog Toy 10″ with Squeaker

Multipet Plush Dog Toy, Lambchop, 10", White/Tan

Fluffy, fun, and nostalgic, your dog will have a lot of fun snuggling and playing with this Lamb Chop plush dog toy. Unlike all the toys on this list so far, it doesn’t have particularly special features other than its ability to squeak. That said, it is guaranteed to bring a lot of joy to your fur baby.

With its super soft exterior and happy squeak, this beloved character is great for cuddling and playing with. He can also keep it in his bed when you’re out at work for companionship.

Often, dogs don’t need anything really special to keep them happy. This might be enough to get his mood back on track.

Hyper Pet Doggie Tail Interactive Plush Dog Toy

Hyper Pet Doggie Tail Interactive Plush Dog Toys (Wiggles, Vibrates, and Barks – Dog Toys for Boredom and Stimulating Play)

It wiggles, vibrates, and barks. What’s not to love about this interactive doggie tail toy?

Hyper Pet Doggie Tail Toy is an interactive plush squeaky toy that wiggles, vibrates, and barks to encourage your dog to run, play and exercise. This toy is great for sad, lonely, or depressed dogs as it promotes fun stimulation for dogs of all sizes and ages.

With its fun sounds and movements, this toy will entice your puppy or dog to play and keep him engaged for hours. So if your dog seems a little down in the dumps lately, he’ll have a lot of fun playing with this interactive plush dog toy. He can play with it alone or with you – either way, he’ll have a lot of fun using it.

Plus, it’s easy to use. There’s an On/Off button located on the top of the plastic ball. Press the button and hold for 2 seconds to switch it on. To activate the ball, shake, roll, or throw. The motion will continue for around 10 seconds. When playtime is over, simply press the button again to switch it off. Easy!

Outward Hound Hide-A-Squirrel Squeaky Puzzle Plush Dog Toy

Outward Hound Hide A Squirrel Plush Dog Toy Puzzle, XL

This Hide A Squirrel plush puzzle toy for dogs is mentally stimulating to prevent boredom, anxiety, and depression in your pooch. It’s an easy way to get your furry friend busy and engaged for hours on end! Simply fill the tree trunk with three stuffed squirrels, toss it to your dog, and let his natural hunting instincts take over!

Offering 2-in-1 interactive play, this toy is challenging and fun for Fido. It’ll help keep boredom at bay while exercising his mind and body for hours of fun and productive playtime. Since dogs are naturally super curious, he won’t be able to resist hunting for the three squirrels, and he’ll have a blast doing it! Once he’s found them all, toss them around for a game of fetch.

Besides being a fun and mentally-stimulating game for your dog, this toy is also gentle on the teeth and gums. With its soft, plush texture, this toy is easy on the tooth, making it a perfect choice for puppies and adult dogs. You won’t have to worry about him hurting himself mid-play.

Plus, you can take this with you to the park or friend’s to keep your furry friend entertained on the go. He never needs to get bored. Ever!

SmartPetLove Snuggle Puppy Heartbeat Stuffed Toy

SmartPetLove Snuggle Puppy Heartbeat Stuffed Toy - Pet Anxiety Relief and Calming Aid - Biscuit - New Puppy Starter Kit (Blue)

While this is similar in its functionality to my first pick, this toy offers an additional feature: a heating pad.

That’s right. Your lonely, sad pup can feel loved, relaxed, and comforted at all times when cuddling up to this snuggly, warm plush.

Dogs are pack animals that are instinctively drawn to their mother and others in their pack. The Snuggle Puppy plush toy recreates that intimacy with physical warmth from a heating pad and a pulsing heartbeat from a battery-operated device slipped inside. This all provides comfort for your pet, keeping him calm, happy, and content.

Whether he’s a constant cryer, suffering from separation anxiety, or feeling lonely, this loveable toy reduces negative behaviors such as whining, crying, and barking. It also helps puppies transition to their new home and promotes better sleep.

The Snuggle Puppy toy mimics maternal intimacy with physical warmth and a pulsing heartbeat with 2 modes (8-hour setting / 24-hour setting). Whenever you leave your dog alone, let him cuddle up to this adorable toy for feelings of comfort, love, and safety.

Multipet Aroma Dog Toy

Multipet Aroma Dog Toy Size:Pack of 3

Three cuddly toys, a blend of relaxing scents, and complete relaxation for your pet. This AromaDog set features three plush toys that incorporate lavender and other essential oils to soothe your dog’s senses and calm his mind. Besides being a great toy for grieving dogs and depressed dogs, it’s also great for dogs who struggle to sleep soundly or need help setting into a new home.

You and your dog will love this therapeutic dog toy. Every squeak releases a calming blend of lavender essential oils into the air, helping to keep you and your dog happy, calm, and stress-free.

Aromadog can help with anxiety, depression, vet visits, boredom, fireworks, thunderstorms, and travel anxiety. The millions of receptors in your dog’s nasal passages will respond positively to the calming scents these toys release in the brain. They’ll still be able to play – only in a less aggressive, more balanced way.

AWOOF Pet Snuffle Mat

AWOOF Pet Snuffle Mat for Dogs, Interactive Feed Game for Boredom, Encourages Natural Foraging Skills for Cats Dogs Bowl Travel Use, Dog Treat Dispenser Indoor Outdoor Stress Relief

Dogs tend to be happiest when they’re exercising their natural instincts, and one of those instincts is snuffling.

AWOOF Pet Snuffle Mat is a unique dog training toy that entices your dog to find treats hidden in the mat. Besides strengthening his smell and keeping him fit and healthy, this dog training device can keep feelings of loneliness and depression at bay. It’ll keep him occupied to avoid being bored.

Large, portable, and non-slip, this mat can be used anywhere and everywhere. It can also be shrunk into a small storage bag or folded into a bowl. Alternatively, you can hang it up when you’re not using it to save cluttering your home.

I’m sure your fur baby will have a lot of fun playing with this snuffle mat. It’s an excellent way to keep him healthy, happy, and entertained for hours on end. Plus, it’s easy to clean and transport for on the go fun.

Juqiboom Pet Snuffle Mat

Juqiboom Pet Snuffle Mat for Small/Medium Dogs and Cats, Encourages Natural Foraging Skills for Pets, Interactive Dog Toy - Slow Feeder Puzzle Toy - Activity Feeding Mat for Stress & Anxiety Relief

Since dogs love sniffing and it’s such an important part of their world, this snuffle mat is a great way for dogs to stay happy and stimulated. They’ll have a lot of fun exploring this mat.

He can find hidden food, exercises his senses, and feel rewarded every time he finds new treasure. Besides keeping him entertained, this mat can help relieve tension and boost confidence in stressed or depressed dogs.

It’s also a fantastic product for teaching your dog to eat slower. If he’s a fast eater and tends to choke on his food, just lay out this mat and leave him to find the food. He’ll soon slow down his eating once he plays with this a few times.

According to dog owners, this mat will keep your dog entertained for at least half an hour. Pups love it too!

If your dog is depressed or grieving, treat him to this snuffle mat to divert his attention to something more positive and engaging. You’ll see him perk up in next to no time!

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