Sadie Cornelius is a contributor to LoveYourDog.com, LoveYourCat.com, and CanineJournal.com. 

Is your furry friend feeling anxious or stressed? Whether your dog is scared of loud noises, has separation anxiety, or is generally nervous, there are many ways to help alleviate your dog's nerves through toys and activities. My Cavalier King Charles Spaniel has personally tried all of these ideas for various scenarios, so I can speak first-hand to these successful solutions.  

As with all dog products, always supervise your dog while using them to ensure they don’t become an ingestion or choking hazard. Take them away as soon as you notice deterioration. 

Anxiety Reducing Toys

1. Chew Toys: Chew toys are a great way to help relieve stress. When a dog chews, it releases endorphins to help calm them down. It also gives them something to focus on if they're feeling overwhelmed. One of the best chew toys is the KONG Classic Dog Toy. It's made of durable rubber and can be filled with treats, peanut butter, or cheese. It comes in various sizes and shapes, so there’s something for every dog, and you can change it up. 
2. LickiMat: A LickiMat filled with peanut butter, yogurt, or mashed banana gives your dog a yummy challenge. For an added layer of nutrition, you can sprinkle a few pieces of Sundays for Dogs on top. Repetitive licking also releases endorphins and calming hormones into the body, stimulates saliva production (aids digestion), and removes bacteria from the tongue (improves breath). Use caution and supervision when using a LikiMat, as dogs can chew through them (even the heavy-duty version). 
3. Puzzle Toys: Puzzle toys are another enjoyable way to occupy your dog's mind. These toys require your dog to work for their treats, which can distract them from whatever is causing their anxiety. The Outward Hound Nina Ottosson Dog Tornado Puzzle Toy is a popular option that requires your dog to spin and push compartments to reveal hidden treats or Sundays For Dogs jerky pieces. Sundays is a complete and balanced meal, but it can also be used as a high-value treat for training. 
4. Snuffle Mat: Hunting and sniffing is an innate instinct for many dogs. So using a foraging mat for dogs (also called a snuffle mat) puts those instincts to work while engaging your pup's mind. Longer-term benefits include better memory, improved mental health, and happier life. Crumble up a few pieces of their Sundays For Dogs All-Natural Chicken or USDA Grade Beef recipes and spread it all over the mat. It can keep them occupied for a while, and they go crazy for the taste. 
5. Interactive Toys: Interactive toys are a great way to bond with your dog and keep them entertained. The Petcube Bites 2 has a camera with added interaction and training features, including a built-in treat dispenser. Using the app, you can release treats remotely or schedule them. The high-resolution, 160-degree camera also lets you keep an eye on your dog while you’re away.

Calming Activities

1. Walks: Exercise and playtime are essential for a dog's physical and mental health.  You can take your dog for a walk, play fetch, or engage in other physical activities that your dog enjoys. Walks may be best since they also allow your dog to explore and sniff around, which can be mentally stimulating. But, no matter how you wear them out, a well-exercised pup is also better-behaved and less destructive. 
2. Pattern Games: Playing pattern games with your dog is a fun way to spend time together and can also improve their cognitive skills. A popular and easy game to play is 1, 2, 3. Slowly say “one…two…THREE” in a high-pitched voice and drop a small treat on the ground. Repeat this several times and go back and forth between dropping the treat to the left and right of them. After you finish, praise them, saying, “good boy (or girl)!”
3. Massage: Just like with humans, massage can be very relaxing for dogs and help relieve muscle tension and stress. It is proven that the touch given to a dog through massage can improve a dog’s physical and emotional well-being. Softly rest your palm on top of your dog’s head or neck and make long strokes along the spine and down the tail. Do the same action several times slowly. You can increase the pressure gradually if you think your dog likes it.

There are many ways to help relieve anxiety in dogs, and these toys and activities are just a few of them. It's important to remember that each dog is different, and what works for one may not work for another. If your dog is experiencing severe anxiety, it's important to speak with your veterinarian to determine the best course of action.