Latest news with #separationanxiety
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
School or Daycare Drop-Off Tears? Here's How to Help
Pediatrician-approved tips for helping your child feel confident when you're not together Separation anxiety can be one of the most heart-tugging parts of parenting. It's most common between 9 and 18 months, but can peak again during toddler and preschool years, especially during big transitions like starting daycare or school. Think of it like a new pair of shoes: some kids slip them on and run, others need time to break them in. Change can feel big and uncomfortable, and while some children adapt quickly, others need more time and support. If you've ever been met with tears when you put your baby down, loud protests at daycare drop-off, or clinginess during school transitions, you're not alone. Here's how to help your child through it while building their sense of safety and trust. Keep goodbyes short, sweet, and consistent Create a predictable goodbye routine and stick to it. This might be as simple as: 'I love you, I'll see you after snack time!' followed by a hug and kiss. For young children, using an activity ('after lunch' or 'after nap') instead of a time can be easier to understand. Once you've said goodbye, avoid lingering, kind of like ripping off a band-aid. The slower you go, the more it stings. Your hesitation can make them question if it's safe. And while it might feel easier in the moment, don't sneak out. Leaving without saying goodbye can make future separations harder because your child may worry you'll disappear without warning. Your calm confidence is contagious. Empathize with your child If your child is upset or crying, empathize and acknowledge their feelings. For example, 'I see you're sad, but Mommy will be back after naptime!' We understand their feelings are expected and valid, it's not always easy to say goodbye to someone you love and will miss! It's not helpful to dismiss their feelings or pressure them. Avoid saying, 'It's okay. It's not scary.' That's the kid version of telling an adult to 'just relax' when they're stressed…it doesn't help. Their feelings are real and valid. Acknowledge them, and reassure them they're safe and you'll return. Stay calm during meltdowns It's normal to feel emotional yourself. Many parents have shed a few 'parking lot tears' before driving off (been there). But in the moment, your child is looking to you for cues. Being a steady, loving presence helps them learn that separations are safe and temporary. If they see you handling the moment with warmth and confidence, they're more likely to feel secure, even when they're upset. Build in connection time We are often so busy, but even 5 minutes of no-phone, no-laundry, just-us time can help them feel more topped up emotionally. This makes separating less scary. You can plan for quality time before and/or after separation. Celebrate the reunion When you are reunited with them, celebrate! Make it the highlight of their day! Try, 'Mommy is back and I missed you so much! You were so brave all day at school! I'm so proud of you!' Or, 'Daddy is back and I missed you so much! You did great!' Be positive and uplifting in the reunion so they begin to understand the pattern: My caregiver leaves, and I'm a little upset, but they come back and seem happy to see me. For children who have a harder time If your child struggles more than most, start small. Practice short separations, like stepping into another room or leaving them with a trusted caregiver for a brief period, and gradually extend the time. Playdates or time with relatives while you're still nearby can also help them get used to other people. When to talk to a professional Consider speaking to your child's clinician for the following: Separation anxiety continues well into the school years It's causing daily distress or affecting activities they enjoy Caregivers can't manage the intensity of their reactions You have concerns about other areas of development Separation anxiety is very common but should improve with time. If it's not, your clinician may suggest coping strategies or refer you to a child psychologist or therapist. Bottom line Separation anxiety is a common stage for many kids. It's rooted in love and connection. Your calm 'I've got you' presence is the anchor in their storm. With your consistency, empathy, and patience, kids learn it's okay to be apart and that you always come back. Want a more detailed breakdown of when separation anxiety is most common, what it looks like, and even more strategies to help? Watch the PedsDocTalk YouTube video.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
School or Daycare Drop-Off Tears? Here's How to Help
Pediatrician-approved tips for helping your child feel confident when you're not together Separation anxiety can be one of the most heart-tugging parts of parenting. It's most common between 9 and 18 months, but can peak again during toddler and preschool years, especially during big transitions like starting daycare or school. Think of it like a new pair of shoes: some kids slip them on and run, others need time to break them in. Change can feel big and uncomfortable, and while some children adapt quickly, others need more time and support. If you've ever been met with tears when you put your baby down, loud protests at daycare drop-off, or clinginess during school transitions, you're not alone. Here's how to help your child through it while building their sense of safety and trust. Keep goodbyes short, sweet, and consistent Create a predictable goodbye routine and stick to it. This might be as simple as: 'I love you, I'll see you after snack time!' followed by a hug and kiss. For young children, using an activity ('after lunch' or 'after nap') instead of a time can be easier to understand. Once you've said goodbye, avoid lingering, kind of like ripping off a band-aid. The slower you go, the more it stings. Your hesitation can make them question if it's safe. And while it might feel easier in the moment, don't sneak out. Leaving without saying goodbye can make future separations harder because your child may worry you'll disappear without warning. Your calm confidence is contagious. Empathize with your child If your child is upset or crying, empathize and acknowledge their feelings. For example, 'I see you're sad, but Mommy will be back after naptime!' We understand their feelings are expected and valid, it's not always easy to say goodbye to someone you love and will miss! It's not helpful to dismiss their feelings or pressure them. Avoid saying, 'It's okay. It's not scary.' That's the kid version of telling an adult to 'just relax' when they're stressed…it doesn't help. Their feelings are real and valid. Acknowledge them, and reassure them they're safe and you'll return. Stay calm during meltdowns It's normal to feel emotional yourself. Many parents have shed a few 'parking lot tears' before driving off (been there). But in the moment, your child is looking to you for cues. Being a steady, loving presence helps them learn that separations are safe and temporary. If they see you handling the moment with warmth and confidence, they're more likely to feel secure, even when they're upset. Build in connection time We are often so busy, but even 5 minutes of no-phone, no-laundry, just-us time can help them feel more topped up emotionally. This makes separating less scary. You can plan for quality time before and/or after separation. Celebrate the reunion When you are reunited with them, celebrate! Make it the highlight of their day! Try, 'Mommy is back and I missed you so much! You were so brave all day at school! I'm so proud of you!' Or, 'Daddy is back and I missed you so much! You did great!' Be positive and uplifting in the reunion so they begin to understand the pattern: My caregiver leaves, and I'm a little upset, but they come back and seem happy to see me. For children who have a harder time If your child struggles more than most, start small. Practice short separations, like stepping into another room or leaving them with a trusted caregiver for a brief period, and gradually extend the time. Playdates or time with relatives while you're still nearby can also help them get used to other people. When to talk to a professional Consider speaking to your child's clinician for the following: Separation anxiety continues well into the school years It's causing daily distress or affecting activities they enjoy Caregivers can't manage the intensity of their reactions You have concerns about other areas of development Separation anxiety is very common but should improve with time. If it's not, your clinician may suggest coping strategies or refer you to a child psychologist or therapist. Bottom line Separation anxiety is a common stage for many kids. It's rooted in love and connection. Your calm 'I've got you' presence is the anchor in their storm. With your consistency, empathy, and patience, kids learn it's okay to be apart and that you always come back. Want a more detailed breakdown of when separation anxiety is most common, what it looks like, and even more strategies to help? Watch the PedsDocTalk YouTube video.
Yahoo
30-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Does pet insurance cover separation anxiety in dogs?
Separation anxiety is one of the most common behavioral issues in dogs, affecting up to 20% of pups. And it's more than just a little whining at the door. Dogs with separation anxiety can experience real distress that leads to destructive behavior, accidents in the house, and even self-harm. Pet insurance might help cover anxiety-related treatment, but only in certain cases. Most policies won't cover separation anxiety if it's a preexisting condition. But if it's eligible for coverage, your vet typically needs to diagnose the condition and prescribe specific treatments, like behavioral therapy or medication. Learn more: How does pet insurance work? A complete guide What is separation anxiety in dogs? Separation anxiety is a behavioral condition that shows up when you leave your dog alone and they become extremely distressed. While some pets may bark or pace when you head out the door, dogs with true separation anxiety often display intense, persistent symptoms that don't go away with time. Separation anxiety in dogs typically stems from a fear of abandonment, past trauma, a new home environment, or sudden schedule changes — though it can also show up unexpectedly in pets that have never had issues before. Genetics can also play a role. Certain breeds of dogs are more susceptible to separation anxiety, including French bulldogs, dachshunds, Labrador retrievers, and more. If left untreated, separation anxiety can have a major impact on your dog's quality of life (and yours too). But with the right combination of training, support, and in some cases medication, most dogs can recover or manage symptoms long term. Symptoms and signs of separation anxiety in dogs Behaviors can vary, but here are some common signs your dog might have separation anxiety: Excessive barking, whining, or howling when left home alone Destructive chewing, digging, or scratching, especially near doors or windows Attempts to escape confined spaces (like crates or rooms) Pacing or restlessness before you leave or after you're gone Accidents in the house, including urinating or defecating Excessive drooling or salivating, panting, or trembling when alone Coprophagia (eating their own excrement) Don't rule out medical issues: Medical problems like urinary tract infections, gastrointestinal problems, or neurological conditions can sometimes mimic symptoms of separation anxiety in dogs. For example, your dog may start having accidents in the house because of a urinary tract infection. Or they may have excessive drooling and restlessness if there's a neurological issue. Your vet can help confirm a diagnosis and recommend the right treatment plan. Up Next Up Next How to treat separation anxiety in dogs Many dogs with separation anxiety benefit from a combination of training, environmental changes, and medication. Here are some common treatment strategies: Desensitization and counterconditioning. These house training techniques gradually teach your dog that being alone isn't scary. For example, you might start by leaving the house for a minute or two, then slowly build up to longer periods of time. You can pair departures with positive reinforcement, like puzzle toys or treats (even peanut butter!). Environmental support. When you're gone, create a safe, calming space for your dog. This might include white noise, calming diffusers, or anxiety vests. Interactive toys and snuffle mats can also help redirect your dog's energy in healthy ways. Professional training. For more severe cases, consider working with a certified separation anxiety trainer or veterinary behaviorist. Some pet insurance providers (like Embrace or MetLife with a preventive care add-on) may reimburse you for this kind of training if a vet prescribes it. Medication. In moderate to severe cases, your vet may prescribe anti-anxiety medications or supplements to reduce distress while you work on training. These are often used short term, though some anxious dogs may need longer-term support. What happens if it goes untreated? Separation anxiety can show up in ways that feel heartbreaking and hard to manage — whining at the door, shredding the couch, skipping meals, or pacing for hours. Left untreated, this can affect how your dog feels and their health, and leave you emotionally spent. Cost of separation anxiety treatment You'll likely do a mix of trial and error to figure out what your pup responds to, so there's no one set price tag. But here's a theoretical ballpark look at what real-life treatment might involve: Vet visits to rule things out: $70 to $174 Most treatment plans start with a vet exam to make sure there's no underlying medical condition behind your dog's behavior problems. Professional training or behavior therapy: $600 to $900 per month Working with a certified dog trainer or veterinary behaviorist can be a game changer, but it isn't cheap. Some pet insurance companies might reimburse part of the cost if it's prescribed as behavior modification therapy, but most do not. Anti-anxiety prescription medication: $5 to $80+ per month Medications like fluoxetine (Prozac) or sertraline (Zoloft) are commonly used to take the edge off severe anxiety. But the cost will depend on dosage, brand, your vet, and your location. Calming aids and treats: $10 to $100+ Think puzzle feeders, pheromone sprays, thunder shirts, and calming chews. Some pet parents find them helpful, while others don't. Either way, you may find yourself experimenting to find out how your pet responds best. Boarding or doggy day care: $40 per day If your dog can't be left alone safely, day care or in-home help may be part of the short-term solution. You could even ask a family member or dog sitter if they're willing to help regularly. All told, the cost of managing separation anxiety could balloon depending on how severe it is and what mix of treatments you try. That's where pet insurance could help. Is anxiety covered by pet insurance? It depends. Many pet insurance companies offer coverage for behavioral conditions, including separation anxiety, but only with the following conditions: The anxiety is not preexisting (meaning symptoms didn't show up before your waiting period ended). A licensed veterinarian prescribes the treatment. Even then, coverage varies. Here's how a few pet insurance companies handle separation anxiety: Note: Pet insurance companies that cover behavioral therapy and prescription medication will only do so if it's prescribed for a covered condition. If anxiety isn't covered for your dog because of preexisting conditions, you won't get reimbursed for expenses. Learn more: The best pet insurance companies of 2025 Does pet insurance cover anxiety medication? Yes, in many cases, pet insurance covers anxiety medication, as long as it's prescribed by a vet to treat a covered behavioral condition. Many popular providers cover prescription medication, including Pets Best, MetLife, Spot, and ASPCA. You can add it to your Embrace plan for an extra fee. Here's what that might look like in practice: If your vet prescribes anxiety medication, like fluoxetine (Prozac) or sertraline (Zoloft), to treat separation anxiety, your pet insurance policy may reimburse a portion of the cost. Over-the-counter calming supplements, sprays, or treats won't typically be covered — unless your vet writes a prescription and your policy explicitly includes OTC meds. You may be able to use medications in combination with behavior training if your pet insurance plan covers both. Again, preexisting conditions are a major limitation. If your dog's separation anxiety showed up before your policy's effective date or during the waiting period, you likely won't get coverage, even for meds. Learn more: Your guide to what pet insurance covers Separation anxiety in dogs FAQs How much do pet anxiety meds cost? Prescription medications for dog anxiety could cost between $5 and $80 or more per month, depending on the following: The drug being prescribed Dosage and frequency Your dog's size and weight Whether you buy generic or brand-name Some examples: Fluoxetine (Prozac): $6 for 60 capsules (20 mg per capsule) Clomicalm (Clomipramine HCl): $82 for 30 tablets (80 mg per tablet) Gabapentin (for situational anxiety): $10 for 120 capsules (100 mg per capsule) What if my dog's separation anxiety is already diagnosed? Your dog's separation anxiety may be considered preexisting if they showed signs or had it noted in their medical record before coverage began. That means you likely won't be reimbursed for treatment related to it — ever. Some insurers (like Spot) cover curable, preexisting conditions after a 180-day symptom-free period, but anxiety could be considered a chronic, incurable condition and excluded long-term. Are over-the-counter calming aids covered? Usually not. Most pet insurance plans only reimburse for prescription medications. Supplements, calming chews, pheromone sprays, and thunder shirts may not be covered unless your policy explicitly includes OTC treatments and your vet writes a recommendation. But always check with your pet insurance company first.
Yahoo
27-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Why Many Dogs Struggle to Learn Being Alone
Being left alone at home can be unfamiliar or even frightening for many dogs. Young or insecure dogs, in particular, quickly develop separation anxiety, which manifests through barking, whining, or even destructive behavior. This can become a burden, especially for single owners, as PETBOOK editor Dennis Agyemang knows from personal experience. A few weeks ago, I adopted my first dog, Paco. He comes from an international animal rescue and is still unfamiliar with many things: neither city life nor its noises, but he's coping bravely. However, he doesn't know how to be alone yet. So, I have to organize my daily life well at the moment. Someone always has to be there to watch him when I need to go shopping or to the doctor. Because being alone isn't an option yet. Taking out the trash has become a real challenge—and surely a sight for the neighbors—when I dash through the stairwell and communal garden with my trash bags at record speed before Paco barks down the whole house. He's quite loud, and my neighbors are noise-sensitive. In short, this can't go on in the long run. But the good news: With gradual training, patience, and the right preparation, any dog can learn to stay alone calmly and relaxed. That's what I hear from various dog trainers online. The key is for the dog to build trust in small steps and understand: 'Being alone doesn't mean anything bad—my human always comes back.' But why is being alone such a big deal for most dogs—at least initially? 'Dogs have a strong need for attachment. Once they have built trust, they want to stay with their social partner—and permanently,' explains dog psychologist Marc Ebersbach. Dogs perceive the absence of their owners not as temporary but as a loss of control. 'In nature, there's no situation where a pack member simply disappears, leaving the others behind. On the contrary, dogs follow when they need closeness.' As a dog psychologist, he often hears the comparison to earlier times when it was no big deal for dogs to be alone. 'The often-cited comparison with the farm falls short: There, the dog is sometimes alone, but never without stimuli. He hears cows, tractors, people. He's in the middle of life—that's calming.' In a city apartment, however, that's usually not the case, explains the dog psychologist. 'Doors and windows are closed, the dog is acoustically and visually isolated. No stimuli, no orientation—he perceives the absence not as temporary but as a loss of control.' For the dog, often a big shock. 'The result: The dog is stressed, often panicked—and in stress, he can't learn. When I come back after five minutes, he can't store the experience as a positive one. That's the core of the problem.' But simply playing sounds against the silence in the apartment is not a cure-all, explains dog trainer Katharina Marioth. 'Of course, it's sensible not to make the apartment completely 'dead'—so leave windows open, play a radio station with soft music or TV noise—the main thing is that there's some kind of stimulus. Because for dogs, being alone is inherently unnatural.' The concentration of scent drops particularly sharply within the first 30 minutes after the person leaves. 'That's the crucial moment. In this phase, it often decides whether the dog relaxes or panics,' says Marioth. Many make the mistake of directly training being alone, says Marc Ebersbach. 'But that doesn't work—the dog must first learn that spatial separation is not negative.' Therefore, he works with structured 'stay' training. 'The dog first learns to stay in a defined place while I move away—visibly. First spatially, then temporally. I work a lot with body language: hand forward, clear signals, repeated confirmation. This way, he learns step by step to endure distance and experiences the separation in a controlled and stress-free way.' Only then can the dog learn that being alone is not threatening, explains the dog psychologist. He managed to take away his dog's fear, who was traumatized by previous owners who often left her alone for hours, through stay training. 'With the stay training, she gradually learned to detach from me,' says Ebersbach. It was crucial that he worked through space, not prohibition. 'I didn't tell her: 'You must not follow me,' but: 'This space is now yours—please stay there.' That's a difference dogs understand.' It's important to proceed gently with training and not to overwhelm the dog, warns Katharina Marioth in the PETBOOK interview. 'The biggest mistake is believing that being alone is about control or 'pushing the dog away.' That's complete nonsense. It's about learning—and learning security in a completely unnatural situation.' Many dog owners make the mistake of quickly closing the door and leaving the dog alone without mentally preparing him first, says the dog trainer. Training based solely on commands or punishment doesn't work, Marioth knows. 'Because if the dog is in panic, no 'sit' or 'stay' helps. We have to train the first 30 minutes when the dog loses his orientation. Ignoring this condemns the dog to constant stress.' That's not a sign of 'bad obedience,' but of being overwhelmed, warns the trainer. 'You have to see being alone as a process that must be learned step by step—with a lot of patience and careful observation. And you must not treat it as a one-time command but as a real challenge for the dog, which you systematically build up with stimuli and short absences.' Stimulus Decoupling:Put on a jacket and shoes several times a day to erase expectations. Open/close the door without leaving—this removes the ritual's significance. Relaxation before training:Daily targeted body massage at the resting place with a drop of lavender oil for 5–10 minutes. This releases oxytocin—a hormone that promotes relaxation. Build 'Stay' training:Keep the dog in place with clear body language. Initially move away for only a few seconds, gradually increase—but always stay within the success range. Reinforcement through ritual:Begin and end each exercise with a long massage. In between, short touches as a reward. At the end, give a chew item to reduce stress. Observation with a camera:Leave the apartment only when your dog is relaxed—and return before he shows signs of stress. Only then can he store positive learning experiences. Start training in the evening:Begin exercises in the evening when the dog is tired—this lowers the arousal threshold and makes learning easier. It's always important to consider that being alone is not natural for dogs, emphasizes dog trainer Katharina Marioth. 'Being alone is a human invention. No dog is made to be alone for hours.' Therefore, the first half-hour after the person leaves is the most important training phase. 'During this time, the human's scent is strongest, and the dog still feels 'connected.'' Here, you must work positively, such as with special food toys or calming rituals. Additionally, regular massages, linked with scent anchors like lavender oil or even the administration of CBD oil, can help the dog relax, says dog psychologist Marc Ebersbach. It's important to discuss the latter with the treating veterinarian beforehand. 'Anyone who simply pushes their dog away without allowing this learning phase shouldn't be surprised if the dog goes crazy. That has nothing to do with a loss of control but with a completely missing learning opportunity,' Katharina Marioth concludes. The post Why Many Dogs Struggle to Learn Being Alone appeared first on PETBOOK.
CNET
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- CNET
The Top 8 Gadgets to Get the Loved Pet in Your Life
From leaving home for work to planning trips or big weekends, we at CNET are always thinking about how to protect and care for our wonderful pets. If you're one of the 62% of Americans who own a pet, you're probably thinking the same. Thanks to Amazon's Pet Day sale, now's an awesome opportunity to pick up new pet gadgets and answers for problems your furry friends have, from losing weight to handling anxiety. These are our favorites and why they're such a good fit. 1. Pet camera A camera that delivers treats is an endlessly useful pet gadget. Petcube I love my pet camera and consider it my number one must-have when it comes to caring for Walter, who has long dealt with separation anxiety. When we relocated from the Midwest to New York City, he had a hard time adjusting to a new space. Having a pet camera gave me much-needed peace of mind when we left him in the apartment, because I was able to see that when we left, he was relaxing on the couch rather than barking at the door, waiting for us to return. I use the Blink Mini camera as a simple way to view him throughout the day, but I recently had the opportunity to test the Petcube Cam 360 and Petcube Bites 2 Lite. These have been great additions because now that we've moved into a larger apartment, the Petcube Cam 360 covers much more space with its 360-degree rotation. Both Petcube cameras offer a crisper image, and I have loved being able to toss Walter a treat with the Petcube Bites 2 Lite camera. The built-in treat dispenser allows you to toss a treat on the Petcube app remotely from your phone. For being a usually timid dog, the noise the camera makes when it's preparing to toss the treat does not seem to bother him, and he's always happy to get a snack throughout the day. 2. GPS Collar Nowhere does it say that a tracking collar can't look cool, too. Tractive The number one responsibility in caring for our pets is to, well, keep track of them. There are numerous gadgets on the market that help us do this, and experts warn against using AirTags. Instead, they suggest safer alternatives, including microchipping your pet and investing in a GPS collar such as Tractive. Tractive offers both dog and cat collars that glow and track your pet's location and activity and can even send you health alerts if necessary. There are other options on the market too, and you can read our full review of the Petcube tracker here. 3. Smart pet door The Sure Flap lets you know when your pets have exited or entered the house. Sure Flap If you have a yard, you may love the idea of a cat or doggy door but may also be worried about letting other animals into your home. Sure Petcare has a solution. The SureFlap Microchip Pet Door scans your pet's microchip before letting them inside your home. One thing to keep in mind is that to get this smart pet door to work, you have to purchase a separate hub to connect the door to the necessary app. Sure Petcare offers a bundle with both for $369. We haven't tested this one yet, but Amazon reviewers like that it gives their pets some freedom, while also keeping the raccoons outside. 4. Automatic feeder This automatic pet feeder is both useful and aesthetically pleasing. Pet Libro Sometimes no matter how hard you try to plan, we just don't make it home in time to feed your pet by dinnertime. This is where an automatic feeder comes in handy. The Petlibro Air Automatic Dog & Cat Bowl Feeder is a highly-rated feeder that works for cats and dogs. The battery-operated feeder features a flashing light that will turn on when the feeder is low, so you never need to worry about a lapse in feeding. Whether you want to sleep in on weekends or keep your pet on a strict feeding schedule due to health concerns, an automatic feeder is a great option. 5. Heartbeat toy This toy can help with separation anxiety. Weok If you have a new pet or one with separation anxiety, a Weok heartbeat puppy toy might become your new best friend. Inside the stuffed animal is a device that mimics a heartbeat, which offers comfort to your pet when you're not home or if they are in a crate. Amazon reviewers say their pets love to snuggle with and sleep next to the stuffed animal. The battery-operated heartbeat can play for up to eight hours at a time. It can also be easily removed from the stuffed animal if you need to wash the toy. Read more: 7 Scientific Ways Your Pet Is Helping Your Mental Health 6. Electric ball launcher Now fetch can happen all day, every day.. Joyhound The Joyhound Electronic Ball Launcher is a great addition to your dog's toy box. It has an impressive launch range between 10 and 40 feet and comes with three tennis balls that are ideal for catching. If you have a highly energetic dog, it's a great way to help wear them out without wearing yourself out too. 7. Self-cleaning litter box Hate scooping litter? Whisker's Litter Robot enables you to bypass that chore Whisker Cleaning your cat's litter box doesn't have to be a chore now that self-cleaning litter boxes are on the market. Although they do boast a high price tag, the Whisker Litter-Robot 4 promises you'll never have to scoop again. In addition to self-cleaning, the litter box can help keep track of your cat's weight. One litter box can be used for up to four cats and is suitable for kittens. You can read our full review of Whisker Litter-Robot 4 here and decide if it's the right fit for you. 8. Pupsicle I'd gladly spend $20 on a toy that keeps my pup occupied for up to 30 minutes. Woof This might be the most analog of the gadgets on our list, but it might also be the one your dog loves best. The rolling treat cage comes in three sizes and is designed to keep your dog busy as it licks away at a peanut butter treat ball placed strategically in the center. My 12-pound terrier loves them and the Pupsicle keeps him in occupied for up to 20 minutes as he tries feverishly to get at the treat. The silicone ball easily unscrews to refill with a new treat ball made at home with special molds or bought premade by the bag full.
