Heartbeat Toy For Puppies: Does Calmeroos Work?
A heartbeat toy for puppies can quickly be their best friend (after you, of course.) Calmeroos are plush toys that resemble a real sleeping puppy or kitty. And they are game-changers.
Calmeroos make the ideal cuddle buddy for puppies recently separated from their pack. It’s a big adjustment when puppies first go home. They are leaving behind their entire world, routines, scents, and smells to start a new life with you.
Having a soft, plush cuddly toy to snuggle can help ease nervous puppies adjusting to their new life. It may help them sleep through the night, relieve anxiety and stress, and help ease their nerves.
But there’s so much more to Calmeroos than its cuddly feature.
Note: This post has been sponsored by Calmeroos to share my honest experience and review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Fidose of Reality shares information we feel is relevant to our readers on products and services we use.
Some of the links in this article are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. I am also an Etsy and Chewy affiliate.
What Is The Calmeroos Heartbeat Toy For Puppies?
Calmeroos was created by Crystal McPherson, who has shared life with a four-legged baby to this very day. She felt a strong connection to protect and comfort her pets.
Since she couldn’t be with her dogs 24/7, she created the Calmeroos comfort companion with several important elements in mind.
Each Calmeroos comes with a removable realistic pulsing heartbeat insert and a heat pack. Puppies (or adult dogs) often take comfort in hearing their littermates’ hearts and feeling their warmth. It’s almost as if your new pup has their mom or a littermate right by their side.
We’ll tell you all about these unique heartbeat plushies, pros and cons, where to purchase, and a few other situations where a Calmeroos can help. Plus, we have a giveaway later in this post to win your very own Calmeroos!
If you are bringing home a new puppy from a breeder, ask them to rub the Calmeroos on the other pups in the litter and their mama. You’ll also have their scent on the Calmeroos when your puppy comes home.
What To Look for In a Heartbeat Toy For Pups
Plush Feel
You want your dog’s new cuddle buddy to feel like the real deal. Calmeroos appeal to your pup’s natural instincts with super soft, cozy plush. It contains no tiny plastic pieces that curious mouths might chew. You might find yourself running your fingers over it, too.
Heartbeat Feature
Each Calmeroos comes with its own SIZE realistic-sounding heartbeat that goes inside the plush puppy. It requires two AAA batteries, which come included with your purchase. The heartbeat has an on/off switch. It is not too loud, like some other brands. It is just enough to comfort your pup.
Warming Feature
Your Calmeroos will arrive with two odorless air-activated heat packs that last about 36 hours each. No microwaving is required. Place one heat pack inside the pouch with the heart. This will mimic the warmth and serenity pups and dogs feel with their littermates and mothers.
Size
Size matters when it comes to snugglability. Calmeroos measure 11 x 6 x 5 inches and weigh about 1-½ pounds.
Color and Species Options
Not all dogs are the same, so their Calmeroos should have color options, too. Choose from black and brown, brown and white, or kitty options. Cats love them, too!
Washability
Remove the heartbeat simulator and heat pack, and toss your Calmeroos in the washer as needed. Toss it in the dryer on gentle, and it’s as good as new.
Supervision
Once your pup starts teething or if you have an adult dog, use supervision when the heat pack or stimulator is in use. It is probably best to remove them when your dog is unsupervised. They will still have all the feels of the plush Calmeroos to snuggle.
Refill Heat Packs and Heartbeat Available
Calmeroos sells refill heat packs and heartbeat simulators on Amazon.
Price Point
Look at the price point of Calmeroos, and you realize it’s a really good deal. It is nicely priced on Amazon for under $38. You can also purchase the Calmeroos with the heartbeat simulator only for under $29 on Amazon.
How Calmeroos Can Help Adult Dogs
I have a 20-month-old pup, and he loves his Calmeroos to snuggle with and to knead it with his paws. Yes, I have a Cocker Spaniel who loves to knead his Calmeroos.
Adult dogs can benefit from Calmeroos, too.
- Dogs recovering from surgery. In most cases, your dog has strict orders not run around or be overly active after a surgical procedure. Calmeroos is their stay-put best friend.
- Dogs on crate rest. Some dogs may injure a ligament, muscle, or their back. For example, one reviewer said her IVDD (intervertebral disc disease) dog was on strict crate rest. Fortunately, the Calmeroos made the dog more comfortable in her kennel.
- Easing anxiety in older dogs. If a dog has separation anxiety or recently lost a human, canine, or feline friend, a warm Calmeroos may benefit them.
- Helping with boredom and loneliness. Dogs should never be left alone for super long periods of time. Ease their loneliness with a Calmeroos.
- Rescue dogs who found their forever home may take comfort in having a realistic bestie by their side.
- Shy dogs may begin to warm up to the idea of a buddy with a Calmeroos. This must be used in conjunction with positive reinforcement training.
- Dogs who are scared or anxious during travel. Take a comforting Calmeroos along.
- Fearful dogs who do not like loud sounds. Spritz the Calmeroos with a calming pheromone spray and allow to dry. Our veterinarian uses a calming spray on a bandana and places one on each dog she sees.
Not all dogs react the same way to Calmeroos. Like people, each dog is a unique individual.
Putting Calmeroos To The Canine Test
My Cocker Spaniel is 20 months old. When I first introduced the Calmeroos, I just finished grooming him. I placed the plush pup beside him and he woke up.
He immediately placed his head on the toy and snuggled with it! That lasted about an hour. I didn’t have the heartbeat in it, but I did insert a warming pack into the pouch.
Later that night, Alvin decided the Calmeroos plushie was a chew toy. The instructions say to remove the toy for 30 minutes and reintroduce it later. I shared it with Alvin at bedtime. He didn’t try to rip into it.
For us, it’s a situational plush toy that Alvin will sleep, nap with, and snuggle by.
Alvin’s breeder, Lisa Gaertner of Pinecliff Cockers, put a Calmeroos to the test with her current litter of 5-week-old Cocker Spaniel puppies. Each puppy immediately snuggled with the Calmeroos.
“I think it [Calmeroos] can be a useful tool for puppies that have a hard time adjusting to being away from their siblings,” Lisa shared.
Puppies take comfort in Calmeroos to help their crying, separation anxiety, transition to their new home, adjust to crate training, and even during times of noise like thunderstorms or fireworks.
Here’s a look at one of the beautiful puppies snuggling with her Calmeroos:
How Do Calmeroos Differ From Other Heartbeat Toys?
I’ve tried a few different brands of heartbeat toys for puppies, and the Calmeroos heartbeat is not as loud or obtrusive.
The style and appearance of the Calmeroos is more endearing and softer.
Our Overall Verdict of Calmeroos
Overall, we loved our Calmeroos and highly recommend it in a variety of situations. It may help reduce negative behaviors (i.e. barking in the crate) or ease anxious pups.
We like the washability, portability, and incredibly plush feel. The option to remove the heartbeat and warming pack is ideal as puppies grow.
We plan to travel with the Calmeroos so Alvin has company in his car crate or next to him in the backseat. He will enjoy cuddling with it away from home in hotels, too.
I purchased a competitor for Alvin when he first came home and sent it back. The heartbeat was much too loud, and I wasn’t fond of the look of it.
Pros
- Heartbeat simulator and air-activated warming packs soothe puppies
- Soft and plush to fall asleep on or snuggle with
- Ideal for a variety of situations and ages
- Transitions with your puppy to adulthood
- Machine washable, tumble dry
- Affordably priced
- Makes a perfect gift for a new dog parent or rescue dog parent
Cons
- May not work for every puppy, kitten, dog, or cat
- Intense chewers may be able to access the pouch beneath the Velcro
- A few more color selections would be ideal
Reviews on Amazon
Calmeroos has 2,600 ratings on Amazon with a nearly 4.5 rating out of 5 stars, which is stellar. 72 percent of the reviews are 5 stars.
The overwhelming response about Calmeroos is that it works, helps puppies sleep through the night, and is a ‘must have.’
Lower stars indicate the pet was uninterested in it, or they ripped into the Velcro.
Where to Buy Calmeroos Heartbeat Toy
Purchase a Calmeroos heartbeat toy for puppies or adults on Amazon by following any of the buttons below:
For every Calmeroos plush sold, they donate two pounds of food to pets in need.
Enter to Win a Calmeroos Heartbeat Toy
We are giving one lucky Fidose of Reality follower the opportunity to win a Calmeroos of their own! Giveaway is closed.
The winner of the Calmeroos is Cheryl Corbitt. Congratulations and thanks to everyone who entered. Get your Calmeroos at the links above.
I loved this post! I wish I had had a Calmeroo pup for my Maui … 🙏 I have a dear friend with an elderly dog ~ If I win, I will share “Cal”, the Calmeroo, with her! ♥️
My daughter, a high school teacher, recently got her first dog. Peaches is rescued 1 year old spaniel mix and very anxious, scared of everything. If I won I would gift the Calmeroo to her to help Peaches when she has to be in her crate. (A dog walker comes daily to take her outside mid-day.)
Bernie will use the calmeroo when he’s relaxing in his crate!
Parker would use the Calmeroo!!
I think he would absolutely love its calming effects..
Would help with anxious dogs especially when Mom needs to run errands
I would give the Calmaroo to Misty. She loves to snuggle with plush animals , the warmth would help her on the cooler days and the heartbeat would help calm her. She loves stuffys!
Izabella will love to have a Calameroo when she has her puppies. The pups can sleep with it while mom takes a break. I’m thinking this would be a great gift to go home with each pup as it leaves the whelping pen. It can take the smells of its litter mates and momma while it transitions to a new life.
Lizzie needs a little more companionship! I’d like to see how she reacts to this puppy/not puppy Calmeroo! She’s 6 but a puppy at heart ❤️
We are expecting a Pinecliff puppy here around the end of October. I plan to name her peaches 🙂 it would be useful I believe to help her adjust to coming home with us. Although we do have an older dog who is amazing with other dogs and kids, any transition can be hard on a new puppy and so we would use this for peaches 🍑
I love this Calmeroo idea.
If I win I would give it to my Mom’s dog Penny. She has separation anxiety and I think of would help ease that for her.
I would have my rescue Vergie have it. She has anxiety issues
I think Sparkey would love to snuggle with a Calmaroo!
My older dog Lexi has some anxiety issues and Boomer has separation anxiety and gets very upset when we leave home.
My adult pup Cookie has separation anxiety when I leave the house. I would love to try the Calmaroo with her.
My Fergie is a senior dog. When we had Molly Fergie was always trying to snuggle with her. She’s been gone for 8 years now and now Fergie is the senior. Lately she wants to stop all dogs and people on her walks for a snuggle. I’m thinking she would like the snuggles with a Calmeroos
This would be so great for my 14 year old cocker. She has very limited vision and hearing, and would enjoy a snuggle buddy.
My twelve year old buff cocker, Benny, has Progressive Retinal Atrophy. He is pretty much completely blind now. He likes to sleep a lot. It hasn’t been an easy transition for Benny. He still bumps into walls in our home. Obviously, he doesn’t know when we leave a room unless we talk to him and help him follow us out. I think the Calmeroo would be of great comfort to him.
Ollie loves to snuggle so this looks great
I would love to try one with our Buddy! Riding in the car still makes him nervous and hopefully a Calmeroo would help him relax.❤️
I would use it for my 8 year old, adopted almost a year ago, Gus. He loves to cuddle with Miss Riley, but I don’t how much longer she’ll be here. He’s going to miss her so much. He follows her everywhere and loves her so much
I think this would help Gia. She has some anxiety when we aren’t here. She also has seizures and this may help her with those.
Maggie would love this!
I’d love to try a Calmeroo with my 20 month old Sadie, so she would have a special snuggle buddy when I’m away from her for a few hours. Thanks for the thoughtful review and the giveaway opportunity.
My 2 year old Josie has some separation anxiety and I’d love to see if a Calmeroo would help
Brady our 8 yo cocker would love and definitely appreciate having his own Calmeroo buddy to snuggle.
Brady had surgery less than a week ago to remove a suspected mast cell tumor from his tail. We are anxiously awaiting the path report findings.
Thanks for the opportunity❣️
9 year old Bentley is almost blind from PRA. I believe he would love a little pal to snuggle with.
My puppy Evan would love a Calmaroo when he naps in his crate.
I just lost my 14 year old cocker. I would love this for myself, it would be a great comfort until I get a new furbaby.
I have seen similar toys in pet stores. Some were very similar to the Calmeroos, other were very soft and only had a smell. I would love to see if it would help my senior girl when she gets agitated. I think it would help calm her. I would also think it would be great if you could add your smell to the toy when you are not near. Thank you.
Parker and Kelsey would love a Calmeroo to snuggle with when mom and dad have to be away and during fireworks.
My cocker spaniel, Scrappy would love this! He is very gentle with his toys, unlike his mini Australian Shepherd brother!
I know Elaine would love to have one and keep her company when we are not at home or when there is a thunderstorm or fireworks going off. If bro likes it sissy will. Great idea.
Joey would love to use a Calmaroo :0
Daphne would love a calmeroo as she seems to be a bit lonely since her “cousin” moved out☹️.
My dog Lola sure could use this because for some reason which I do not know why she is always very anxious.
I would give this to Holly. She loves to sleep on things so this would be perfect for her to sleep on/with! I think she would like it a lot!
I would use this to keep Kylie company when we have to leave her, or traveling in her crate. Since we lost her big sister I feel bad when we have to leave her.
Lola would love a Calmeroo. She is an older pup that is by herself.
My senior cocker will be 16 next month. He now suffers from CCD Canine Cognitive Dementia I think it would help him at night/bedtime with his anxiety (he has Sundowners) to calm him and allow him and myself to get a decent nights sleep. It so sad what dementia has done to otherwise healthy dogs.
We rescued wiggs. He was 6 months old. He is a black and white cocker. When we got him he was scared of everything. He has gotten better.. he hids every thing so our son’s dog can’t get it . He has finally warmed up to me and will lay in my lap but I am his care taker. I know he would calm down more and rest better when it is bed time love you blog. You have many helpful tricks to use .
I think my older chihuahua would find this very comforting and relaxing,
Toby would love a Camaroo for his 12th birthday on November 2nd. He’s always lived his stuffies and never chews or tears them up. He just loves to carry them around and cuddle. The calming affect would help him when I have to leave the house and can’t take him, which I hate to do.
My older Boston Terrier likes to hold stuffed animals in his mouth. He’d like this.
Marvelous Missie would use her Calmeroo when there are
Loud Noises…
Thunderstorms & Lawnmowers especially!!!
Our Libby is a 12-year-old Cocker who has had separation anxiety issues since we lost her brother and sister in 2020, one month and one day apart. We have tried so many things to calm her, to no avail. We would love to try this!
Simon! Looks amazing
I would love a Calmaroo for my dog, Lila. She is very arthritic and can’t join the rest of the dogs for long walks, and she hates her wagon. It would be nice for her to have something special that might comfort her along with her peanut butter Kong.
Balsam howls every time I leave home even though Echo is with him in his crate. Having Echo has helped him a lot but I’d be curious to see if this helps him. Eventually I’ll lose my little family but I’ll get another pupster.
Calmeroos is much cuter than the hot water bottle and alarm clock wrapped in a towel we used for my first puppy as a child. 🙂
I am always looking for different ways to make my anxious adult dog, Snoopy more comfortable in the world. He loves the snuggly feeling of his donut bed. I have a feeling he’d enjoy cuddling up with a Calmeroo in his favorite sunspot.
We just got a new pup on Friday- her name is Darby. Think this would help her tremendously!
Would love to try this with Maui.
Donnie is by himself a lot & has separation anxiety. I believe a Calmeroo would be good company for him while he looks out the window waiting for me to return.
A Calmeroo would be great to share amongst my 3 puppies for when one of them needs a little extra love and comfort!
My new almost-7-year-old rescue Penny would use the Calmeroo! 🥰
My Belle was just diagnosed with a CCL tear and has restricted walking and jumping. This would be the perfect companion for next eight weeks. I’m going to get one now, but would love to win a back up for our new puppy (when the time is right for that.)
I would love to try this for my young boy Sarge. He has a few anxiety issues, mostly with loud noises and car rides. We would love for him to feel more safe and relaxed especially when we have to take long car trips or visit my other dogs favorite place at the lake.
We rescued a tiny dog ( 3#s @ 2 yrs old), she had separation anxiety after being passed around yo many homes before us. Unless she is held close to my chest, she is in dintress….sounds like the heat and heartbeat of a “CALMEROOS ” might be exactly what she needs! Please enter my email in the giveaway,,Nathaniel you for coming up with what sounds like a great solution, we would love to try!
Our good boy Doby (he’s had separation anxiety since adoption, but is improving)
My girl Paislee could use this, she is a very high anxiety girl! Curious if this would be helpful.
Lilly would love to have a Calmeroo to snuggle with while she is in her crate. She had previously used a snuggle puppy but the heartbeat feature did not last long, I wish I knew about Calmeroo when we first brought Lilly home. She had such horrible separation anxiety the first weeks away from her brother and sisters.
My Bubby he is 15 a real sweet heart he loves to cuddle with his babies he would absolutely love this . So if you love seniors pick us up senior!
With Mosley 8 days shy of his 14th birthday, he’s not seeing or hearing as well. He’s restless at night when we’re watching television. I think that a Calmeroo would help calm his anxiety.
I feel like any of my cockers would love a Calmeroo! But especially the youngest. Wyatt loves to snuggle, and the adults only want to snuggle with him when they want to. A Calmeroo would allow him to snuggle whe. HE wants too!
My baby is in first stage of heart failure. When he gets riled up, I get so scared.
My niece’s grandmother gave us a heartbeat toy for my Peanut; it works wonders in getting him calm & dozing. He sleeps with me, so it kinda helps me as well, since it’s tucked in with him.