DIY Heartbeat Pillow for Puppies, Kittens and Babies

A heartbeat pillow for your new puppy or kitten is the perfect way to keep your new animal feeling a sense of belonging and security at night. When you bring home a new puppy, it can be a lot like bringing home a new baby. Sleepless nights. Those wonderful outdoor trips to the outdoor restroom facilities where you dance around in freezing weather while the puppy takes it's sweet time finding the perfect potty spot.  And you get to do this every couple of hours!

Heartbeat Pillow for Dogs: A Soothing and Calming Toy

Dogs are pack animals and instinctively crave the warmth and comfort of their mother and littermates. The heartbeat pillow can help to provide that sense of security and belonging, especially for puppies who are still adjusting to their new homes.

The heartbeat pillow is a plush toy that contains a small heating pad and a heartbeat simulator. The heating pad helps to provide warmth and comfort, while the heartbeat simulator emits a soft, rhythmic sound that mimics the sound of a mother dog's heartbeat.

Heartbeat Pillows Have a Variety of Uses!

The heartbeat pillow can be used to help dogs with a variety of anxiety-related issues, including separation anxiety, noise phobias, and fear of being alone. It can also be helpful for dogs who are recovering from surgery or who are experiencing stress from travel.

A long time ago when we brought home our first puppy there was a product on the market called the Petstages Heartbeat Pillow. It made the sound of a heartbeat and had a warming pad in it that mimicked laying next to siblings and mother. After our first sleepless night with our new puppy, we were desperate to find one since ours seemed to have disappeared. Of course, it took tearing apart the entire basement and three hours to realize that it was gone.

I called the pet stores, but none of them sold anything like that anymore. (Although all of the shops I called said they got calls on a regular basis about the product). One company sold the adorable Snuggle Pet but it was $40 and would take almost a week to get here. Another company sold the Sleepy Sheep for babies which could also work as a solution for babies human, canine and feline.

But I knew I could do it for much less. This heartbeat pillow is just perfect for puppies, cats, and babies. And you can do it yourself and you don't have to be crafty to do it!

Using Your Pillow

To use the heartbeat pillow, simply place it in your dog's crate or bed. Your dog will naturally cuddle up to the pillow and find comfort in its warmth and sound. The heartbeat pillow can also be used to help your dog fall asleep at night.

The heartbeat pillow is a safe and effective way to help your dog feel calm and secure. It is also a relatively inexpensive option, making it a great value for the money. If your dog is experiencing anxiety or stress, the heartbeat pillow may be a helpful solution.

Benefits of Heartbeat Pillows for Dogs

There are many benefits to using heartbeat pillows for dogs, including:

• Reduced anxiety and stress. Heartbeat pillows can help to reduce anxiety and stress in dogs by providing them with a sense of security and comfort.
• Improved sleep quality. Heartbeat pillows can help dogs to sleep more soundly by providing them with a sense of comfort and security.
• Increased relaxation. Heartbeat pillows can help dogs to relax and de-stress by providing them with a sense of comfort and warmth.
• Improved overall well-being. Heartbeat pillows can help dogs to improve their overall well-being by providing them with a sense of comfort and security.

How to Choose the Right Store Bought Heartbeat Pillow for Your Dog

When choosing a heartbeat pillow for your dog, there are a few things to consider, including:

• Size. Make sure to choose a heartbeat pillow that is the right size for your dog. If the pillow is too small, your dog may not be able to cuddle up to it comfortably. If the pillow is too large, it may be difficult for your dog to move around with it.
• Material. Heartbeat pillows are typically made of soft, plush materials that are comfortable for dogs to cuddle up to. Make sure to choose a pillow that is made of a material that is easy to clean and maintain.
• Features. Some heartbeat pillows come with additional features, such as heating pads or speakers that emit calming sounds. If you are looking for a pillow with additional features, make sure to choose one that is appropriate for your dog's needs.

Where to Buy Heartbeat Pillows for Dogs

Heartbeat pillows for dogs can be purchased online or at pet stores. When purchasing a heartbeat pillow online, make sure to read reviews from other dog owners to get an idea of the quality of the product. When purchasing a heartbeat pillow at a pet store, make sure to ask the salesperson for advice on choosing the right pillow for your dog.

Making Your Own Heartbeat Pillow

Things You Will Need: 

• Stuffed Animal: You can easily use an old stuffed animal. For puppies or kittens, buy one at a thrift store, then wash and dry it before using. We recommend an animal at least 12" tall.

• Heartbeat Mechanism: You can use the detachable vibrating/heartbeat mechanism from a baby bouncer or a ticking alarm clock. (we found our alarm clock for $3.88 at Walmart).

• Warming Component: (For Puppies and Kittens) rice pack, Hot Hands or warming bottle.

• Adhesive velcro strips

• Knife

Directions:

Cut a hole in the back of the stuffed animal approximately 6-10 inches in length. Remove some of the stuffing to make space for the heartbeat mechanism and warming component.

On the inside back of the stuffed animal incision, measure and place your velcro stripping so when you pull the incision together it sticks together with the velcro. You may want to glue the velcro adhesive with fabric glue too if needed.

Place the heartbeat mechanism inside of the stuffed animal in a place that the baby or animal will hear it. Turn it on if needed.

If you are using a warming component, heat according to package directions and place inside the stuffed animal.

Seal the stuffed animal incision together with the velcro and place close to the animal so they cuddle with it. If using the heartbeat for baby, place close enough to the baby so they can hear it, but not close enough that it could become a choking or suffocation hazard.

*Note: As with anything, please be careful to not burn your animal's skin when using. Do not use the warming component on babies. Please supervise around kittens or puppies as they can chew and tear apart the stuffed animal.

Don't Forget the Treats!

Training a new puppy is hard work! Treat your new puppy to some apple pumpkin dog treats, some three ingredient gourmet dog treats, or some frozen dog treats!