iHeartDogs is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you.

How To Conquer Your Chow Chow’s Separation Anxiety, Sound Anxiety or Travel Anxiety

If your Chow Chow is experiencing anxiety, life can be miserable both for you and your pup. I myself spent 2 years battling extreme separation anxiety with my dog, and we successfully came out on the other side. In this article I’ll share some of the resources and strategies that worked for us.

There are many forms of anxiety that your Chow Chow may be suffering from. Typical causes of anxiety in Chow Chow’s might be:

Separation anxiety – Fear of being separated from their owner. This often manifests itself by your Chow Chow pacing, drooling, biting, or being destructive while you’re away.
Sound anxiety – Fear of loud noises like thunder, fireworks, or a vacuum cleaner
Travel anxiety – Fear of traveling in a moving vehicle, or fear of intimidating places like your vet’s office or a boarding kennel

1. Experiment with Hemp Oil for Your Chow Chow’s Anxiety

One of the tools I successfully used in treating my dog’s anxiety was hemp. While your results may vary, approximately 67% of the dog owners polled here claimed that hemp was ‘extremely effective’ or ‘somewhat effective’ in helping their dog’s anxiety.

In my experience, hemp helped my dog calm down enough to respond positively to the other training methods I was using to treat her anxiety. When choosing a hemp oil, always look for a certificate of analysis showing a pure and safe product. I’d also recommend a product with 0% THC.

If you’d rather not give an hemp oil tincture to your dog, there are also great full spectrum hemp treat options available for dogs on Amazon. 

2. Desensitize Your Chow Chow to The Cause of Their Anxiety

A key strategy for treating your Chow Chow’s anxiety is desensitizing them to the trigger of their fear. For example, my dog’s anxiety was triggered anytime I walked out the door to leave the house. For other dogs, the trigger might be you grabbing your keys or putting on your coat.

Begin by doing the trigger activity, but then immediately reversing it. For example, I would grab my keys and walk out the door. Then I’d come back 5 seconds later. I did this literally hundreds of times over a period of a week. Eventually, my dog was desensitized and bored by the behavior.

Related: Best Pill Pockets for Dogs

3. For Sound Anxiety, Trying Isolating Your Chow Chow and Playing Loud Music

Many chow Chow’s that suffer from thunderstorm or fireworks anxiety experience relief in a smaller, more isolated room of the house where music can be played at a loud volume. A word of caution though, if your dog is also experiences separation anxiety leaving them alone in a room during may be counterproductive.

4. Try Using a Compression Wrap (Available in Many Sizes and Will Fit Your Chow Chow)

Many dogs are comforted by the feeling of compression across their body. One popular product many have found success with is the Thundershirt (available on Amazon and Chewy). The product applies gentle, calming pressure that is very reassuring to many pups. The company claims the product to be helpful for about 80% of the dogs who tried it. It can be used to help calm your Chow Chow during fireworks, thunder, separation, travel, or vet visits, with no training and no medication required.

 

5. Try an Herbal Supplement for Your Chow Chow with Calming Herbs Like Chamomile, Passion Flower, Ginger Root or Valerian Root

Many calming supplements exist for dogs that are palatable for dogs, easy-to-feed, and can help quickly relieve your Chow Chow’s stress and give a sense of safety and calm. Some supplements contain calming herbs like chamomile, passion flower, ginger root, and valerian root are a great option.

6. Experiment with a Pheromone Diffuser for Your Chow Chow

Canine pheromone diffusers mimic the calming pheromone that a mother dog emits while nursing her puppies. The diffuser can help many dogs feel calmer and more comfortable in stressful situations. The same company that makes the Thundershirt above also makes a product called ThunderEase diffuser, which is also available on Amazon and Chewy.

7. Try an Anti-Anxiety Supplement Containing L-Tryptophan, L-Theanine or Melatonin

Other popular ingredients in anti-anxiety supplements include the amino acids L-Tryptophan and L-Theanine, both of which offer calming properties and increase the release of “feel good” serotonin in your dog’s body. In addition, some calming products for dogs contain a small amount of melatonin, which can help regulate and improve their sleep.

 

8. Experiment with Using Your Own Scent & Sound to Calm Your Chow Chow

In my experience, using your own scent and sound to help calm your dog is a powerful strategy in beating anxiety. I stumbled upon this one day with my own dog by accident.

Typically, if I left the home my dog would instantly enter a panic. But one day I needed to take a long phone call, and left my dog outside my bedroom door where I took the call. During the call, she calmly lied next to the door, where she could obviously smell and hear me. It occurred to me that I could possibly mimic this tactic while I wasn’t at home.

I recorded my voice on a CD player and then put it on loop. Then I placed a used t-shirt on the inside of the door where she could easily smell it underneath. To my surprise, I was able to leave the house for a short time. (I monitored her on a video camera). I slowly increased the length of time I left, and always found her calm and sincerely believing that I was just behind the door!

If you’d like to read the full story of how I cured my dog’s extreme separation anxiety, go here.

Another popular calming product is the heartbeat puppy toy. Traditionally, these have been used to help calm puppies who have recently left their litter. The plush toys come with a warming features as well as a simulated heartbeat. While originally intended for puppies, many dog owners have found they can effectively calm dogs of all ages. This popular model is available on Amazon. 

Defeating your Chow Chow’s anxiety is absolutely possible—though every dog’s path to calm will be unique. The tools and strategies above can help you get started, but sometimes our pups need an extra layer of support. That’s why at iHeartDogs, we trust gentle, vet-formulated supplements designed to ease stress without harsh medications.

For best results, you can pair the Cannanine Ultra-Premium Broad Spectrum hemp Oil with our Cannanine Bacon-Flavored hemp Calming Chews. Together, these two supplements deliver 10 active, naturally calming ingredients—including hemp, melatonin, and valerian root—to promote relaxation and support emotional balance. Whether it’s fireworks, separation stress, or everyday anxiety, this powerful duo can help your dog feel safe, secure, and comforted.

Related: Top Pet Insurance Plans for Chow Chows 

Frequently Asked Questions About Chow Chow Anxiety

1. Why do Chow Chows experience anxiety?

Chow Chows are known for their independent nature but can still develop anxiety due to separation from their owners, lack of socialization, sudden changes in routine, or past trauma. Their protective instincts can also make them more sensitive to stressful environments.

2. What are common signs of anxiety in Chow Chows?

Signs of anxiety in Chow Chows include excessive barking, whining, pacing, destructive behavior, panting, aggression, or withdrawal. Some may also refuse food or hide when stressed.

3. Are Chow Chows prone to separation anxiety?

Yes, although Chow Chows are more independent than many breeds, they can still suffer from separation anxiety, especially if they are left alone for long periods without mental or physical stimulation.

4. Can exercise help reduce anxiety in Chow Chows?

Absolutely. Daily walks, play sessions, and interactive games help burn off excess energy, reduce stress, and provide positive mental stimulation that can ease anxiety.

5. What role does training play in calming a Chow Chow’s anxiety?

Training builds confidence and creates a sense of structure. Positive reinforcement techniques help Chow Chows feel secure and reduce stress caused by uncertainty or lack of boundaries.

6. Do Chow Chows benefit from calming supplements?

Yes. Natural supplements containing ingredients like chamomile, valerian root, or CBD oil may help calm anxious Chow Chows. Always consult a veterinarian before adding supplements to their routine.

7. Can music or sound therapy help with Chow Chow anxiety?

Yes. Playing soothing music, white noise, or nature sounds can help reduce stress in Chow Chows by masking triggers like fireworks, traffic, or loud household noises.

8. How important is routine for a Chow Chow’s mental health?

Very important. Chow Chows thrive on predictable schedules. Consistent feeding times, walks, and bedtime routines can reduce stress and help them feel secure.

9. Can socialization reduce anxiety in Chow Chows?

Proper socialization helps Chow Chows feel more comfortable in different environments and around other dogs and people. Early exposure prevents fear-based anxiety later in life.

10. What triggers anxiety in Chow Chows?

Common triggers include being left alone for extended periods, loud noises, unfamiliar environments, changes in routine, or negative past experiences. Sensitive Chow Chows may also mirror their owner’s stress.

11. How do I calm my Chow Chow during thunderstorms or fireworks?

Provide a safe, quiet space with familiar blankets and toys. Playing calming sounds, offering anxiety wraps, or using pheromone diffusers can also help your Chow Chow feel more secure during loud events.

12. Can diet impact my Chow Chow’s anxiety levels?

Yes. A nutritious, well-balanced diet supports overall health, which includes mental wellbeing. Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants may improve mood stability and reduce anxiety.

13. Are Chow Chows emotionally sensitive to their owners?

Yes. Chow Chows often sense their owner’s emotions. If their owner is stressed or anxious, they may reflect that behavior. Staying calm and reassuring can help ease their anxiety.

14. Do Chow Chows need professional help for severe anxiety?

If anxiety leads to destructive behavior or aggression, consulting a veterinarian or certified canine behaviorist is recommended. Professional guidance ensures safe and effective management.

15. What are the 7 sure-fire ways to calm my Chow Chow’s anxiety?

The most effective ways include exercise, consistent training, socialization, maintaining a routine, providing safe spaces, using calming supplements or tools, and showing patience and reassurance. Combining these approaches helps build a calmer, more confident Chow Chow.

Helping Your Chow Chow Find Calm

Anxiety can feel overwhelming, for both you and your Chow Chow, but it doesn’t have to define your dog’s life. With patience, consistency, and the right tools, most Chow Chows can overcome separation stress, noise phobias, or travel worries and return to their naturally happy, confident selves. Remember, every dog’s journey to calm will look different, so don’t be discouraged if progress feels slow. Even small steps forward are signs of healing. When combined with training and a loving routine, these solutions can make a world of difference in helping your Chow Chow feel secure, relaxed, and ready to enjoy life by your side.

iHeartDogs is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you.