8 Sure-Fire Ways to Calm Your Shih Tzu’s Anxiety

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

If your Shih Tzu 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 Shih Tzu may be suffering from. Typical causes of anxiety in Shih Tzu’s might be:

• Separation anxiety – Fear of being separated from their owner. This often manifests itself by your Shih Tzu 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

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1. Experiment with Hemp Oil for Your Shih Tzu’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. 

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2. Desensitize Your Shih Tzu to The Cause of Their Anxiety

A key strategy for treating your Shih Tzu’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 Calming Treat for Dogs

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

Many Shih Tzu’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.

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

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 Shih Tzu during fireworks, thunder, separation, travel, or vet visits, with no training and no medication required.

 

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5. Try an Herbal Supplement for Your Shih Tzu 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 Shih Tzu’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.

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6. Experiment with a Pheromone Diffuser for Your Shih Tzu

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.

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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.

 

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

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. 

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Defeating your Shih Tzu’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 Shih Tzus 

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Frequently Asked Questions About Shih Tzu Anxiety

1. Why are Shih Tzus prone to anxiety?

Shih Tzus are companion dogs bred for human interaction. They can become anxious when left alone for long periods, experience sudden changes in routine, or are exposed to loud noises. Their strong attachment to their owners makes them more prone to separation anxiety.

2. What are common signs of anxiety in Shih Tzus?

Signs of anxiety in Shih Tzus include excessive barking, whining, destructive chewing, pacing, shaking, loss of appetite, and attempts to escape. Some may also cling to their owners or hide when they feel stressed.

3. Can separation anxiety affect Shih Tzus?

Yes, separation anxiety is one of the most common issues for Shih Tzus. They thrive on companionship and can become stressed if left alone too often, leading to destructive behavior or emotional distress.

4. How can exercise help calm an anxious Shih Tzu?

Daily walks and play sessions help burn off excess energy and reduce stress in Shih Tzus. Physical activity keeps their mind and body engaged, making them less prone to anxious behaviors.

5. Can training reduce anxiety in Shih Tzus?

Yes, obedience training and positive reinforcement build confidence and teach coping skills. Training helps Shih Tzus feel secure by establishing clear boundaries and structure.

6. Do calming supplements work for Shih Tzus?

Natural supplements like CBD oil, chamomile, or L-theanine may help reduce stress and anxiety in Shih Tzus. However, always consult your veterinarian before introducing supplements.

7. How does music or sound therapy affect Shih Tzus with anxiety?

Soothing music, white noise, or calming dog playlists can help mask stressful sounds like fireworks or thunder, creating a more relaxed environment for your Shih Tzu.

8. Can toys help reduce Shih Tzu anxiety?

Yes, interactive toys and puzzle feeders keep your Shih Tzu mentally stimulated. These distractions help reduce boredom and calm anxiety, especially during alone time.

9. How important is routine in managing Shih Tzu anxiety?

A consistent daily routine reassures your Shih Tzu. Regular feeding, walking, and play schedules help them feel secure and reduce stress caused by unpredictability.

10. Can crate training help calm an anxious Shih Tzu?

Crate training provides a safe and cozy space where your Shih Tzu can relax. When done positively, it helps them feel secure and less overwhelmed in stressful situations.

11. What role does socialization play in anxiety prevention?

Proper socialization from a young age helps Shih Tzus adapt to different environments, people, and other dogs. This reduces fear-based anxiety and builds confidence.

12. Can grooming affect a Shih Tzu’s anxiety?

Yes, Shih Tzus with matted fur or overgrown hair around their eyes may feel uncomfortable and stressed. Regular grooming helps them feel comfortable and can indirectly reduce anxiety.

13. How can I comfort my Shih Tzu during thunderstorms or fireworks?

Provide a quiet, safe space indoors, close curtains to block flashing lights, and use calming music. Comforting jackets or wraps can also help reduce noise-related anxiety.

14. Are Shih Tzus more emotionally sensitive than other breeds?

Yes, Shih Tzus are known for their emotional sensitivity. They are deeply connected to their owners and can mirror human emotions, becoming anxious if their owner is stressed or upset.

15. When should I seek professional help for my Shih Tzu’s anxiety?

If your Shih Tzu’s anxiety is severe, persistent, or results in aggression or self-harm, consult a veterinarian or a canine behaviorist. Professional guidance ensures proper treatment and long-term improvement.

Helping Your Shih Tzu Find Calm

Anxiety can feel overwhelming, for both you and your Shih Tzu, but it doesn’t have to define your dog’s life. With patience, consistency, and the right tools, most Shih Tzus 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 Shih Tzu feel secure, relaxed, and ready to enjoy life by your side.

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