8 Sure-Fire Ways to Calm Your Akita’s Anxiety

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

If your Akita 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 Akita may be suffering from. Typical causes of anxiety in Akitas might be:

• Separation anxiety – Fear of being separated from their owner. This often manifests itself with 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 Akita’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 Akita to The Cause of Their Anxiety

A key strategy for treating your Akita’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 Akita and Playing Loud Music

Many Akitas that suffer from thunderstorms 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 experiencing 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 Akita)

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 Akita 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 Akita 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 Akita’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 Akita

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 Akita

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 lay 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 a 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 Akita’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.

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Related: Top Pet Insurance Plans for Akita

Frequently Asked Questions About Akitas Anxiety

1. Why do Akitas experience anxiety?

Akitas are loyal and protective dogs that form strong bonds with their families. Anxiety may develop due to separation, lack of exercise, changes in routine, or limited socialization. They can also be sensitive to their owners’ emotions.

2. What are common signs of anxiety in Akitas?

Common signs include pacing, whining, destructive chewing, excessive barking, shaking, aggression, or withdrawal. Some Akitas may also show signs of depression if anxiety is left unmanaged.

3. Are Akitas prone to separation anxiety?

Yes, Akitas can develop separation anxiety because they are deeply bonded to their families. Being left alone for long periods can lead to destructive behavior and emotional stress.

4. How can I calm my Akita’s anxiety naturally?

Natural calming methods include regular exercise, a structured routine, mental stimulation, massage, calming music, and plenty of bonding time with family members.

5. Does exercise help reduce anxiety in Akitas?

Absolutely. Akitas are active and strong dogs that require daily physical activity. Exercise releases pent-up energy, reduces stress, and helps them feel more balanced and relaxed.

6. Can socialization help prevent anxiety in Akitas?

Yes. Early and consistent socialization helps Akitas build confidence, reducing fear or anxiety around new people, animals, or environments.

7. Are calming supplements safe for Akitas?

Most calming supplements containing natural ingredients like chamomile, L-theanine, or CBD are safe when used as directed. Always consult your veterinarian before introducing any supplement to your Akita’s diet.

8. How can training reduce my Akita’s anxiety?

Obedience training and mental challenges redirect anxious energy into focus and problem-solving. Positive reinforcement builds confidence and helps your Akita manage stress better.

9. Can music therapy help calm my Akita?

Yes, soothing music or white noise can help reduce stress and calm anxious Akitas. Playing music during storms or when left alone may ease their nerves.

10. What environmental changes can help reduce anxiety?

Providing a safe, quiet space for your Akita, keeping a consistent daily routine, and removing stress triggers such as loud noises or chaotic environments can significantly reduce anxiety levels.

11. Do Akitas develop anxiety due to lack of mental stimulation?

Yes. Akitas are intelligent dogs that require mental challenges. Without puzzles, training, or interactive play, boredom can lead to anxiety and destructive behaviors.

12. How can bonding time help my Akita’s anxiety?

Spending quality time builds trust and reassures your Akita. Activities like walking, grooming, or simply sitting together strengthen your bond and reduce their stress.

13. Can anxiety in Akitas be genetic?

In some cases, yes. While environment plays a larger role, certain genetic predispositions may make Akitas more sensitive to stress. Responsible breeding practices can help reduce this risk.

14. When should I see a veterinarian about my Akita’s anxiety?

If anxiety symptoms become severe, frequent, or unmanageable with at-home care, it’s best to consult your veterinarian. They can check for underlying medical issues and recommend behaviorists or medications if needed.

15. Can routine help reduce Akita anxiety?

Yes, Akitas thrive on consistency. Feeding, walking, and playtime at regular times give them structure and predictability, which helps reduce stress and anxiety.

Helping Your Akita Find Calm

Anxiety can feel overwhelming, for both you and your Akita, but it doesn’t have to define your dog’s life. With patience, consistency, and the right tools, most Akitas 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 Akita 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.