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

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

If your Bullmastiff 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 Bullmastiff may be suffering from. Typical causes of anxiety in Bullmastiffs might be:

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

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

Many Bullmastiff’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 Bullmastiff)

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 Bullmastiff 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 Bullmastiff 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 Bullmastiff 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 Bullmastiff

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 Bullmastiff

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 Bullmastiff’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 Bullmastiffs 

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Frequently Asked Questions About Bullmastiff Anxiety

1. Why do Bullmastiffs experience anxiety?

Bullmastiffs are loyal and protective dogs that form strong bonds with their families. Anxiety often stems from separation, lack of mental stimulation, or environmental changes. Their sensitive nature means they may pick up on their owner’s stress as well.

2. What are common signs of anxiety in Bullmastiffs?

Typical signs include pacing, whining, excessive barking, destructive behavior, panting, restlessness, and avoiding eye contact. Some Bullmastiffs may also become overly clingy or show aggression when stressed.

3. Are Bullmastiffs prone to separation anxiety?

Yes, Bullmastiffs can be prone to separation anxiety because they thrive on companionship and may struggle when left alone for long periods. Proper training and gradual desensitization can help them cope better.

4. How can exercise help calm my Bullmastiff’s anxiety?

Regular physical exercise burns off excess energy and reduces stress hormones. Activities like long walks, play sessions, and even structured training exercises help calm an anxious Bullmastiff by promoting relaxation.

5. Can training reduce Bullmastiff anxiety?

Yes, consistent training provides structure and builds confidence. Teaching commands and rewarding calm behavior gives your Bullmastiff focus and reassurance, which helps reduce anxiety.

6. What role does routine play in reducing anxiety?

A predictable daily routine helps Bullmastiffs feel secure. Consistent feeding, walking, and playtimes minimize uncertainty, which is a common trigger for anxiety.

7. Do calming supplements work for Bullmastiffs?

Some calming supplements containing ingredients like L-theanine, chamomile, or CBD oil may help reduce anxiety. However, always consult your veterinarian before introducing new supplements.

8. Can music or sound therapy help with anxiety?

Yes, playing calming music, white noise, or dog-specific soundtracks can soothe Bullmastiffs by masking stressful noises like fireworks or thunderstorms.

9. Should I use a crate for my anxious Bullmastiff?

A crate can provide a safe, den-like space for some Bullmastiffs, helping them feel secure. However, it should be introduced positively and never used as punishment, or it may worsen anxiety.

10. Are Bullmastiffs sensitive to their owner’s emotions?

Yes, Bullmastiffs are highly attuned to their owner’s moods. If you are stressed or anxious, they may mirror those emotions. Staying calm and providing reassurance helps your dog feel more at ease.

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

Provide a safe, quiet space indoors, close windows and curtains, and play soothing background noise. Comforting them with gentle touch or a calming vest may also help reduce stress during loud events.

12. Can socialization help prevent anxiety in Bullmastiffs?

Yes, early and ongoing socialization helps Bullmastiffs adapt to new environments, people, and other dogs. This reduces fear-based anxiety later in life.

13. When should I seek professional help for my Bullmastiff’s anxiety?

If anxiety leads to severe destructive behavior, aggression, or constant distress, consult your veterinarian or a certified canine behaviorist for guidance and treatment options.

14. Are Bullmastiff puppies more anxious than adults?

Puppies may show more signs of anxiety because they are adjusting to new environments and routines. With proper training, socialization, and reassurance, most Bullmastiffs grow into more confident adults.

15. Can diet affect my Bullmastiff’s anxiety levels?

Yes, a balanced diet supports overall health, including brain and nervous system function. Diets rich in omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants may help reduce inflammation and promote calmer behavior.

Helping Your Bullmastiff Find Calm

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