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

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

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

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

A key strategy for treating your dachshund’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 Dachshund and Playing Loud Music

Many Dachshund’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 Dachshund)

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 Dachshund 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 Dachshund 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 Dachshund’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 Dachshund

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 Dachshund

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 Dachshund’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 Dachshunds

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Frequently Asked Questions About Dachshunds Anxiety

1. Why do Dachshunds often suffer from anxiety?

Dachshunds are prone to anxiety because of their strong attachment to their owners and their history as hunting dogs. They can become stressed when left alone, exposed to loud noises, or faced with changes in routine or environment.

2. What are the most common signs of anxiety in Dachshunds?

Signs of anxiety in Dachshunds include excessive barking, whining, pacing, destructive chewing, accidents indoors, trembling, or trying to hide. Some may also show aggression when stressed.

3. How can exercise help reduce Dachshund anxiety?

Exercise is one of the best ways to calm an anxious Dachshund. Walks, playtime, and activities help release pent-up energy, stimulate their mind, and reduce stress levels, making them feel more relaxed.

4. Can a consistent routine help with Dachshund anxiety?

Yes, maintaining a daily routine gives Dachshunds a sense of security. Feeding, walks, and playtime at regular times reduce uncertainty and help prevent anxiety triggers.

5. Do Dachshunds suffer from separation anxiety?

Yes, Dachshunds are known for strong bonds with their owners, which can lead to separation anxiety. They may bark excessively, chew furniture, or act out when left alone for too long.

6. How can training calm an anxious Dachshund?

Obedience training helps redirect your Dachshund’s focus, giving them confidence and mental stimulation. Positive reinforcement training also builds trust and helps reduce anxious behaviors.

7. Do calming supplements help Dachshunds with anxiety?

Calming supplements with ingredients like L-theanine, melatonin, or chamomile may help reduce stress in anxious Dachshunds. Always consult your veterinarian before introducing supplements.

8. Can Dachshunds benefit from crate training for anxiety?

Yes, a properly introduced crate can be a safe haven for an anxious Dachshund. It provides comfort and security, but it should never be used as punishment.

9. Do Dachshunds get anxious around strangers?

Some Dachshunds are naturally wary of strangers and may become anxious in unfamiliar social settings. Early socialization and gradual exposure to new people and dogs can help build confidence.

10. Can toys and puzzles help with Dachshund anxiety?

Interactive toys and food puzzles keep a Dachshund’s mind engaged and distracted from stress triggers. Mental stimulation is just as important as physical activity for easing anxiety.

11. How does music or sound therapy help anxious Dachshunds?

Soft, calming music or white noise can reduce stress in Dachshunds, especially during thunderstorms or fireworks. These sounds help mask sudden noises that might trigger anxiety.

12. Do Dachshunds need professional help for severe anxiety?

In severe cases, Dachshunds may benefit from working with a certified dog trainer or animal behaviorist. Veterinary guidance is also recommended, especially if anxiety is affecting health or quality of life.

13. Can Dachshunds sense their owner’s stress?

Yes, Dachshunds are highly sensitive and often mirror their owner’s emotions. If you’re stressed or anxious, your Dachshund may also show signs of tension. Staying calm can help your pup stay calm too.

14. Are calming products like anxiety wraps effective for Dachshunds?

Yes, products like anxiety wraps or vests apply gentle pressure that can soothe anxious Dachshunds. These work similarly to a comforting hug, helping reduce stress levels.

15. How long does it take to calm an anxious Dachshund?

Every dog is different, but with consistent training, exercise, and calming techniques, many Dachshunds show improvement within weeks. Severe anxiety may take longer and require ongoing support.

Helping Your Dachshund Find Calm

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

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