8 Sure-Fire Ways to Calm Your Shar Pei’s Anxiety

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

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

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

A key strategy for treating your Shar Pei’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 Shar Pei and Playing Loud Music

Many Shar Pei’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 Shar Pei)

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 Shar Pei 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 Shar Pei 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 Shar Pei 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 Shar Pei

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 Shar Pei

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 Shar Pei 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 Shar Peis 

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Frequently Asked Questions About Shar Pei Anxiety

1. Why are Shar Peis prone to anxiety?

Shar Peis are highly loyal and protective, which can make them sensitive to changes in environment or separation from their owners. Their strong bonds with family members mean they may struggle with being alone for extended periods.

2. What are common signs of anxiety in Shar Peis?

Typical symptoms include pacing, whining, destructive chewing, excessive barking, panting, restlessness, or attempts to escape. In some cases, they may even display aggression if their anxiety is left unmanaged.

3. Can separation anxiety affect Shar Peis?

Yes, Shar Peis are particularly prone to separation anxiety because of their strong attachment to their owners. They may show signs of distress when left alone, such as destructive behavior, barking, or soiling indoors.

4. How does exercise help calm Shar Pei anxiety?

Regular physical activity helps release pent-up energy and promotes relaxation. Daily walks, playtime, and interactive activities are essential to reduce anxiety and improve overall behavior in Shar Peis.

5. Are Shar Peis more anxious than other breeds?

While not every Shar Pei is anxious, their protective nature and strong loyalty can make them more prone to stress than some other breeds. Proper training and early socialization help reduce this tendency.

6. Can diet and nutrition impact Shar Pei anxiety?

Yes, a healthy diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and balanced nutrients can support brain and nervous system health, helping reduce anxiety. Avoiding artificial additives may also improve mood and behavior.

7. What role does training play in reducing anxiety?

Consistent training provides structure, builds confidence, and reduces uncertainty, which can help calm anxious behaviors. Positive reinforcement is particularly effective for Shar Peis, as they respond well to encouragement.

8. Can Shar Peis benefit from calming supplements?

Yes, many calming supplements containing natural ingredients such as chamomile, L-theanine, and CBD oil may help ease stress. Always consult your veterinarian before introducing new supplements to your Shar Pei’s routine.

9. How can routine help reduce Shar Pei anxiety?

Shar Peis thrive on predictability. Maintaining a consistent schedule for feeding, walks, and playtime helps reduce stress by giving them a sense of stability and security.

10. What are environmental triggers for Shar Pei anxiety?

Common triggers include loud noises like fireworks or thunderstorms, changes in household routines, new environments, or exposure to unfamiliar people and animals. Identifying and minimizing triggers helps keep your Shar Pei calm.

11. Can crate training help with Shar Pei anxiety?

Yes, when introduced properly, crate training can give your Shar Pei a safe and secure place to retreat when they feel overwhelmed. The crate should always be associated with comfort, never punishment.

12. Do Shar Peis need socialization to prevent anxiety?

Absolutely. Early and positive socialization with people, pets, and environments helps reduce fear and anxiety later in life. Well-socialized Shar Peis are more confident and adaptable to new situations.

13. How can owners calm a Shar Pei during loud events?

Providing a quiet space, playing soothing music, or using anxiety wraps can help. Distracting them with toys or treats and staying calm yourself also reassures them during stressful events like fireworks or thunderstorms.

14. When should I seek professional help for my Shar Pei’s anxiety?

If your Shar Pei’s anxiety leads to aggression, destructive behavior, or impacts their health, consult your veterinarian or a certified animal behaviorist. Professional help may include training strategies or medical support.

15. Can Shar Peis outgrow anxiety?

Some Shar Peis may learn to manage their anxiety with proper training, structure, and care. However, without intervention, anxiety often persists or worsens. Proactive measures such as routine, socialization, and positive reinforcement are key to long-term improvement.

Helping Your Shar Pei Find Calm

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