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

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

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

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

A key strategy for treating your papillon’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 Papillon and Playing Loud Music

Many Papillon’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 Papillon)

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 Papillon’s 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 Papillon 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 Papillon 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 Papillon

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 Papillon

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.

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Defeating your Papillon’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 Papillons

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Frequently Asked Questions About Papillon Anxiety

1. Why do Papillons develop anxiety?

Papillons are highly social and affectionate dogs that form strong bonds with their owners. They can develop anxiety due to separation, lack of socialization, sudden changes in routine, or traumatic experiences.

2. Are Papillons prone to separation anxiety?

Yes, Papillons are known for being companion dogs and can become anxious when left alone for long periods. They thrive on human interaction and may struggle with isolation.

3. What are common signs of anxiety in Papillons?

Common signs include excessive barking or whining, destructive behavior, pacing, panting, shaking, or attempts to escape. Some may also show aggression or withdrawal.

4. How can exercise help reduce Papillon anxiety?

Regular physical activity helps release pent-up energy and reduces stress. Daily walks, playtime, and mental stimulation activities can significantly lower anxiety levels in Papillons.

5. Can diet affect my Papillon’s anxiety?

Yes, a poor diet lacking essential nutrients may contribute to stress and hyperactivity. Providing high-quality food rich in omega-3s, vitamins, and minerals can support emotional balance and brain health.

6. Do calming supplements work for Papillons?

Natural supplements with ingredients like chamomile, L-theanine, or CBD oil may help calm anxious Papillons. Always consult your veterinarian before starting any supplement.

7. How does training reduce Papillon anxiety?

Consistent obedience training builds confidence and provides structure. Positive reinforcement helps redirect nervous energy and teaches your Papillon how to respond calmly in stressful situations.

8. Can socialization help with Papillon anxiety?

Yes, introducing your Papillon to different people, pets, and environments at an early age reduces fear of the unknown. Proper socialization makes them more adaptable and less anxious.

9. Are Papillons more anxious than other breeds?

Papillons are not inherently more anxious than other small breeds, but their sensitivity and strong attachment to owners can make them prone to separation anxiety and stress if not managed properly.

10. How does a consistent routine help Papillons with anxiety?

Dogs thrive on routine. Feeding, walking, and playtime at regular intervals create predictability, which reduces uncertainty and stress in anxious Papillons.

11. Can music calm an anxious Papillon?

Yes, soft classical music or calming dog-specific soundtracks can soothe Papillons during stressful events like thunderstorms, fireworks, or when left alone.

12. Do Papillons benefit from crate training for anxiety?

Crate training provides a safe, secure space for your Papillon when feeling anxious. A crate should never be used for punishment, but as a comfortable retreat that promotes calmness.

13. How can toys and puzzles reduce Papillon anxiety?

Interactive toys and puzzle feeders keep Papillons mentally engaged, preventing boredom and anxiety. Mental stimulation helps redirect nervous energy into positive activities.

14. Should I consult a vet about my Papillon’s anxiety?

Yes, if your Papillon’s anxiety is severe or persistent, a vet can rule out medical causes and recommend behavioral therapy, supplements, or medications if necessary.

15. Can Papillons outgrow anxiety?

Some Papillons may improve with age, training, and consistent care. However, without proper management, anxiety can persist. Early intervention and regular positive reinforcement are key.

Helping Your Papillons Find Calm

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