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How To Conquer Your Shiba Inu’s Separation Anxiety, Sound Anxiety or Travel Anxiety
If your Shiba Inu 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 Shiba Inu may be suffering from. Typical causes of anxiety in Shiba Inu’s might be:
- Separation anxiety – Fear of being separated from their owner. This often manifests itself by your Shiba Inu 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
1. Experiment with Hemp Oil for Your Shiba Inu’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.
2. Desensitize Your Shiba Inu to The Cause of Their Anxiety
A key strategy for treating your Shiba Inu’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
3. For Sound Anxiety, Trying Isolating Your Shiba Inu and Playing Loud Music
Many Shiba Inu’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 Shiba Inu)
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 Shiba Inu during fireworks, thunder, separation, travel, or vet visits, with no training and no medication required.
5. Try an Herbal Supplement for Your Shiba Inu 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 Shiba Inu’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.
6. Experiment with a Pheromone Diffuser for Your Shiba Inu
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.
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.
8. Experiment with Using Your Own Scent & Sound to Calm Your Shiba Inu
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.
Defeating your Shiba Inu 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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Frequently Asked Questions About Shiba Inus Anxiety
1. Why do Shiba Inus experience anxiety?
Shiba Inus are an intelligent and independent breed, but they can be prone to anxiety due to separation from their owners, lack of socialization, or sudden changes in their environment. Their sensitive and alert nature makes them quick to react to stressors.
2. What are the signs of anxiety in a Shiba Inu?
Common signs include excessive barking, whining, pacing, destructive behavior, hiding, aggression, restlessness, and changes in appetite. Each Shiba Inu may show anxiety differently depending on personality and environment.
3. Can separation anxiety affect Shiba Inus?
Yes. Shiba Inus form strong attachments to their families, and being left alone for long periods can trigger separation anxiety. They may display destructive behavior, vocalization, or pacing when stressed.
4. How can I calm my Shiba Inu when they are anxious?
Calming methods include daily exercise, interactive toys, crate training, consistent routines, and calming aids like soothing music or vet-approved supplements. Training and reassurance also help reduce stress.
5. Do Shiba Inus need more exercise to reduce anxiety?
Yes. Shiba Inus are active dogs that need regular exercise to release pent-up energy. Walks, runs, and playtime can significantly reduce anxiety and promote relaxation.
6. Are calming treats or supplements safe for Shiba Inus?
Most calming treats and supplements made with natural ingredients like chamomile, CBD, or L-theanine are safe if approved by your veterinarian. Always follow dosage recommendations.
7. How does crate training help with Shiba Inu anxiety?
A crate can provide a safe and secure space where your Shiba Inu feels calm. When introduced positively, it becomes a sanctuary that helps reduce stress during anxiety-inducing events.
8. Can music or sound therapy help calm Shiba Inus?
Yes. Playing soft classical music or white noise can soothe anxious Shiba Inus, especially during thunderstorms or fireworks. Sound therapy provides comfort and reduces external triggers.
9. Do Shiba Inus get anxious around strangers or other dogs?
Some Shiba Inus may feel anxious in unfamiliar situations or around unknown people or pets. Early socialization helps build confidence and reduces fear-based anxiety.
10. Can training reduce anxiety in Shiba Inus?
Yes. Obedience training and positive reinforcement provide mental stimulation, boost confidence, and teach Shiba Inus how to respond calmly in stressful situations.
11. What role does routine play in reducing Shiba Inu anxiety?
Shiba Inus thrive on consistency. Establishing a predictable schedule for feeding, walks, and playtime helps reduce stress by giving them a sense of stability and security.
12. Are Shiba Inus prone to noise anxiety?
Yes. Like many breeds, Shiba Inus can become anxious during fireworks, thunderstorms, or loud noises. Providing a safe space, sound masking, or calming aids can help reduce this type of anxiety.
13. Can anxiety in Shiba Inus lead to aggression?
Yes. Anxiety can sometimes be misinterpreted as aggression. A stressed Shiba Inu may growl, snap, or avoid contact. Addressing anxiety early helps prevent these behavioral issues.
14. Should I consult a veterinarian if my Shiba Inu has anxiety?
Yes. If anxiety symptoms are severe or persistent, a veterinarian can rule out underlying medical issues and may recommend supplements, medications, or behavioral therapy.
15. Can my Shiba Inu outgrow anxiety?
Some Shiba Inus may outgrow mild anxiety as they mature and gain confidence, especially with consistent training and socialization. However, for many, managing anxiety is an ongoing process that requires patience and care.
Helping Your Shiba Inu Find Calm
Anxiety can feel overwhelming, for both you and your Shiba Inu, but it doesn’t have to define your dog’s life. With patience, consistency, and the right tools, most Shiba Inu 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 Shiba Inu feel secure, relaxed, and ready to enjoy life by your side.
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Toledo, United States.