8 Sure-Fire Ways to Calm Your St. Bernard’s Anxiety

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How To Conquer Your St. Bernard’s Separation Anxiety, Sound Anxiety or Travel Anxiety

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

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

A key strategy for treating your St. Bernard’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 St. Bernard and Playing Loud Music

Many St. Bernard’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 St. Bernard)

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 St. Bernard 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 St. Bernard 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 St. Bernard’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 St. Bernard

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 St. Bernard

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 St. Bernard’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.

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Frequently Asked Questions About St. Bernard Anxiety

1. Do St. Bernards suffer from anxiety?

Yes, St. Bernards can experience anxiety, especially separation anxiety, because they are deeply attached to their families. Their gentle and affectionate nature makes them sensitive to being left alone for long periods.

2. What are the common signs of anxiety in St. Bernards?

Signs include excessive barking or whining, destructive chewing, pacing, drooling, restlessness, hiding, and in some cases, aggression. Some St. Bernards may also show clinginess or refuse to eat when stressed.

3. Why are St. Bernards prone to anxiety?

St. Bernards are affectionate, family-oriented dogs. When they lack companionship, exercise, or stimulation, they can develop anxiety. Past trauma, medical conditions, or sudden changes in environment can also trigger anxious behaviors.

4. Can separation anxiety affect St. Bernards?

Yes, separation anxiety is one of the most common issues in St. Bernards. They crave human companionship, and being left alone too often can lead to destructive behaviors and stress-related health issues.

5. How do I calm down my anxious St. Bernard?

Some effective ways include daily exercise, mental stimulation through toys and training, creating a consistent routine, using calming aids like music or pheromone diffusers, and giving them plenty of affection and reassurance.

6. Do St. Bernards benefit from exercise to reduce anxiety?

Yes, regular exercise is one of the best ways to relieve stress and anxiety in St. Bernards. Walks, playtime, and even gentle hikes help burn excess energy, promote relaxation, and strengthen the bond with their owner.

7. Can diet affect my St. Bernard’s anxiety?

A poor diet may contribute to hyperactivity or nervousness. High-quality dog food with balanced nutrients supports overall health and may reduce anxiety symptoms. Some supplements with omega-3s or calming herbs can also help.

8. Are St. Bernards sensitive to their owner’s emotions?

Yes, St. Bernards are highly empathetic and can sense when their owners are stressed or upset. They may mirror these emotions, so staying calm and positive around them is important to reduce anxiety triggers.

9. How does routine help with St. Bernard anxiety?

Like many dogs, St. Bernards thrive on routine. Predictable feeding times, walks, and play sessions provide security and reduce stress because they know what to expect each day.

10. Can music help calm my St. Bernard’s anxiety?

Yes, soft and calming music can help relax anxious St. Bernards. Classical music, white noise, or even specific calming dog playlists have been shown to ease stress in sensitive breeds.

11. Do calming products work for St. Bernards?

Calming aids such as CBD treats, pheromone sprays, herbal remedies, or anxiety vests may help reduce stress in St. Bernards. Always consult your vet before introducing any supplement or product.

12. Can training reduce anxiety in St. Bernards?

Yes, obedience training, crate training, and positive reinforcement can help build confidence in anxious dogs. Training provides structure and mental stimulation, which reduces nervous behaviors.

13. Should I leave my St. Bernard alone for long hours?

No, St. Bernards should not be left alone for extended periods. Their need for companionship makes them prone to separation anxiety. If you must be away, provide toys, background noise, or a dog sitter to keep them company.

14. Can medical conditions cause anxiety in St. Bernards?

Yes, conditions like thyroid imbalances, chronic pain, or vision and hearing loss can lead to anxiety. If your St. Bernard shows sudden behavioral changes, it’s important to consult your veterinarian for a health checkup.

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

Each dog is different, but with consistency, patience, and the right calming strategies, many St. Bernards show improvement within a few weeks. Severe cases of anxiety may take longer and require professional help from a behaviorist.

Helping Your St. Bernard Find Calm

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