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

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

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

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

A key strategy for treating your Yorkie’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 Yorkie and Playing Loud Music

Many yorkie’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 Yorkie)

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 Yorkie 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 Yorkie 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 Yorkie’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 Yorkie

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 Yorkie

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 Yorkie’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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Related: Top Pet Insurance Plans for Yorkies 

Frequently Asked Questions About Yorkies Anxiety

1. Why do Yorkies experience anxiety more than other breeds?

Yorkies are small, highly sensitive dogs that form strong attachments to their owners. Their size and temperament make them prone to separation anxiety, noise phobias, and stress in unfamiliar environments.

2. What are the common signs of anxiety in Yorkies?

Signs of anxiety in Yorkies include excessive barking, whining, trembling, destructive chewing, pacing, panting, aggression, and hiding. Some may also lose appetite or have accidents indoors.

3. Can Yorkie anxiety be caused by separation from their owner?

Yes, separation anxiety is one of the most common issues in Yorkies. They crave companionship and can become anxious when left alone for extended periods.

4. How can exercise help calm my Yorkie’s anxiety?

Regular exercise helps release excess energy and reduces stress in Yorkies. Daily walks, play sessions, and mental stimulation can prevent restlessness and ease anxiety symptoms.

5. Does training help reduce Yorkie anxiety?

Yes, consistent training builds confidence and provides structure. Teaching commands and reinforcing calm behavior helps Yorkies feel secure and less anxious in stressful situations.

6. Can music or sound therapy calm an anxious Yorkie?

Soothing music, white noise, or calming soundtracks can reduce stress for Yorkies, especially during fireworks, thunderstorms, or when left alone at home.

7. Are Yorkies prone to noise-related anxiety?

Yes, due to their sensitive hearing, Yorkies often develop fear of loud noises like fireworks, thunderstorms, and household appliances. Calming aids and desensitization training can help.

8. How can diet and nutrition affect Yorkie anxiety?

A balanced diet supports overall health, and some supplements such as omega-3 fatty acids or calming herbs may help reduce stress. Always consult your vet before adding supplements.

9. Do calming treats or CBD oil help Yorkie anxiety?

Many owners find calming treats and CBD oil effective for easing stress in Yorkies. However, it’s important to choose vet-approved products and start with the recommended dosage.

10. How does socialization impact Yorkie anxiety?

Proper socialization from a young age reduces fear and anxiety in Yorkies. Exposure to different people, pets, and environments helps them feel confident and adaptable.

11. Can anxiety in Yorkies lead to destructive behavior?

Yes, anxious Yorkies may chew furniture, scratch doors, or bark excessively when stressed. Addressing the root cause of anxiety is key to stopping destructive habits.

12. Are Yorkies more likely to develop anxiety as they age?

Older Yorkies may develop anxiety due to declining vision, hearing loss, or cognitive dysfunction. Keeping a consistent routine and providing comfort helps ease their stress.

13. What role does routine play in reducing Yorkie anxiety?

Yorkies thrive on consistency. Regular feeding times, walks, and play sessions give them a sense of security and reduce stress from unpredictability.

14. Should I consult a vet if my Yorkie shows signs of anxiety?

Yes, a veterinarian can rule out medical causes of anxiety and may recommend behavioral training, supplements, or medications if needed.

15. Can Yorkie anxiety be fully cured?

While anxiety cannot always be completely cured, it can be managed effectively with training, lifestyle adjustments, and calming strategies. Many Yorkies improve significantly with consistent care.

Helping Your Yorkie Find Calm

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