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How To Conquer Your Basset Hound’s Separation Anxiety, Sound Anxiety or Travel Anxiety
If your Basset Hound 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 Basset Hound may be suffering from. Typical causes of anxiety in basset hound’s might be:
- Separation anxiety – Fear of being separated from their owner. This often manifests itself by your Basset Hound 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 Basset Hound’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 Basset Hound to The Cause of Their Anxiety
A key strategy for treating your basset hound’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 Dog Doors
3. For Sound Anxiety, Trying Isolating Your Basset Hound and Playing Loud Music
Many Basset Hound’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 Basset Hound)
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 Basset Hound during fireworks, thunder, separation, travel, or vet visits, with no training and no medication required.
5. Try an Herbal Supplement for Your Basset Hound 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 Basset Hound’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 Basset Hound
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 Basset Hound
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 Basset Hound’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 Basset Hounds
Frequently Asked Questions About Basset Hound Anxiety
1. Why do Basset Hounds suffer from anxiety?
Basset Hounds are pack-oriented dogs that thrive on companionship. When left alone for long periods or not given enough attention, they may develop separation anxiety and stress-related behaviors.
2. What are the common signs of anxiety in Basset Hounds?
Signs include excessive barking or howling, destructive chewing, pacing, trembling, accidents indoors, and clingy behavior. Some may also show aggression or hide when stressed.
3. Are Basset Hounds more prone to separation anxiety than other breeds?
Yes, Basset Hounds are highly social and attached to their families, making them more prone to separation anxiety compared to some independent breeds.
4. Can exercise help reduce Basset Hound anxiety?
Yes. Daily walks, playtime, and mental stimulation help release pent-up energy, lower stress, and improve overall emotional well-being in Basset Hounds.
5. What role does training play in calming anxiety?
Positive reinforcement training builds confidence and structure. Teaching commands like “stay” and “calm” can redirect anxious behavior into positive responses.
6. Can music or sound therapy help calm Basset Hounds?
Yes, soothing music, white noise, or calming dog playlists can reduce stress from loud noises, separation, or unfamiliar environments.
7. Are calming supplements safe for Basset Hounds?
Vet-approved supplements containing natural ingredients like chamomile, L-theanine, melatonin, or CBD (where legal) can safely reduce anxiety in Basset Hounds when used as directed.
8. How can I prepare my Basset Hound for being alone?
Start with short departures and gradually increase the time. Leave toys, treat puzzles, or comfort items to keep them occupied and reduce stress when alone.
9. Can crate training help with Basset Hound anxiety?
Yes, if introduced positively. A crate can become a safe den where your Basset feels secure, but it should never be used as punishment or for long-term confinement.
10. Do Basset Hounds benefit from professional behavior training?
Yes. Certified trainers or behaviorists can design strategies to manage severe anxiety, address triggers, and create a tailored plan for your Basset Hound.
11. Can anxiety in Basset Hounds lead to health problems?
Chronic anxiety can weaken the immune system, cause digestive issues, and lead to destructive behaviors that risk injury. Managing anxiety is crucial for long-term health.
12. Are certain situations more likely to trigger anxiety in Basset Hounds?
Yes. Triggers include thunderstorms, fireworks, being left alone, changes in routine, travel, and unfamiliar environments or people.
13. How long does it take to see improvement after calming techniques?
It varies. Some Basset Hounds respond quickly within a few days, while others may take weeks or months of consistent training, exercise, and routine adjustments.
14. Can diet affect my Basset Hound’s anxiety?
Yes. A balanced diet with essential fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals can support brain health and emotional stability. Some diets with calming nutrients may reduce anxiety levels.
15. When should I see a vet about my Basset Hound’s anxiety?
If your Basset shows persistent anxiety, destructive behaviors, or sudden personality changes, consult your vet. They can rule out medical issues and suggest behavioral therapy or supplements.
Helping Your Basset Hound Find Calm
Anxiety can feel overwhelming, for both you and your Basset Hound, but it doesn’t have to define your dog’s life. With patience, consistency, and the right tools, most Basset Hounds 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 Basset Hound feel secure, relaxed, and ready to enjoy life by your side.
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