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How To Conquer Your Cavalier’s Separation Anxiety, Sound Anxiety or Travel Anxiety
If your cavalier 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 Cavalier may be suffering from. Typical causes of anxiety in Cavalier’s might be:
- Separation anxiety – Fear of being separated from their owner. This often manifests itself by your Cavalier 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 Cavalier’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 Cavalier to The Cause of Their Anxiety
A key strategy for treating your cavalier’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 Cavalier and Playing Loud Music
Many cavalier’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 Cavalier)
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 Cavalier during fireworks, thunder, separation, travel, or vet visits, with no training and no medication required.
5. Try an Herbal Supplement for Your Cavalier 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 Cavalier’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 Cavalier
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 Cavalier
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 Cavalier’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 Cavaliers
Frequently Asked Questions About Cavalier Anxiety
1. Why are Cavaliers prone to anxiety?
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are affectionate companion dogs bred to be close to people. Their strong attachment to their owners makes them more prone to separation anxiety and stress when left alone for long periods.
2. What are common signs of anxiety in Cavaliers?
Signs of anxiety include excessive barking, whining, pacing, destructive chewing, house soiling, shaking, panting, or attempting to escape when left alone. Some Cavaliers may also become clingy or overly restless.
3. Can exercise help calm my Cavalier’s anxiety?
Yes, regular physical activity helps burn off excess energy, reduces stress, and promotes a calmer demeanor. Daily walks, play sessions, or light agility exercises can be very effective for Cavaliers.
4. How does routine affect a Cavalier’s anxiety levels?
A consistent daily routine gives Cavaliers a sense of security. Feeding, walks, playtime, and rest at the same times each day reduce uncertainty and lower anxiety.
5. Are Cavaliers more prone to separation anxiety than other breeds?
Yes, Cavaliers are companion-oriented and highly attached to their families. They are more likely than many breeds to suffer from separation anxiety if left alone frequently or for extended periods.
6. Can crate training help reduce my Cavalier’s anxiety?
Crate training, when done positively, can provide Cavaliers with a safe and secure space. It should never be used as punishment but as a calming den that helps them feel comfortable when alone.
7. Do calming supplements work for Cavaliers with anxiety?
Calming supplements containing natural ingredients like chamomile, L-theanine, or CBD oil can help reduce stress in Cavaliers. Always consult with your veterinarian before starting supplements.
8. Can music or white noise help calm an anxious Cavalier?
Yes, soft classical music or white noise can mask triggering sounds like traffic or fireworks. This can help soothe anxious Cavaliers and create a more relaxed environment.
9. How can training help manage Cavalier anxiety?
Obedience training and positive reinforcement can build your Cavalier’s confidence and reduce stress. Teaching them commands and rewarding calm behavior can help redirect anxious energy.
10. What role does socialization play in reducing anxiety?
Proper early socialization exposes Cavaliers to different people, pets, and environments. This helps them adapt better to changes and reduces fear-based anxiety in adulthood.
11. Are Cavaliers sensitive to their owners’ emotions?
Yes, Cavaliers are very empathetic and can mirror their owners’ emotions. If you’re stressed, they may become anxious too. Staying calm and positive helps reassure them.
12. Can toys and puzzles help reduce anxiety in Cavaliers?
Interactive toys, puzzle feeders, and chew toys can provide mental stimulation and distraction. This keeps Cavaliers engaged and helps reduce boredom-related anxiety.
13. When should I consider professional help for my Cavalier’s anxiety?
If your Cavalier’s anxiety is severe, persistent, or leading to destructive or harmful behavior, consulting a veterinarian or a certified canine behaviorist is recommended.
14. Can Cavaliers outgrow anxiety with age?
Some Cavaliers may improve with maturity and training, but many will always need management strategies. Anxiety often requires consistent care, not just time, to improve.
15. What are the best ways to calm an anxious Cavalier quickly?
Quick solutions include gentle petting, using a calm voice, offering a favorite toy or chew, and redirecting energy with a short walk or training exercise. For long-term results, combine these methods with consistent routines and preventive care.
Helping Your Cavalier Find Calm
Anxiety can feel overwhelming, for both you and your Cavalier, but it doesn’t have to define your dog’s life. With patience, consistency, and the right tools, most Cavaliers 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 Cavalier feel secure, relaxed, and ready to enjoy life by your side.
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