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How To Conquer Your Chinese Crested’s Separation Anxiety, Sound Anxiety or Travel Anxiety
If your Chinese Crested 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 Chinese Crested may be suffering from. Typical causes of anxiety in Chinese Crested’s might be:
- Separation anxiety – Fear of being separated from their owner. This often manifests itself by your Chinese Crested 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 Chinese Crested’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 Chinese Crested to The Cause of Their Anxiety
A key strategy for treating your Chinese Crested’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 Chinese Crested and Playing Loud Music
Many Chinese Crested’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 Chinese Crested)
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 Chinese Crested during fireworks, thunder, separation, travel, or vet visits, with no training and no medication required.
5. Try an Herbal Supplement for Your Chinese Crested 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 Chinese Crested’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 Chinese Crested
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 Chinese Crested
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 Chinese Crested’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 Chinese Crested Dogs
Frequently Asked Questions About Chinese Crested Anxiety
1. Why do Chinese Crested dogs experience anxiety?
Chinese Crested dogs are affectionate and people-oriented, which makes them prone to separation anxiety. Their sensitive nature also means they can easily become stressed by changes in environment, loud noises, or lack of routine.
2. What are the common signs of anxiety in Chinese Crested dogs?
Signs include excessive barking or whining, destructive behavior, pacing, shaking, hiding, loss of appetite, and in some cases, aggression. These behaviors signal that your dog is feeling overwhelmed.
3. Can separation anxiety affect Chinese Crested dogs more than other breeds?
Yes. Chinese Crested dogs are very attached to their owners, making them more prone to separation anxiety compared to more independent breeds. They thrive on companionship and attention.
4. How does exercise help reduce anxiety in Chinese Crested dogs?
Regular walks and play sessions help burn off excess energy and release endorphins, which naturally reduce stress. A tired dog is less likely to experience anxious behaviors.
5. What role does training play in calming anxiety?
Training builds confidence in your Chinese Crested. Commands like “stay” or “settle” can help redirect anxious energy into positive behaviors. Consistent training also reassures your dog that you are in control, which reduces stress.
6. Are Chinese Crested dogs sensitive to loud noises?
Yes, this breed can be particularly sensitive to thunderstorms, fireworks, or sudden loud sounds. Using white noise, calming music, or desensitization techniques can help them cope better.
7. Can anxiety in Chinese Crested dogs lead to health problems?
Chronic anxiety can weaken the immune system, cause digestive issues, or lead to destructive habits that harm their teeth or paws. Managing anxiety is important for overall health.
8. Do calming supplements work for Chinese Crested dogs?
Many calming supplements containing natural ingredients such as chamomile, valerian root, or CBD can help. However, it’s always best to consult your veterinarian before starting supplements.
9. How can I create a safe space for my Chinese Crested during stressful times?
Provide a cozy, quiet area with their favorite toys, blankets, and maybe even a crate covered with a blanket to reduce visual stress. This gives them a secure retreat during stressful situations.
10. Do Chinese Crested dogs benefit from socialization to reduce anxiety?
Yes. Proper socialization helps them adapt to new environments, people, and animals. This reduces fear of the unknown and lowers overall anxiety.
11. Can diet impact anxiety in Chinese Crested dogs?
Yes. A healthy diet supports overall well-being and can influence mood. Deficiencies in certain nutrients, such as omega-3 fatty acids, may contribute to stress or irritability.
12. How important is routine for managing anxiety in Chinese Crested dogs?
Very important. Dogs thrive on predictability. Feeding, walking, and playtime at consistent times each day reassure your Chinese Crested and help minimize anxiety.
13. Should I use calming tools like anxiety wraps for my Chinese Crested?
Yes, anxiety wraps or calming vests apply gentle, constant pressure to the body, which can help reduce stress and provide a sense of security for anxious dogs.
14. Can professional training or behavior therapy help with severe anxiety?
Absolutely. A certified trainer or canine behaviorist can help identify triggers and create a tailored plan to reduce anxiety through desensitization and counterconditioning techniques.
15. How can I comfort my Chinese Crested during separation?
Gradual desensitization works best. Start by leaving your dog for short periods and gradually increase the time apart. Providing puzzle toys, treat-dispensing toys, or leaving behind an item with your scent can also comfort them while you’re away.
Helping Your Chinese Crested Find Calm
Anxiety can feel overwhelming, for both you and your Chinese Crested, but it doesn’t have to define your dog’s life. With patience, consistency, and the right tools, most Chinese Cresteds 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 Chinese Crested feel secure, relaxed, and ready to enjoy life by your side.
English (US) · 