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How To Conquer Your Maltese’s Separation Anxiety, Sound Anxiety or Travel Anxiety
If your Maltese 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 Maltese may be suffering from. Typical causes of anxiety in Maltese’s might be:
- Separation anxiety – Fear of being separated from their owner. This often manifests itself by your Maltese 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 Maltese’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 Maltese to The Cause of Their Anxiety
A key strategy for treating your Maltese’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 Maltese and Playing Loud Music
Many Maltese’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 Maltese)
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 Maltese during fireworks, thunder, separation, travel, or vet visits, with no training and no medication required.
5. Try an Herbal Supplement for Your Maltese 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 Maltese 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 Maltese
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 Maltese
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 Maltese 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 Malteses
Frequently Asked Questions About Maltese Anxiety
1. Why are Malteses prone to anxiety?
Maltese dogs are companion breeds that thrive on human interaction. Their small size and strong attachment to their owners make them more prone to separation anxiety and stress when left alone for long periods.
2. What are the common signs of anxiety in Maltese dogs?
Common signs include excessive barking or whining, destructive chewing, pacing, shaking, hiding, and changes in appetite. Some Malteses may also display clingy behavior or aggression when anxious.
3. Can separation anxiety be severe in Malteses?
Yes, Malteses are highly affectionate and often bond closely with one person. This makes them more likely to develop separation anxiety if not trained to handle alone time gradually.
4. How can I calm my Maltese when they are anxious?
Exercise, interactive toys, training, calming music, and a consistent routine are effective ways to reduce anxiety. Some owners also find natural calming aids or CBD treats helpful.
5. Do Malteses benefit from crate training to reduce anxiety?
Yes, crate training can provide a safe and comfortable space for a Maltese. When introduced positively, the crate becomes a secure den that helps reduce anxiety when left alone.
6. Can anxiety in Malteses be caused by medical conditions?
Yes, anxiety symptoms may sometimes be linked to health issues such as thyroid problems, pain, or vision and hearing loss. A veterinary check-up can help rule out medical causes.
7. How much exercise does a Maltese need to prevent anxiety?
Malteses do not require intense exercise but benefit from daily walks and playtime. Regular activity helps burn excess energy and reduces stress levels, promoting a calmer temperament.
8. Are calming supplements safe for Malteses?
Most vet-approved calming supplements containing natural ingredients like chamomile, valerian root, or L-theanine are safe. Always consult your veterinarian before starting supplements.
9. Can diet affect my Maltese’s anxiety levels?
Yes, a poor diet can increase hyperactivity and stress. Feeding a balanced, nutrient-rich diet supports overall health and can positively impact behavior and anxiety management.
10. How do I help my Maltese cope with loud noises like fireworks?
During loud events, provide a safe, quiet space with comforting items such as blankets or toys. Playing soft music, using anxiety wraps, or providing vet-approved calming aids can also help.
11. Can training reduce anxiety in Malteses?
Yes, obedience training, socialization, and desensitization techniques can help reduce anxiety triggers. Training builds confidence and gives your Maltese positive coping skills.
12. Do Malteses get anxious around strangers or new environments?
Some Malteses may feel anxious in unfamiliar situations. Gradual exposure, socialization, and positive reinforcement can help them feel more secure in new environments.
13. Is it okay to leave my Maltese alone at home?
Malteses should not be left alone for long periods. If you must leave, provide toys, background noise, or consider a dog sitter or daycare to help prevent separation anxiety.
14. How can grooming and physical care help with anxiety?
Regular grooming and gentle handling help your Maltese feel comfortable and relaxed. Since grooming is part of their routine, it can also serve as bonding time, which reduces stress.
15. When should I seek professional help for my Maltese’s anxiety?
If anxiety leads to destructive behavior, aggression, or persistent distress, consult a veterinarian or certified animal behaviorist. They can recommend behavioral therapy or medication if necessary.
Helping Your Maltese Find Calm
Anxiety can feel overwhelming, for both you and your Maltese, but it doesn’t have to define your dog’s life. With patience, consistency, and the right tools, most Maltese 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 Maltese feel secure, relaxed, and ready to enjoy life by your side.
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