My puppy has separation anxiety. Diffuser or sound soothing: which helps?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Dog | Chihuahua | Female | spayed | 5 months and 12 days old | 21 lbs
My small puppy is about 5-6 months old and had really bad anxiety. I've talked to my vet and she put her on vitamins and suggests either a diffuser or sound soothing. What's the difference between the two and what would be the best option? The vet she had a sever case of separation anxiety. She is also wearing a pheramone collar for her anxiety, it helped a small bit but she still has really bad anxiety.
3 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on February 26th, 2018
Poor Cleo! There are many things you can do to help get Cleo feeling more comfortable and help control her anxiety. It’s great that you are being proactive about preventing issues in future! Visit the following links for some good tips on training http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=T&C=33&S=0 ,https://healthcareforpets.com/videos . Also visit the following link to learn more about Adaptil, a synthetic pheromone that is available in a diffuser and spray form that promotes calm feelings in dogs, and can often be useful in cases of anxiety http://www.adaptil.com . I’m assuming this is what your vet was referring to, or something similar. It reminds puppies of a mother dog, and helps them to feel more secure. Soothing sounds in the back ground can be used in addition to this. Try something like the following : https://www.amazon.ca/Through-Dogs-Ear-Canine-Companion/dp/1591796423 I strongly recommend you speak to a trainer who uses positive reinforcement or a veterinary behaviorist to help give Cleo her best chance at becoming a well adjusted, happy dog. See the following link for more information on that http://www.dacvb.org/resources/for-the-public/ . Good luck!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on October 28th, 2017
You can try HomeoPet for anxiety. They sell it at PetCo. For my terrified puppy mill dog I used the supplement Solliquin. Another product people recommend is rescue remedy. A pheromone diffuser can help as well. My dog took several years to relax in our home. I recommend having places for Brandy to hide and get away when she wants. Letting her come to you and not forcing the situation is best. Have treats and toys available to get her interested in being with you. My boy was much worse when picked up or restrained. He does better when he can get on the couch and sit with me as long as I don’t physically hold him or pick him up. The best thing for him was taking him to obedience class. He loved being with other dogs and learned quickly. He became more confident and relaxed from the classes. Be patient, neglect at a young age can be difficult to overcome, it will take time and lots of love. I’m so glad you’re taking care of Brandy. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Brandy.
3Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on October 4th, 2018
I'd definitely recommend a training class together just to help instill some good behaviors and learn to communicate a bit better. Training can help with leash manners as well as some socialization. At home, keeping her in an area where she can't destroy stuff when left alone (such as with a crate or in a laundry room) and using a pheromone diffuser can definitely help. If she seems incredibly anxious, talking with your vet about anxiety medication can help, as well as potentially speaking to a veterinary behaviorist that can working on a training plan in addition to medication.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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