8 Sure-Fire Ways to Calm Your Greyhound’s Anxiety

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How To Conquer Your Greyhound’s Separation Anxiety, Sound Anxiety or Travel Anxiety

If your Greyhound 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 Greyhound may be suffering from. Typical causes of anxiety in Greyhounds might be:

• Separation anxiety – Fear of being separated from their owner. This often manifests with 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

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1. Experiment with Hemp Oil for Your Greyhound’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. 

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2. Desensitize Your Greyhound to The Cause of Their Anxiety

A key strategy for treating your Greyhound’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 reverse 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

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3. For Sound Anxiety, Trying Isolating Your Greyhound and Playing Loud Music

Many Greyhound’s that suffer from thunderstorms 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 experiencing separation anxiety leaving them alone in a room during may be counterproductive.

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4. Try Using a Compression Wrap (Available in Many Sizes and Will Fit Your Greyhound)

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 Greyhound during fireworks, thunder, separation, travel, or vet visits, with no training and no medication required.

 

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5. Try an Herbal Supplement for Your Greyhound 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 Greyhound’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. 

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6. Experiment with a Pheromone Diffuser for Your Greyhound

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.

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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.

 

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8. Experiment with Using Your Own Scent & Sound to Calm Your Greyhound

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. 

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Defeating your Greyhound’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.

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Related: Top Pet Insurance Plans for Greyhounds 

Frequently Asked Questions About Greyhound Anxiety

1. Why do Greyhounds suffer from anxiety?

Greyhounds can experience anxiety due to separation from their owners, lack of socialization, changes in routine, or previous trauma. Their sensitive and loyal nature makes them more prone to stress compared to some breeds.

2. What are the signs of anxiety in Greyhounds?

Common signs include pacing, whining, panting, destructive behavior, shaking, or hiding. Some Greyhounds may also show changes in appetite or become overly clingy when anxious.

3. Can separation anxiety affect Greyhounds more than other breeds?

Yes, Greyhounds often form strong bonds with their owners and can struggle with separation anxiety when left alone. Their sensitive nature makes them more dependent on human companionship.

4. How can exercise help calm my Greyhound’s anxiety?

Regular exercise helps release excess energy and reduces stress. Long walks, running in a safe space, and interactive play sessions can make Greyhounds feel calmer and more balanced.

5. Do Greyhounds benefit from calming supplements?

Yes, calming supplements containing natural ingredients like chamomile, L-theanine, or CBD oil can help reduce anxiety in Greyhounds. Always consult your vet before introducing supplements.

6. What role does routine play in managing Greyhound anxiety?

Greyhounds thrive on consistency. Maintaining a stable routine for feeding, exercise, and bedtime helps reduce anxiety by giving them a sense of predictability and security.

7. Can crate training help with Greyhound anxiety?

Yes, when done correctly, crate training can give Greyhounds a safe space where they feel secure. The crate should be cozy, never used as punishment, and introduced gradually to prevent stress.

8. How does mental stimulation reduce Greyhound anxiety?

Engaging Greyhounds with puzzle toys, scent games, or training exercises keeps their minds active and distracts them from anxious feelings, promoting calm behavior.

9. Do Greyhounds respond well to music therapy?

Yes, many Greyhounds find soft, calming music soothing. Playing classical or specially designed pet-relaxation music can help reduce stress during thunderstorms or when left alone.

10. Can Greyhounds pick up on their owner’s stress?

Absolutely. Greyhounds are very empathetic and can sense when their owners are stressed or upset. They often mirror these emotions, which can increase their own anxiety levels.

11. Are Greyhounds more anxious than other breeds?

While not all Greyhounds are anxious, they are sensitive dogs that can be more prone to stress, especially if they have a history of racing, rehoming, or lack of socialization.

12. How do I calm my Greyhound during thunderstorms or fireworks?

Providing a safe, quiet space, using calming wraps, playing white noise or soothing music, and offering reassurance can help Greyhounds feel more secure during loud events.

13. Are professional trainers helpful for Greyhound anxiety?

Yes, professional trainers and behaviorists can provide customized strategies for managing anxiety, especially if your Greyhound shows severe or destructive behaviors.

14. Can diet impact my Greyhound’s anxiety levels?

Yes, a balanced diet supports overall health, and certain nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids can improve brain function and reduce anxiety. Avoiding excessive sugar or fillers can also help stabilize behavior.

15. What is the best way to help a newly adopted Greyhound with anxiety?

Patience, consistency, and gentle reassurance are key. Establish a predictable routine, provide safe spaces, slowly introduce new environments, and use positive reinforcement to build their confidence and reduce anxiety.

Helping Your Greyhound Find Calm

Anxiety can feel overwhelming, for both you and your Greyhound, but it doesn’t have to define your dog’s life. With patience, consistency, and the right tools, most Greyhounds 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 Greyhound feel secure, relaxed, and ready to enjoy life by your side.

iHeartDogs is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you.