The Best Anxiety Vests For Dogs
From stormy weather to fireworks, many things can trigger your pup's anxiety. An anxiety vest can help keep your dog calm when they're feeling scared or anxious. These vests work by applying steady, gentle pressure to your pet's body, helping to soothe them when life gets to be too much. With so many anxiety vests on the market, choosing the right one for your furry friend can be a difficult task. To help you with your search, we've rounded up some of the best the internet has to offer.
What to Look For
We recommend keeping the following things in mind when shopping for a vest to help control your pup’s anxiety: Is it durable enough to stand up to playful dogs? Is it made of fabric that won’t irritate your pup’s skin? Does it fit your pup comfortably and allow them to move around freely? Our favorite was the vest from ThunderShirt, which applies constant pressure to your pup’s body and is so comfortable they can wear it for extended periods. We were also impressed by the vest from the American Kennel Club, which is easy to put on and take off and fits snugly. Keep reading to learn more about our favorites and discover the right one for your pooch.
ThunderShirt Classic Dog Anxiety Vest
When it comes to controlling your pup’s anxiety, this lightweight polyester vest from ThunderShirt is hard to beat. The vest applies pressure to your dog’s body, helping to calm them and generate feelings of security. As one of the first anxiety vests on the market, the company has had plenty of time to refine its patented design, and it shows. It’s durable and swaddles your furry friend’s torso while allowing them to move freely without obstruction. The vest’s fasteners make putting it on and taking it off a snap, and it’s easy to keep clean.
Pros:
- Applies light pressure to a dog’s stomach, chest, and back
- Available in multiple sizes
- Doesn’t accumulate fur and machine washable
- Suitable for all-day use
Cons:
- Dogs may become hot if wearing it in warm weather
American Kennel Club Dog Anxiety Vest
When your dog is suffering from stress or anxiety, this vest from the American Kennel Club can bring them some relief. It’s designed to help dogs who’ve experienced trauma, or other forms of anxiety feel safe and secure. The vest’s adjustable velcro fasteners make it easy to wrap around your pup quickly, and it stretches just the right amount to provide a snug fit. While wearing the vests, your dog will feel a gentle, constant pressure that can help them feel better during stressful situations, like thunderstorms, fireworks, travel, visits to the vet, and separation anxiety.
Pros:
- Comes in various colors and sizes
- Made of high-quality fabric
- Wraps dogs tightly to help them feel secure
- Excellent value for the price
Cons:
- You must ensure the right fit for the vest to work properly
ThunderShirt Sport Dog Anxiety Vest
Stress relief
If you have a large, active dog, the ThunderShirt Sport anxiety vest will help keep them calm while they engage in their favorite outdoor activities. It’s a lightweight version of the classic ThunderShirt anxiety vest, making it an excellent choice for dogs with thick coats that are susceptible to overheating. At the same time, it wraps your dog in gentle pressure, comforting them and helping to relieve stress and anxious feelings. Since it’s made of flexible materials, your pup can move around easily while wearing it.
Pros:
- Lightweight and breathable, making it an excellent choice for dogs prone to overheating
- Effectively reduces anxiety provoked by separation, travel, fireworks, thunder, and more
- Can be worn with a harness
- Flexible, allowing dogs complete freedom of movement while wearing it
Cons:
- May have to remove the vest so male dogs can pee
Cozy Vest 3-in-1 Dog Anxiety Vest
Multisensory relaxation
This product from Cozy Vest uses touch, hearing, and smell to help calm your dog in anxiety-producing situations. The lightweight vest is made of a cotton and nylon blend and works by swaddling your dog’s chest and torso as it applies gentle, calming pressure. One of the vest pockets contains a small speaker that plays a relaxing sound for up to five hours at a time. That’s not all; it also has an aroma therapy pendant that releases calming lavender or chamomile scents.
Pros:
- Covers the entire length of a dog’s torso
- Available in multiple sizes
- Helps relieve anxiety related to large noises, travel, and separation without using medication
- Uses three senses to soothe dogs and calm their fears
Cons:
- Some dogs may find the music distracting
Mellow Shirt Dog Anxiety Vest
This anxiety vest from Mellow Shirt proves you don’t have to break the bank to get a high-quality vest to calm your dog when they’re feeling anxious. It works by applying moderate pressure to your dog’s torso, helping to soothe them and calm their fears. The vest’s hook-and-loop fasteners keep it securely in place and make putting it on and taking it off quick and easy. Its lightweight, breathable material makes it suitable for year-round use and an excellent option for warm climates. Moreover, it won’t restrict your pup’s movements, so they can move around as much as they want.
Pros:
- Made of stretchy material with velcro straps, making it easy to apply and adjust
- Lightweight fabric makes it suitable for wearing for long periods without worrying about overheating
- Vest is true to size
- Works almost immediately to calm dogs
Cons:
- Won’t keep dogs warm in cold temperatures
How do dog anxiety vests work?
Dog anxiety vests work by swaddling your dog like a baby. These vests apply gentle, consistent pressure to your dog’s body, which helps calm them and allows them to relax. Wearing a calming vest can also increase your pup’s feelings of security.
How long can my dog wear an anxiety vest?
Each dog is different, so your pup’s temperament will dictate how long they’ll feel comfortable wearing an anxiety vest. Typically, dogs can wear them for several hours without any problems. If your dog appears agitated or uncomfortable with the vest, remove it immediately. Your dog may need some to adjust to wearing it, so in the beginning, it’s a good idea to only put it on them for short intervals. Many dogs only need to wear a vest during thunderstorms, a visit to the vet, or in other situations that provoke their anxiety.
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