The Best Dog Vests
Whether your pup needs an extra layer of protection when it's cold outside or is suffering from anxiety, dog vests can help keep them comfortable in various situations. Some vests hake ave pockets and pouches for storage, making them an excellent choice for outdoor adventures with your pooch. Others double as harnesses allowing you to take your dog out into the world worry-free. There are even vests to keep your furry friend cool when it's hot outside. With all of that in mind, we've rounded up some of the best dog vests on the market.
What to Look For
It’s important to keep the following things in mind when shopping for a vest for your dog? What will be the primary use of the vest? Is it made from rugged, durable materials? Does it allow your dog to have complete freedom of movement? Our favorite was the vest from Emust, which is made of high-quality materials and designed to keep dogs warm in cold weather. We were also impressed by the Vest from Carhartt, which is made of cotton and has plenty of insulation for chilly days. Read on to learn more about our favorites and discover the right one for your pup.
Emust Cold Weather Dog Vest
Cold weather requires cold weather gear, and this vest from Emust will help keep your pup warm when the temperatures drop. It has a reflective tape that runs down the center, ensuring your dog’s visibility in low-light situations. Plus, it has a zipper on the back that you can use to pull your furry friend’s leash through. The vest has velcro attachments and opens widely, making it easy to slip on most dogs without a struggle.
Pros:
- Zipper for harness and hole for D-ring collar
- Thick enough to keep dogs warm in cold temperatures
- Available in multiple sizes and colors
- Suitable for all dog breeds
Cons:
- It’s not waterproof
Carhartt Insulated Dog Vest
Functional warmth
Whether your dog is active outside in cold weather or helps out on a farm or ranch, this vest from Carhartt can help them stay warm on the coldest days. The comfy jacket has a water-repellent coating and is designed to protect your pup in windy weather. The vest’s outer layer is made from durable, tightly woven duck canvas, making it highly durable. Its inner layer has a quilted nylon lining to help your pup maintain their body heat.
Pros:
- Water and wind-repellent
- Interior lining with soft, warm quilting
- Adjustable fit
- Made of rugged duck canvas
Cons:
- Doesn’t cover all of the hind end or stomach
Rabbitgoo Tactical Dog Vest
On the go
Whether your pup will be accompanying you on an outdoor adventure or you need to get a little more control of them on your daily walks, this vest from Rabbitgoo is up to the task. It’s well-organized with four quick-release buckles and five adjustable straps, ensuring it fits properly and making it easy to put on and take of your pet. It has two durable metal leash attachment points to help you control your dog, even in rough conditions. It also has a heavy-duty handle that allows you to lift your pup when needed. That’s not all; it’s also comfortable, breathable, and has padded pressure points to protect your pup’s skin.
Pros:
- Suitable for all types of field use
- Secure, snug fit
- Multiple velcro attachments for name tags, patches, and badges
- Can strap pet gear and water bottles to the vest
Cons:
- Only fits large dogs
Thundershirt Anxiety Dog Vest
No more worries
Combatting your pup’s anxiety can be challenging, and this vest from Thundershirt is ready to help you with the task. From fireworks to thunder, many things could trigger your pup’s anxious feelings. When this happens, this vest is designed to wrap around them, applying constant pressure to their body, helping to calm them. It’s made of a comfortable, breathable fabric that’s safe for them to wear all day.
Pros:
- Easy to put on and take off
- Machine washable
- Applies comforting light pressure to the body
- Available in multiple sizes
Cons:
- Dog hair gets trapped in the velcro enclosures
Ruffwear Evaporative Dog Vest
When we think of dog vests, cold weather often comes to mind. However, vests can also help your dog stay cool when the temperatures soar. This vest from Ruffwear is ideal for active pups that spend time playing outdoors in hot weather. All you have to do is soak the vest before taking your dog out, and the water on the vest will evaporate to help keep them cool. If you’re going to be outdoors for extended periods, you can re-soak the vest to keep your pooch cool throughout long hikes in the sun or other activities.
Pros:
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Three-layer cooling system
- Provides UPF 50+ protection
- Compatible with harnesses
- Side-release buckles make it easy to remove and put on
Cons:
- Not the ideal option for humid climates
Are vests good for dogs?
When it’s cold out, some dogs may need to wear a vest to help them maintain their body heat. Dogs that don’t have an undercoat are the most susceptible to cold temperatures, and wearing a vest helps them regulate their body temperature. Specially designed vests can also keep dogs cool in hot weather. Dog vests can also be used to ensure your dog is highly visible, especially when accompanying their owner at night.
Are dog vests better than collars?
Harness-style vests fit securely around a dog’s body, helping prevent accidents better than regular collars. Dogs can often slip out of their collar, which can be dangerous if they run into traffic on a busy street or into a neighbor’s year. Attaching a leash to a vest instead of a collar can also help eliminate strain on your dog’s neck.
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