From a visit to the vet to a loud thunderstorm, there are many occasions that can be stressful and scary to your dog. When dogs experience fear and anxiety, it can create a dangerous situation for both your pet and you.
Veterinarians can prescribe medication to ease the symptoms of anxiety, but the meds can have plenty of unsavory side effects.
The purchase and use of a dog anxiety vest is an excellent method of easing a stressed-out pooch.
BEST CHOICE
ThunderShirt Sport Dog Anxiety Jacket
Best Dog Anxiety Vest in Our Rating
- Many sizes for any breed of your pet
- Reliable fixation, repeating the shape of the body
- The product is recommended by many veterinarians, excellent reputation
- Manufacturer’s Warranty
Selecting the Best Dog Anxiety Vests in November, 2024
| Product | Dimensions | Weight | Brand | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| (Editor’s Choice) ThunderShirt Dog Jacket  | 1.5 x 6.5 x 9.9 inches | 7.2 ounces | Thundershirt | Check Price |
Surgi Snuggly Dog Cone | 43 x 12.5 x 0.4 inches | 0.32 ounces | Surgi Snuggly | Check Price |
| (Editor’s Choice) Calming Vests for Dogs  | 20 x 36 x 9.1 inches | 8.8 ounces | Comfort Zone | Check Price |
Surgi Snuggly E Collar | 11 x 7 x 0.5 inches | 4 ounces | Surgi Snuggly | Check Price |
American Kennel Club | 7.6 x 10.4 x 0.4 inches | 3.2 ounces | American Kennel Club | Check Price |
Emmy's Pet Products | 6 x 2 x 8 inches | 6.4 ounces | Emmy's Best Premium Pet Products | Check Price |
Dog Anxiety Jacket | 0.9 x 9.4 x 13 inches | 9.6 ounces | Thundershirt | Check Price |
Dog Anxiety Polo Shirt | 7.6 x 10.4 x 0.4 inches | 10.7 ounces | Thundershirt | Check Price |
KONG Pet Shirt | 8.8 x 5.8 x 2.3 inches | 4 ounces | KONG | Check Price |
Dog Anxiety Vest | 6 x 2 x 8 inches | 5 ounces | Agon | Check Price |
1. ThunderShirt Sport Dog Anxiety Jacket : Best for Severe Anxiety Experiencing Pets
The ThunderShirt Sport Dog Anxiety Jacket is an excellent option from one of the most well-known anxiety vest creators. The ThunderShirt utilizes a comforting and gentle-pressure approach to squelch anxiety and stress in your furry friend.
Our testing team found the ThunderShirt to be an effective solution for many situations including fireworks, visits to the vet, and even during thunderstorms.
The ThunderShirt Sport Dog Anxiety Jacket is backed by the science of Dr. Temple Grandin as well as other behavioral scientists.
- Patented design
- Available in pink or platinum
- In sizes that accommodate nearly every size
- Offers gentle, calming pressure to ease anxiety and fear
- The Velcro closure may wear off with excessive or aggressive washing, so be sure to strictly follow all cleaning instructions
2. Surgi Snuggly Dog Cone : Best for Use After Surgery or to Keep Wounds Clean
The Surgi Snuggly Dog Cone has a name that is a bit of a misnomer as it is, in fact, a vest rather than a cone. Our testing team had great success in using this option as a way to calm dogs down after surgery while also helping to keep them from licking wounds.
The Surgi Snuggly Dog Cone allows your furry friend to relax and recoup from surgery in style. We love this option as an alternative to every pup’s nightmare; the cone of shame.
- Created by veterinarians to replace the cone of shame
- Scientifically proven to reduce the level of stress in dog’s after surgery
- Extremely well-priced
- Available in multiple sizes and colors to suit any pup’s sensibilities
- We love using this anxiety vest and found no negative aspects to mention
3. Comfort Zone Calming Vest for Large Dogs : Best for Bigger Dog Breeds
The Comfort Zone Calming Vest for Large Dogs is a terrific choice for larger breeds of canines such as golden retrievers or Labradors. This option is sized to fit chests measuring from 29 inches for the large size, up to 38 inches for the extra-large size.
The fabric is gentle and effective at calming pressure while also being incredibly light feeling and breathable.
For this reasoning, our testing team enjoyed having this version to use during the warmer spring and summer months.
- Wonderful choice for bigger breeds
- Breathable fabric
- Extremely well-made and durable
- Very secure
- Fits chests from 29 inches to 38 inches
- This was one of our favorite pet anxiety vest options for larger dogs with no downsides to speak of
4. Mellow Shirt Dog Anxiety Calming Wrap : Easiest Anxiety Shirt to Put on Your Pooch
The Mellow Shirt Dog Anxiety Calming Wrap works in a way similar to wrapping a newborn infant. The shirt swaddles your pup with a gentle, lightweight pressure that is soothing to your dog’s frazzled nerves.
Our testing team loved how easy it is to put the Mellow Shirt on our pets and how well it works to comfort and calm them down.
The Mellow Shirt Dog Anxiety Calming Wrap is crafted from a fabric that is lightweight and very breathable.
- Lightweight and breathable fabric
- Machine washable
- Available in sizes from XXS for the under seven-pound breeds to XL for breeds up to 110 pounds
- Lots of fun color options
- Thinner than some other options, so it may work best in warmer months or for thicker coated breeds
5. AKC American Kennel Club Anti Anxiety and Stress Relief Calming Coat : Best for Fireworks-Related Anxiety
The AKC American Kennel Club Anti-Anxiety and Stress Relief Calming Coat offers a way to perk your pampered pooch up by relieving stress and anxiety. The coat is available in blue, grey, and pink to suit any tastes.
Our testing team members had great success in using the coat when taking their pets to the vet and during fireworks as a way to help them feel safer and more secure.
The AKC American Kennel Club Anti Anxiety and Stress Relief Calming Coat earned high marks from our testing team members that tried the coat during firework events.
- Available in blue, pink, or grey
- Made in sizes to fit pets from XS to XL
- Easy to put on your pet
- Works well during fireworks
- Slightly more expensive than other choices, but lovely option nonetheless
6. Emmy’s Best Premium Pet Products Two Tone Soft Fabric Jacket : Best Anxiety Vest Option for Small and Medium Breeds
The Emmy’s Best Premium Pet Products Two Tone Soft Fabric Jacket is offered in small and medium sizes to accommodate smaller dogs and even cats. The shirt is easy to place on your caring canine.
Our testing team members were thrilled to find an option that helped their rescue dogs feel safer and happier when wearing this coat.
The Emmy’s Best Premium Pet Products Two Tone Soft Fabric Jacket features two colors as well as deluxe leather embellishments.
- Two color option
- Deluxe leather embellishments
- Rescue dogs love it
- Easy to put on
- This option was one of our favorite choices this week with no downsides to mention
7. ThunderShirt Classic Dog Anxiety Jacket : Best All Around Calming Anxiety Vest for Pets
The ThunderShirt Classic Dog Anxiety Jacket is the clear favorite of our testing team members this week. The coat works to relieve symptoms of fear, stress, overexcitement, and anxiety.
The shirt is so effective that it has an over 80 percent success rate for helping millions of pooches and kitties.
The ThunderShirt Classic Dog Anxiety Jacket is backed by science that was based on the studies of Dr. Temple Grandin and other animal behavior specialists.
- Terrific pricing point
- Has helped millions of pets
- The original calming coat that most others are based on
- Science-backed
- The ThunderShirt Classic Dog Anxiety Jacket is our hands down number one pick with no negative qualities to speak of
8. Thundershirt Dog Anxiety Polo Shirt, Major League Baseball Officially Licensed : Perfect for Baseball-Loving Pets and Their Family
The Thundershirt Dog Anxiety Polo Shirt, Major League Baseball Officially Licensed blends the effectiveness of the original ThunderShirt with America’s favorite pastime, baseball! The coat works in the same way as the traditional version by using gentle pressure to alleviate stressful feelings.
Our testing team loved having a coat that reflects our love for our favorite teams while keeping Fido calmer and happier than ever.
The Thundershirt Dog Anxiety Polo Shirt, Major League Baseball Officially Licensed has helped millions of pets stay calm during storms, vet visits, fireworks and more.
- Effective and fun
- Lightweight and breathable fabric
- Easy to place on a pet
- Moderate price point
- Our testing team members wish there was more variety in the available team logos
9. KONG Anxiety Reducing Pet Shirt : Best Budget Priced Calming Coat for Pets
The KONG Anxiety Reducing Pet Shirt is a beautiful budget priced selection that shows you do not need to spend a fortune for real results. The snuggly fitting shirt features a wrap-around design. It’s straightforward to apply and remove.
Our testing team was thrilled to find an inexpensive option that is still crafted from high-quality materials.
The KONG Anxiety Reducing Pet Shirt is offered in a plethora of sizes to fit nearly any pooch or cat.
- Inexpensive yet effective option
- Easy fit sizing
- Flexible Velcro prevents sores
- Versatile and well-made
- We wish there were more color options since black isn’t the best choice for pets that wear the coat outdoors
10. Agon CozyFur Patent Pending Canine Anti-Anxiety Vest : Best for Super Stressed Pets
The Agon CozyFur Patent Pending Canine Anti-Anxiety Vest is an entire calming system designed to pamper and calm the most stressed of pets.
The coat can be selected in either black or grey. You will also receive a music player to distract nervous pets from scary sounds.
The Agon CozyFur Patent Pending Canine Anti-Anxiety Vest also includes two essential oil crystals.
- Includes coat, music player, and essential oil crystals
- An entire system to combat canine stress and anxiety• Comfy and easy to put on
- Wonderful for extremely stressed dogs
- We love this option from CozyFur with no negative qualities to speak of
The Best Dog Anxiety Vests – Buyer’s Guide
A pet anxiety shirt is an excellent way to ease the stress that your dog is experiencing. There are many different versions each claiming to be the very best. Gaining an understanding of the theory and science behind anxiety coats as well as how they work will assist you in discovering the best model for you and your furry friend.
Our testing team learned a ton of helpful information while testing and reviewing the top ten anxiety vests for dogs. We want to share that knowledge with you, our loyal readers and your pet-kids. Let’s get started!
What is Canine Anxiety?
Anxiety can occur in not only humans but in our canine and feline friends as well. Stressors such as separation, loud noises, or new places can make your pet feel anxious. Anxiety can be demonstrated by many different behaviors including, but not limited to:
- Shaking
- Hiding
- Growling
- Relieving themselves where they shouldn’t
- Running away
- Constant licking
- Biting
- Destructive behavior such as scratching and chewing
Just like their pet-parents, pets with anxiety require treatment to feel better. You could take a costly trip to the vet for a prescription for medication or try to distract your pet when they seem upset. However, anxiety vests are becoming a more common way to relieve anxious behavior in a cost-effective, comforting way that does not rely on medications or expensive therapeutic treatments.
How Does a Pet Anxiety Shirt Work?
The dog anxiety vest works by allowing your pup to feel safe and secure. The principle is similar to that of swaddling an infant as a way to provide a sort of blanket assisted hug. The reason it works for many pets (and people) lies in the act of compression. Compression is a special and specific sensation allowing your fuzzy friend to feel like they are constantly being held, hugged, and comforted.
When Would a Dog Anxiety Vest Be Helpful?
There are many times to use a pet anxiety wrap. You can use it during thunderstorms or fireworks, while you are at work for a pet with separation anxiety, or anytime they are afraid. The coats are easy to put on and remove making them convenient for any occasion.
Key Considerations for Purchasing a Dog Anxiety Vest
- Fitting and Compression. It is imperative to measure your pet properly so that you can buy the right size. A too big shirt will not have enough compression while a too small one could cut off circulation or cause pain. Always double check measurements for accuracy.
- Material Matters. Cotton based anxiety shirts are breathable and lightweight. This makes them an excellent option as they will not cause your pet to become too warm in milder months. It is also easy to clean and care for. Velcro closures make customizing size simple while protecting the skin.
- Wash Ability. Selecting an option that is machine washable will save you both time and frustration. Pets get into things and get dirty quickly. Throwing the shirt into the washer is much easier than trying to spot clean stains by hand.
A Few Common Questions About Pet Anxiety Vests
How long can my pet wear an anxiety shirt for?
The anti-anxiety wraps are crafted to be worn for extended periods of time. A correctly sized and applied vest will be snug and comfy for your pet, so they will be happy wearing it. If you plan to leave them in the shirt for over two hours during the initial wearing you will need to remove it periodically to check for any areas of irritation.
Why did my cat fall over after I placed the anxiety shirt on?
Our feline friends are not typically used to wearing clothes. Cats have an extremely high degree of sensitivity to tactile stimulus. As a result, they may be overwhelmed and flop over. Do not worry, they are not in pain they are simply adjusting to the new and different tactile sensations.
Conclusion
A dog anxiety vest can help your pet to feel calm and comforted during stressful events or experiences. Finding the best version can be a stressful task with so many options available. Keeping your pet’s needs and their measurements in mind will make the process much easier.
We hope you enjoyed reading our top ten dog anxiety vest reviews and that you learned something new from our buyer’s guide. Hearing back from our readers always brightens our day. Please drop us a short comment below with your pet anxiety tips and tricks.
I bought Comfort Zone Calming Vests only because of the fabric. It’s of high quality and it prevents me from being afraid that my dog will get some allergy. So, it’s a great vest.
The fabric of Comfort Zone Calming Vests looks good and seems to be of high quality. So, I ‘ve ordered it and waiting for the package in a few days.
I haven’t found an ideal vest as they all aren’t very comfortable for my dog. I’m not sure we’ll find it ever just because my pet is very nervous about wearing any clothes.
I have never used an anxiety vest until our vet recommended it to us. So now I hope my dog will be okay.
Calming Vests for Dogs helps us a lot. And also it’s made of great fabric. So recommend you to try this vest, if you’re looking for a good one.
Since I started a pet recently, before that I never knew that vests can soothe them. Of all the items on the site, I liked The Mellow Shirt Dog Anxiety Calming Wrap the most. I’m going to order it, as I feel, soon we may need it
We live near the railway, and every time a train passes, our dog whines and rushes about in the yard, especially in the dark. The ThunderShirt Sport Dog Anxiety Jacket saved our shaggy friend from these troubles, and now he quietly watches the passage of trains
Surgi is well set, but a couple of notes: it is a little difficult to put on the first time but it seems comfortable once it’s on.
American Kennel Club calms my shitzu down if she ever needs to be left for a short time.
Bought American Kennel Club to help my little one with separation anxiety, he doesn’t like it going on – but it does help.
How do I measure my dog to get the correct size? He’s a border collie 22kg.
You measure from your dog’s neck to the base of your dog’s tail. But the thunder shirts do come in small, medium, and large and extra-large. I think for a border collie you would need a large, hope this helps.
Not kidding – Emmy’s product changed my dogs life. He has excessive itching and licking tendencies, as well as separation anxiety. He will chew himself raw to the point of bleeding
My dog let me put this on him. Not sure if it worked but I’m sure he loves wearing tight jeans. I mean this Emmy’s jacket.
Our little Jack Russell suffers from separation anxiety and barks and gets really worked up at the slightest hint of anyone leaving the house. She also reacts to every noise outside of the house by barking or growling.
I felt bad for her living in this constant state of anxiety and so thought I’d give the ThunderShirt a whirl.
And WOW! So glad I did. INSTANT calm.