If your dog suffers from anxiety, fear, or stress, you may have heard of anxiety jackets for dogs. These are special garments that wrap around your dog’s body and apply gentle pressure, similar to a hug. This pressure can have a calming effect on your dog and help them cope with situations that trigger their anxiety, such as thunderstorms, fireworks, separation, travel, or vet visits. In this article, I will review the 4 best anxiety jackets for dogs.
How Do Anxiety Jackets for Dogs Work?
Anxiety jackets for dogs work by using the principle of deep pressure therapy, which is a technique that involves applying firm but gentle pressure to the body to reduce stress and anxiety. Deep pressure therapy can stimulate the release of hormones such as oxytocin and serotonin, which are associated with relaxation and happiness. It can also lower the levels of cortisol, which is a hormone that causes stress and arousal.
Deep pressure therapy has been used for humans for a long time, especially for people with autism, ADHD, PTSD, or sensory processing disorders. It can be delivered through weighted blankets, massage, hugs, or compression garments. Anxiety jackets for dogs are a form of a compression garment that can provide similar benefits for dogs who experience anxiety or fear.
What Are the Benefits of Anxiety Jackets for Dogs?
Anxiety jackets for dogs can have many benefits for your dog’s well-being and behavior. Some of the benefits include:
- Reducing anxiety and fear during stressful situations
- Lowering heart rate and blood pressure
- Improving sleep quality and duration
- Decreasing barking, whining, panting, shaking, or other signs of distress
- Increasing confidence and security
- Enhancing focus and attention
- Reducing aggression or destructive behavior
According to some studies and surveys, anxiety jackets for dogs can be effective for over 80% of dogs who wear them. However, they may not work for every dog or every situation. Some dogs may not like the feeling of being wrapped or may need additional training or intervention to overcome their anxiety. It is important to consult your veterinarian before using an anxiety jacket for your dog and to monitor their response.
How to Choose the Best Anxiety Jackets for Dogs?
There are many brands and models of anxiety jackets for dogs available on the market. To choose the best anxiety jackets for dogs, you should consider the following factors:
- Size: The anxiety jacket should fit your dog snugly but not too tightly. It should cover most of their torso but not restrict their movement or breathing. You should measure your dog’s chest and neck circumference and follow the manufacturer’s sizing guide.
- Material: The anxiety jacket should be made from a soft, breathable, and durable fabric that can withstand washing and wearing. It should also be suitable for the climate and season where you live.
- Design: The anxiety jacket should have a simple and easy-to-use design that allows you to put it on and take it off quickly. It should also have adjustable straps or Velcro closures that let you customize the fit and pressure level.
- Color: The anxiety jacket should have a color that matches your dog’s personality and preference. Some colors may also have different effects on your dog’s mood. For example, blue may be soothing, while red may be stimulating.
- Price: The anxiety jacket should have a reasonable price that fits your budget and offers good value for money. You should also check if the manufacturer offers a warranty or a money-back guarantee.
What Are the Best Anxiety Jackets for Dogs?
Based on my research and reviews from other dog owners, here are some of the best anxiety jackets for dogs that you can buy:
1. Thundershirt Classic Dog Anxiety Jacket
This is one of the most popular and trusted brands of anxiety jackets for dogs. It has a patented design that applies constant gentle pressure to calm your dog. It is made from lightweight and breathable polyester that is machine washable. It comes in seven sizes for dogs 8 to 110-plus pounds and three colors: gray, blue polo, and pink polo. It also has a 100% money-back guarantee.
Pros of the Thundershirt Classic Dog Anxiety Jacket
- It is backed by scientific research and veterinarian recommendations. Studies have shown that the Thundershirt can reduce anxiety and fear in over 80% of dogs who wear it. It can also lower heart rate and blood pressure, improve sleep quality and duration, and enhance focus and attention.
- It is easy to use and adjust. The Thundershirt has a simple and patented design that fastens around your dog’s neck and torso with Velcro closures. You can customize the fit and pressure level according to your dog’s size and preference. It also comes with a detailed instruction manual and online videos that show you how to put it on and take it off.
- It is comfortable and durable. The Thundershirt is made from lightweight and breathable polyester that is machine washable. It does not restrict your dog’s movement or breathing. It also comes in seven sizes for dogs 8 to 110-plus pounds and three colors: gray, blue polo, and pink polo.
- It has a 100% money-back guarantee. The Thundershirt offers a risk-free trial period of 45 days. If you or your dog are not satisfied with the results, you can return it for a full refund.
Cons of the Thundershirt Classic Dog Anxiety Jacket
- It may not work for every dog or every situation. The Thundershirt is not a magic solution or a substitute for proper training or veterinary care. Some dogs may not respond to pressure therapy or may need additional intervention to overcome their anxiety. It is important to consult your veterinarian before using the Thundershirt and to monitor your dog’s response.
2. Cozy Vest 3-in-1 Calming Vest
This is a multisensory anxiety jacket that combines pressure, sound, and aroma therapy to relieve stress and anxiety in dogs. It has a compression-fit wrap that integrates speakers and aromatherapy pockets. It has three different settings that play soothing music and emit calming scents. It also has an auto shut-off feature after 20 minutes. It comes with a rechargeable battery and a USB cable. It is available in four sizes for dogs 10 to 110 pounds and two colors: gray and pink.
Pros of the Cozy Vest 3-in-1 Calming Vest
- It provides three modes of calming therapy. The Cozy Vest has a compression-fit wrap that integrates speakers and aromatherapy pockets. It has three different settings that play soothing music and emit calming scents. You can choose the mode that suits your dog’s needs and preferences. The modes are:
- Relax: This mode plays relaxing classical music and emits a lavender scent. It is ideal for dogs who need to unwind and relax.
- Comfort: This mode plays comforting heartbeat sounds and emits a chamomile scent. It is ideal for dogs who suffer from separation anxiety or loneliness.
- Happy: This mode plays cheerful nature sounds and emits a peppermint scent. It is ideal for dogs who need a mood boost or stimulation.
- It is easy to use and recharge. The Cozy Vest has a simple and user-friendly design that allows you to put it on and take it off quickly. It also has an auto shut-off feature that turns off the vest after 20 minutes of use. The vest comes with a rechargeable battery and a USB cable that lets you charge it easily.
- It is comfortable and adjustable. The Cozy Vest is made from a lightweight and breathable fabric that does not restrict your dog’s movement or breathing. It also has adjustable straps that let you customize the fit and pressure level. It comes in four sizes for dogs 10 to 110 pounds and two colors: gray and pink.
Cons of the Cozy Vest 3-in-1 Calming Vest
- It may not work for every dog or every situation. The Cozy Vest is not a magic solution or a substitute for proper training or veterinary care. Some dogs may not respond to multisensory therapy or may need additional intervention to overcome their anxiety. It is important to consult your veterinarian before using the Cozy Vest and to monitor your dog’s response.
- It may cause overheating or irritation. The Cozy Vest may not be suitable for hot or humid climates or for dogs with sensitive skin or allergies. It may cause your dog to overheat or develop rashes or sores if worn for too long or too often. You should check your dog’s temperature and skin condition regularly and remove the Cozy Vest if necessary.
3. The Original Happy Hoodie for Dogs
If you are looking for a simple and affordable solution to calm your dog’s anxiety, fear, or stress, you may want to check out the Original Happy Hoodie for Dogs. This is a lightweight and breathable scarf that fits over your dog’s ears and neck and applies gentle pressure, similar to a hug. This pressure can have a calming effect on your dog and help them cope with situations that trigger their anxiety, such as loud noises, grooming, or vet visits.
Pros of the Original Happy Hoodie for Dogs
- It is easy to use and clean. The Happy Hoodie is a simple and convenient accessory that you can put on and take off your dog in seconds. It does not have any straps or Velcro closures that can get tangled or stuck. It is also machine washable and dryer safe.
- It is comfortable and adjustable. The Happy Hoodie is made from a soft and stretchy fabric that conforms to your dog’s head and neck. It does not restrict your dog’s movement or breathing. It also comes in two sizes: small/medium for dogs up to 40 pounds and large/x-large for dogs over 40 pounds. You can also trim the fabric to fit your dog’s ears better.
- It is effective and versatile. The Happy Hoodie can reduce anxiety and fear in many dogs by applying gentle pressure to their ears and neck. It can also dampen harsh or disturbing sounds that can trigger their anxiety, such as thunder, fireworks, or clippers. It can be used for various situations, such as grooming, bathing, drying, nail trimming, or vet visits.
- Most budget-friendly
Cons of the Original Happy Hoodie for Dogs
- Some dogs may not respond to pressure therapy or may need additional intervention to overcome their anxiety. It is important to consult your veterinarian before using the Happy Hoodie and to monitor your dog’s response.
4. Mellow Shirt Dog Anxiety Calming Wrap
This is an inexpensive and simple solution for dogs who experience anxiety and fear. It has a wrap-around design that fastens with Velcro around your dog’s neck and chest. It is made from a lightweight and soft fabric that is machine washable. It comes in six sizes for dogs 8 to 110-plus pounds and three colors: navy blue, heather gray, and lavender.
Pros of the Mellow Shirt Dog Anxiety Calming Wrap
- It is affordable and reliable. The Mellow Shirt is one of the most budget-friendly options for dog anxiety jackets. It costs around $20 to $30 depending on the size and color. It also has many positive reviews from satisfied customers who have seen their anxious dogs calmed by wearing it.
- It is easy to use and clean. The Mellow Shirt has a wrap-around design that fastens with Velcro around your dog’s neck and chest. You can adjust the fit and pressure level according to your dog’s size and preference. It is also machine washable and dryer safe.
- It is comfortable and lightweight. The Mellow Shirt is made from a soft and stretchy fabric that conforms to your dog’s body. It does not restrict your dog’s movement or breathing. It also comes in six sizes for dogs 8 to 110-plus pounds and three colors: navy blue, heather gray, and lavender.
Cons of the Mellow Shirt Dog Anxiety Calming Wrap
- It may not cover as much of the dog as other jackets. The Mellow Shirt only wraps around your dog’s neck and chest, leaving their back and belly exposed. Some dogs may prefer more coverage or pressure on their body to feel more secure and relaxed.
FAQ
Do anxiety jackets for dogs really work?
Many pet owners have observed a notable reduction in their dog’s anxiety towards distressing triggers when they use a vest.
What are the side effects of Thundershirts?
In general, using a ThunderShirt does not cause any noticeable side effects. However, it is not recommended to use them in hot weather due to the potential discomfort it may cause. It’s important to exercise caution when using ThunderShirts on elderly pets or those with specific health conditions.
How long should a dog wear an anxiety vest?
To ensure proper fit and your pet’s comfort, it is advisable to remove the vest every one to two hours during the initial use. While instances of irritation or other problems are rare, it’s always wise to exercise caution. Additionally, if you plan to use the anxiety vest for extended periods, make sure to remove it at least twice a day.
Conclusion
Anxiety jackets for dogs can be a helpful tool to calm your dog during stressful situations. They work by applying gentle pressure to your dog’s body, which can have a soothing effect on their nervous system. They can also improve your dog’s behavior and well-being by reducing anxiety and fear.
However, anxiety jackets for dogs are not a magic solution or a substitute for proper training or veterinary care. You should always consult your veterinarian before using an anxiety jacket for your dog and monitor their response. You should also choose the best anxiety jacket for your dog based on their size, material, design, color, and price.
I hope this article has given you some useful information and tips on how to choose the best anxiety jackets for dogs. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to share them below.