| Best for | Product |
|---|---|
| Best Overall | Thundershirt Classic Dog Anxiety Jacket |
| Best for Dogs in Recovery | Forthcan Dog Recovery Suit |
| Best for Active Dogs | ThunderShirt for Dogs, Large, Fuchsia Sport – Dog Anxiety Vest |
| Best Budget Option | Mellow Shirt Dog Calming Wrap |
Does your dog tremble in terror during a lightning storm? Is every visit to the vet’s office a struggle? If your dog suffers from separation anxiety or other fears, a dog anxiety vest is ideal. Also known as a pressure wrap or calming jacket, it’s an easy-to-use solution that exerts a calming influence on your pup.
Highly anxious dogs are sometimes given medications, but these medications may have harmful side effects. If you want a non-prescription solution, try a calming wrap or anxiety jacket. Studies have shown that anxiety wraps and vests have been over 80% effective at helping dogs cope with anxiety issues. It’s safe to have your dog wear them all day long, though it’s advised to remove them periodically every couple of hours for 10-15 minutes to avoid irritation.
How do you know which one to choose? You want your dog’s vest to have a comfortable fit, be durable, and be made of fabric that won’t cause reactions in your dog’s skin, all while doing the job of lowering your its stress levels. In this review, we’ve picked out the top dog anxiety vests.
Check Chewy Check Amazon- Dog anxiety vest creates gentle pressure for soothing effect
- Helps dogs with anxiety over fireworks, thunder, separation anxiety, and more
- Adjustable wrap-around construction with Velcro attachments
- Sizes XS-XXL
Check Amazon- Full-body anxiety body suit with zip up the back
- Protects wounds after surgery
- Prevents excessive hair shedding
- Sizes XS-3XL
Check Amazon- Exerts pressure on back and chest
- Allows movement for active dogs
- Can be worn with a harness
- Available in fuchsia pink or gray
- Comes in sizes XS, S, M, L and XL
Check Amazon- Lightweight, breathable dog anxiety wrap
- Can be worn with a harness
- Comes in 6 beautiful colors
- Available in XXS, XS, S, M, L and XL
Top Dog Anxiety Vests: Ranked
#1: Best Overall: Thundershirt Classic Dog Anxiety Jacket
Our pick for the #1 Best Overall dog anxiety vest is the Thundershirt Classic Dog Anxiety Jacket. Thundershirt was one of the first anxiety vests on the market. Its patented design features a wrap style that surrounds your pup in comfort. The shirt applies light pressure to the chest, stomach, and back. The hook and eye fasteners make it easy to put on any dog. It comes in sizes for all dogs (XXS, XS, S, M, L, XL, and XXL) and is available in two styles, but reviewers said the original style fits better than the polo style. This attractive heather gray jacket can be worn under a harness and it’s safe to use for an extended time.
While the vast majority of reviews were positive, some buyers reported that their dogs’ anxiety was not relieved by wearing the jacket.
Pros and Cons of the Thundershirt Classic Dog Anxiety Jacket
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Thundershirt was one of the first anxiety vests. | Some dogs didn’t experience anxiety relief from wearing the jacket. |
| This patented wrap-style jacket applies comforting light pressure to a dog’s chest, stomach and back. | |
| Thanks to its hook and eye fasteners, it’s easy to put on and take off. | |
| It’s available in two styles (original and polo) and in seven sizes (XXS, XS, S, M, L, XL, and XXL). | |
| This heather gray jacket can safely be worn for an extended time and can also be worn under a harness. | |
- Dog anxiety vest creates gentle pressure for soothing effect
- Helps dogs with anxiety over fireworks, thunder, separation anxiety, and more
- Adjustable wrap-around construction with Velcro attachments
- Sizes XS-XXL
2. Best for Dogs Recovering From Injury or Surgery: Forthcan Dog Recovery Suit
The Forthcan Dog Recovery Suit covers your dog’s body completely to protect it after injury or surgery and features a double zipper closure. It prevents your pup from biting or licking his wounds and helps it stay calm. This recovery suit is ideal for anxious dogs who are recovering from surgery or in recuperation from an illness. It also works to protect dogs who must wear braces or splints. The soft, stretchable fabric is comfortable for most dogs. It’s available in blue or grey in seven sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL, and XXXL.
Some customers said that the legs were too long and that the sizing was “off” (either too large or too small). A couple of pet parents noted that one of the zippers runs under the dog’s belly, so it can irritate incisions from spaying and other procedures.
Pros and Cons of the Forthcan Dog Recovery Suit
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| This suit is designed to cover your dog’s completely to protect it after injury or surgery. | The legs may be too long for some dogs. |
| It’s made of soft, stretchable fabric and features a double zipper closure. | The sizing may be too large or too small. |
| It’s available in blue or grey in seven sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL, and XXXL. | The zipper on the underside may irritate some incisions. |
- Full-body anxiety body suit with zip up the back
- Protects wounds after surgery
- Prevents excessive hair shedding
- Sizes XS-3XL
3. Best for Active Dogs: Thundershirt Sport Anxiety Vest
If your dog enjoys the great outdoors, take him out in the Thundershirt Sport Anxiety Vest, the lightweight version of the original Thundershirt. This is also an excellent choice for dogs with thick coats who might get overheated by wearing the original version. It works by exerting pressure on the dog’s back and chest. It’s flexible, so active dogs can keep moving while wearing it, and it can be worn with a harness. This dog anxiety vest comes in seven sizes (XXS, XS, S, M, L, XL, and XXL) and your choice of two colors: fuchsia or grey.
The majority of reviews for this product were positive, but some pet parents reported that their dogs didn’t experience any anxiety relief from wearing this vest.
Pros and Cons of the Thundershirt Sport Anxiety Vest
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| This lightweight version of the original Thundershirt works by exerting pressure on the dog’s back and chest. | Some dogs didn’t experience any anxiety relief from wearing this product. |
| Because it’s flexible, active dogs can keep moving while wearing it, and it can be worn with a harness. | |
| It’s available in fuchsia or grey in seven sizes (XXS, XS, S, M, L, XL, and XXL). | |
- Exerts pressure on back and chest
- Allows movement for active dogs
- Can be worn with a harness
- Available in fuchsia pink or gray
- Comes in sizes XS, S, M, L and XL
4. Best Budget Option: Mellow Shirt Dog Calming Wrap
The Mellow Shirt Dog Calming Wrap features a snug, wraparound fit, and ease of movement. Made from lightweight, breathable fabric, this stylish jacket is easy to put on, can be worn with a harness, and applies a gentle pressure to your dog’s chest and back. It is available in six fashionable colors, has a cute graphic, and is available in XXS, XS, S, M, L and XL. Some buyers said that it didn’t relieve their dogs’ anxiety.
Pros and Cons of the Mellow Shirt Dog Calming Wrap
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| This calming wrap features a snug, wraparound fit that applies a gentle pressure to your dog’s chest and back while allowing for ease of movement. | Some pet parents said that this calming wrap didn’t relieve their dogs’ anxiety. |
| It’s made from lightweight, breathable fabric, is easy to put on/take off, and can be worn with a harness. | |
| It’s available in six colors and six sizes (XXS, XS, S, M, L and XL). |
- Lightweight, breathable dog anxiety wrap
- Can be worn with a harness
- Comes in 6 beautiful colors
- Available in XXS, XS, S, M, L and XL
When to Use a Dog Anxiety Vest
The calming effect of an anxiety vest will work in many situations. Put one on your dog during:
- Thunderstorms
- Fireworks
- Shooting range noises
- Loud neighborhood parties
- Vet office visits
- Traveling
- Unfamiliar environments
It is also an excellent alternative to medication for dogs suffering from:
- Separation anxiety
- Traumatic experiences
- Chronic illnesses
Does Your Dog Need an Anxiety Vest?
Many dogs experience stress and fear when they’re in unfamiliar surroundings. Storms, loud noises, and other situations can trigger anxiety attacks. Some dogs also feel an uncomfortable sensation caused by static electricity during storms.
Dog anxiety symptoms include:
- Trembling and shaking
- Excessive panting
- Compulsive chewing or licking
- Howling and barking
- Hiding
- Refusing to go outside
How to Use Your Dog Anxiety Vest
Before you put the jacket on your dog, let it smell it and examine it. Wait for a moment when your dog is calm and happy to put the vest on. Pet your dog and praise it for wearing it. Do this once or twice to associate positive feelings with the vest. During the next stressful situation, your dog will be happy to wear the vest.
To avoid irritation in your pup, remove the vest periodically to let your dog’s skin breathe. The recommended time for removal is every one to two hours, for increments of 10 minutes or so. These vests can be worn 24/7, though it’s hopeful that your dog won’t have to wear it that much. Situations that might warrant longer wear are airplane flights or road trips in the car.
Keep Your Dog Calm
Anxiety can make any dog unhappy. If your pup suffers from anxiety, try a calming jacket or anxiety vest. Combined with your loving attention, it can help your dog feel calm in any situation.
Our Criteria and Experience: How We Chose the Best
To make our choices, we sought products that have a comfortable fit, since some dogs will need to wear them many hours at a time. Beyond comfort, safe fabrics that don’t irritate the pet’s skin are a must. Our primary concern was finding products that provide significant relief for dogs that experience separation anxiety, panic during storms, and fear of the vet’s office. We selected about 20 dog anxiety vests from top retailers and and analyzed reviews from dog owners regarding their effectiveness.
We found that the Thundershirt is the best overall for its durable construction and snug, comforting fit. One reviewer has a dog who is “afraid of everything” and had immediate results with this “amazing” jacket. Another said it helped him get his dog off anxiety medications. They all said it worked very quickly.
Other top products included the Thundershirt Sport for active dogs. Note that the sport version doesn’t provide all-over compression as the original does, but it gives dogs more freedom of movement.
The Forthcan Dog Recovery Suit is an excellent choice for dogs who are recuperating from illness or surgery, but our reviewers noted that you must remove it to let your dog urinate. Our pick for dog owners on a budget is the Mellow Shirt. It’s almost $20 less than the Thundershirt, and reviewers said it worked very well. The one downside they found was that it doesn’t cover as much of the dog’s body as the original Thundershirt. The material also didn’t feel quite as durable. However, most said it was a good value.
Related Images
Up Next…
- We Found the 7 Best Dog Shampoos — Bath time with your dog should be an enjoyable experience. We’ve found the best dog shampoos that will ensure your dog smells and feels good afterwards.
- The Best Dog Grooming Shears — Reviewed and Ranked — Would you like to shear your dog yourself? Here’s a list of some top grooming shears to help you do your best with your beloved pooch’s coat.
- We Reviewed the 9 Best Dog Beds — Just like humans, dogs love a bed to call their own. Read our review of the best dog beds you can choose from to fit your dog’s needs.
| Best for | Product |
|---|---|
| Best Overall | Thundershirt Classic Dog Anxiety Jacket |
| Best for Dogs in Recovery | Forthcan Dog Recovery Suit |
| Best for Active Dogs | ThunderShirt for Dogs, Large, Fuchsia Sport – Dog Anxiety Vest |
| Best Budget Option | Mellow Shirt Dog Calming Wrap |
The 4 Best Dog Anxiety Vests: Reviewed FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
How do dog anxiety vests work?
A dog anxiety vest works by placing gentle, constant pressure on your dog’s body. It’s similar to the pressure from swaddling a baby. The pressure is comforting. Like a swaddled baby, a dog in a calming wrap will instantly begin to relax. Swaddling helps babies feel calm and safe, and it does the same for dogs.
Do dog anxiety vests work for separation anxiety?
Yes, they are excellent for separation anxiety.
What is the best calming aid for dogs with anxiety?
There are several ways to calm a fearful dog:
• Keep the environment as calm and quiet as possible.
• Continue your normal routine.
• Use an herbal calming spray.
• Put a calming jacket on your dog.
• Create a hideaway for your dog.
How long should a dog wear an anxiety vest?
The amount of time will depend on the situation. It’s important to ensure that your dog is comfortable wearing the vest. If not, the pressure of the vest could cause even more fear and anxiety in your dog.
Remove the vest at once if your dog seems uncomfortable.
Once your dog is used to wearing the vest, you can leave it on according to your dog’s needs. Your pup may only need the vest for an hour or two, for instance, during the storm or vet visit. In the case of dogs suffering from separation anxiety or traumatic experiences, you may need to leave it on for several hours. These vests are generally safe to wear for several hours.
How do I choose the right dog anxiety vest?
Look for a vest made from soft, flexible fabric that doesn’t restrict your dog’s movements. To get the right size, measure your dog’s chest at the widest point. Remember, however, that a dog anxiety vest must fit snugly in order to work.
Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us? Contact the AZ Animals editorial team.
