Dog calming vests work by placing slight pressure to the chest, stomach and back of your dog, providing, we think, a sense of reassurance that relaxes your pooch in moments of stress. The better ones are built to move and breathe as your dog does, so they hardly know it’s on them as they move freely about unfettered from their worries.
Dog calming jackets come in all shapes and sizes, and work similarly to swaddling an infant – an ancient but successful practice. Here are a few of the best products for your four-legged baby.
Created by a concerned pet owner
The Thundershirt comes in sizes small to extra-large and slips on more easily than most. That can come in handy if your pet has already entered stress mode and you need to bring his temperature down in a hurry. By applying light pressure to the chest, stomach, and back of the dog, the Thundershirt effectively relieves the anxiety produced by thunderstorms and fireworks, or simply in some dog’s cases, the departure of their owner or other separations like a car ride away from home.
Buy: ThunderShirt Classic Dog Anxiety Jacket
For mid- to large-sized worriers
This tried and tested product also comes in stylish colors. With more coverage for medium sized dogs, this coat was developed in partnership with the American Kennel Club, and comes in sizes to fit dogs between 20 and 50 pounds. That means a more tailored fit, accentuating the relaxing effect it will have on a dog. The easy 4-step method of fitting it around your dog is also conducive to keeping stress to a minimum, as it begins by laying the product across the dog’s back – an instant stress reducer. The AKC knows dogs.
Buy: American Kennel Club Anti Anxiety and Stress Relief Calming Coat for Dogs
Soothing scents
You’ve heard of smelling salts to wake you up? How about aromatherapy to relax? If you’ve ever tried aromatherapy, you know there’s definitely something very appealing to it. CozyVest’s Anxiety Vest utilizes the soothing scents of lavender and chamomile to relax your pup. It also incorporates a speaker that emits calming sounds that gently repeat themselves as your dog settles down. But the vest is no gimmick. It comes in versions to fit dogs of all sizes and shapes.
Buy: CozyVest 3-in-1 Anxiety Vest Music & Aromatherapy Dog Coat
Easy on and off
Targeted for small dogs, Mellow Shirt’s comparative advantage is how easily it slips on and off. Made with hook-and-loop fasteners, it is also easily adjustable to assert or release pressure as needed when your pet’s comfort-level changes. The mellow shirt provides a helpful antidote to your dog’s stress from thunder and lightning storms, fireworks, car travel, crating, those dreaded visits to the vet and groomer, or incessant barking.
Buy: Mellow Shirt Dog Anxiety Vest
Elastic construction
Made with a blend of viscose fiber, polyester and spandex, this calming vest facilitates ease of movement while applying gentle pressure. This could be important in not exacerbating your dog’s situation during the early stages of her panic attack, allowing her to move unencumbered as she calms down. Your dog won’t feel like she’s wearing a straight-jacket, but will still receive the comforting effects. Offset all the traditional stress triggers with this breathable covering.
Buy now: KittyStar Breathable Dog Shirt for Thunderstorm
