6 dog anxiety vests to calm a nervous pooch

Updated 26/06/2024

Does your pooch cower under the dinner table during firework night, shudder when a thunderstorm strikes or shy away from other dogs at the park? Well your poor pup might have canine anxiety - it’s common, but manageable. And one of the ways many pet parents treat it (drug-free) is with dog anxiety vests. They’re weighted jackets that can make your pup feel like they’re having a constant, soothing hug, and are a great investment if you’re about to welcome a pet sitter. To learn more about the functions and benefits of anxiety vests for dogs and some of the leading brands, grab a cuppa and have a browse below.

How do dog anxiety vests work?

There are many ways pet parents choose to combat anxiety in their furry friends, and one popular choice at the moment is dog anxiety vests. Whether you choose to buy one or make one yourself, anxiety vets for dogs can be a great way to help pups feel more at ease during situations that usually trigger anxious responses. Much like swaddling a baby, anxiety vests apply a gentle pressure to the dog’s torso which is thought to have a calming effect. This constant pressure feels a bit like a hug and encourages the release of endorphins which can improve your pup’s wellbeing, there and then. It works in much the same way as a firm, slow stroke - this motion and pressure relaxes your pup (unlike a pat on the head which can ramp up excitement levels!).

How to get the most out of a dog anxiety vest

Vests for dogs with anxiety can do the trick for some pups, but it’s important to use them in the right way or you might well render them meaningless. Once you’ve got your pup used to the sight of the vest and its smell, get them used to wearing it while they’re feeling happy and relaxed before an anxiety-inducing event comes up. Don’t keep it on for long periods of time, or your pup may get too used to it, just short spurts when they’re feeling relaxed (think chilling after dinner, or after a game of fetch) is best. To ensure your pooch enjoys wearing the jacket (as weighted dog vests for anxiety are a whole new sensation to get used to), give your pup their favorite treats during the process of putting it on, once it’s on and while you’re taking it off - positive reinforcement goes a long way here.

Then, once your pup seems comfortable in their dog vest for anxiety, introduce it before you know an anxiety-inducing event is due to occur, like fireworks, loud building works or a party next door. Let the vest work its magic, while taking every other precaution you can (such as staying close to your pup, providing them with a safe space, and surrounding them with their favorite toys and treats), then remove it as soon as the loud noises (or whatever causes your pup’s anxiety) are over. And while a dog anxiety vest has its place in some households, it’s also important to address the cause of your dog’s anxiety - consulting a vet, or qualified behaviorist is always a good idea, just to make sure you’re making the right choices for your furry friend.

When can dog anxiety vests be used?

Below are a few contexts in which a dog anxiety vest might come in handy - just note though, if these situations don’t make your pup anxious, there’s no need to introduce the vest. Bring in a vest only in the anxiety-inducing situations where your pooch needs some help to remain calm.

• During fireworks and thunderstorms - this is one of the most common causes of dog anxiety, even for pups who are calm and collected for the rest of the year.
• While building work and drilling are going on outside your home or by your pup’s local dog park.
• During neighboring parties with booming music and shouting.
• Visits to the vet and groomer.
• Car journeys and other forms of anxiety-inducing travel.
• Streets with loud traffic - maybe the walk to your local park is anxiety-inducing for your pup.
• Other people’s homes - stepping out of their familiar space can cause anxiety and fear in dogs.
• Walking over bridges - our furry friends can sense the height!
• Something that triggers the memory of a previous trauma.
• When surrounded by a number of pets or people - social anxiety can occur in dogs too, especially if they’re used to a relatively solitary lifestyle.
• Separation from pet parents - being away from their humans can be scary for our furry friends, especially at first.

ThunderShirt Classic

Firstly, what is a ThunderShirt for dogs? If you’ve been hunting for something to soothe your dog’s anxiety, you might have come across the brand ThunderShirt. They’re one of the market leaders in the world of anxiety vests for dogs. Their vests are designed to apply gentle yet constant pressure around your pup to help reduce anxiety, fear and even over-excitement. They are all lightweight, breathable and machine-washable. They’ve designed a variety of dog anxiety vests that’ll suit pups in different situations, so pick yours depending on how you think it’ll be used. And something we can’t help but love about the ThunderShirt vests is the embroidery option! Yup, you can have your pup’s name stitched into their vest - simply adorable.

Let’s start off with the ThunderShirt classic - the original anxiety vest and great all-rounder to start your pup off with. It’s made from a combination of polyester, spandex and rayon, it’s super breathable, comfortable to wear and of course, machine-washable. Whether you’re after a ThunderShirt for small dogs or large, you’re covered with their sizes ranging from XXS (for tiny pups weighing under 8 pounds), all the way through to XXL (for hefty dogs weighing over 110 pounds) and naturally, all that’s in between. The classic can be found in the brand’s ‘heather gray’ which is a nice neutral color, suitable for stylish pups with any coat shade. 

ThunderShirt Sport

Here’s another well-reviewed dog anxiety vest from ThunderShirt (which are often called Thunder jackets by various pet people, by the way). It’s very similar to the ThunderShirt Classic, except it’s designed with movement in mind. Made from 100% polyester, it allows for running, jumping, stretching and even stalking with its dynamic, flexible texture. The Sport is ideal for pups who love nothing more than a run around, but are potentially triggered by the noises or sights of the dog park. If your park is located in a busy area with lots of noise that stops them from having a good time, the vest may help your pooch to feel calm enough for a run around and game of fetch. Or, maybe it’s social anxiety your dog suffers from - being surrounded by a number of other dogs and people can be overwhelming for pups who aren’t used to it, so adding an extra layer of comfort might just relax them enough to have the confidence they need to make furry friends of their own. Plus, the shirt can be worn with a harness, so it’s perfect for pups with anxiety while on walkies.

ThunderShirt Polo

If you’ve got comfort in mind for soothing your pup’s anxiety, the best ThunderShirt for dogs will be their Polo version. Made from a combination of polyester, rayon and spandex, it’s designed with comfort in mind. If your poor pup suffers from separation anxiety, a fear of fireworks or other noises that occur while they’re in your home, this anxiety vest for dogs is a great way to give them the extra comfort they need during those inevitable anxiety-inducing situations. Find it in blue, pink, camo and red to suit your pup’s style, coat and the rest of their doggy apparel!

ThunderShirt and ThunderCoat combo

This is the last ThunderShirt for dogs we’ll mention - it’s a double whammy. It's not only their Classic gray dog anxiety vest, but also an (adorable) ThunderCoat as well. While making your pup look unbelievably cute, the combination is also totally functional. With its water-resistant material, warm lining and removable hood, your pooch can stay warm and protected while feeling calm and comfortable in their ThunderShirt underneath. It’s also completely machine-washable, so pop it in the wash with the Thundershirt, dog beds and any other pup accessories that need a freshen-up. 

Mint dog anxiety jacket

This anxiety vest for dogs from Mint is a stylish yet fab budget option if your pup suffers from anxiety and you’d like to try it out before splashing out. Made with comfort in mind, the brand has designed this jacket to ensure that no nasty edges or corners dig into your pup, which makes it ideal for calming anxiety whether they’re running about or sitting in their favorite spot at home, waiting out firework night.

American Kennel Club calming coat

Made by the American Kennel Club themselves, this nervous dog vest is naturally vet-approved and designed to calm your pup’s anxiety in whatever situation makes them feel nervous or fearful. Like many other dog anxiety vests on the market, it’s machine-washable and adjustable, so choose from the sizes then adjust for a perfect fit on your pooch.

Meet our veterinary expert, Gemma

This article has been checked by veterinarian Gemma Cliffin BSc BVSc MRCVS. Gemma is an experienced small animal vet who combines her love of writing alongside working in practice. Since her graduation from the University of Liverpool in 2014 she has worked in a wide variety of roles including first opinion practice, as a night vet, and as a locum vet. She has also spent time working at a charity clinic in the Cook Islands which was a challenge but also immensely rewarding. She loves all aspects of veterinary work, but she especially enjoys medicine cases and diagnostic imaging. She is passionate about pain management, particularly in her more senior patients. She currently works in a first opinion small animal practice in North Yorkshire where she deals with both routine and emergency cases.

Other ways to help a dog with anxiety

Canine anxiety isn’t uncommon, but it’s certainly unpleasant. The good news is that it’s totally treatable and in some cases, avoidable altogether. Along with anxiety vests for dogs, there are lots of other ways you can combat nervousness in dogs - check out our blog for causes, symptoms, and common ways pet parents and vets deal with canine anxiety.