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What to Know About Dog Anxiety Jackets
A dog anxiety vest is a drug-free, wearable solution that can be used to help your pet with separation anxiety, stressful car rides, fear of thunder, fireworks, gunfire, and other loud noises, by applying gentle pressure to the dog’s torso — somewhat like a hug.
Many people have experienced anxiety at some point in their lives and can recognize it in others — what most don’t realize is that their four-legged friends get anxious, too. Most dog owners can spot the well-known signs of fear in their dogs, such as pacing or tucking the tail between the legs. There are more subtle behaviors, however, that dogs display long before the obvious signs. To help keep your dog happy and comfortable, the AKC reveals the early signs of anxiety. Among them:
Panting: A common misconception is that dogs pant only because they’re hot. Actually, many dogs will pant when they’re stressed or anxious. This happens because your dog’s adrenaline is released in response to a scary situation, and their pulse quickens and their breathing speeds up.
Yawning: Dogs may yawn as a sign that they are conflicted or uncertain about the situation they’re in. For example, your dog might want to jump off the groomer’s table because they're anxious or afraid, but they've been trained not to do that. Yawning signifies the conflict of continuing in the uncomfortable situation.
Lip tension: Dogs often pull their lips back slightly when they’re anxious. It can appear as if they're smiling, or you may just see some creases as the corners of their mouth.
Displacement behaviors: Your dog may display inappropriate behavior because they are anxious or excited about something else. Such behaviors include your dog humping your leg when a visitor comes to the house – they are displacing their feelings about the guest arriving.
An anxiety jacket is a vest-type garment that mimics the feeling of being swaddled, so it is made from soft, durable, breathable, and machine-washable materials such as cotton, felt, and fleece. The gentle pressure of the anxiety jacket can release endorphins in the dog’s body to help calm them down.
It will depend on the dog and the type of anxiety they're struggling with. Most dogs will get comfort and relief from an anxiety jacket, depending on what is the actual cause of the anxiety. Asking a veterinarian or animal behaviorist for recommendations is always a good idea.
If it fits properly and isn’t too tight, your dog should be able to wear it for as long as they like. Most anxiety jackets are lightweight enough to be worn for an extended period of time, but it would also depend on the season and fabric choice. It’s a good idea to put the jacket on the dog during pleasant times when they are not anxious so they don't just associate the vest with situations they're afraid of.
If you've considered getting your dog medication to help soothe them, then your dog is a great candidate for an anxiety jacket. However, plenty of people purchase anxiety jackets as a way to comfort them before the dogs get so upset that they need medication. Some dogs may still need more help to overcome anxiety, so consult a veterinarian or animal behaviorist.
The best dog anxiety jacket for thunder is ThunderShirt Sport Dog Anxiety Jacket. Both dog owners and veterinarians recommend this calming vest and say it is more than 80% effective.
The AKC Anti Anxiety Calming Coat is a great choice for keeping a dog calm during fireworks. The vest applies constant pressure on the dog's torso and mimics the feeling of being swaddled.
