Roscoe n Stella

The post ShelterLogic Dog Shade Canopy Review 2024: Keeping Lorelei Cool in the California Heat by Lisa Lee appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

I live in Southern California, and during the summer months… it gets hot. Actually, it tends to be pretty toasty throughout the year. My entire front and back yard are artificial grass because my pup prefers grass for her bathroom romps, and with water being such an expensive commodity, artificial was the way to go. Unfortunately, this grass tends to warm up quite a bit, and I worry about my dog’s paws.

ShelterLogic developed a portable solution for this common problem: a doggy canopy! I had seen this around but never tried it out until now, and here is how it fared as a solution to my dilemma.

About ShelterLogic

Founded in 1991, ShelterLogic is a brand that focuses on providing shelters for anything you need! From protecting your car and tools from the elements to shelters for farm animals and greenhouse plants, ShelterLogic has aimed to create affordable, efficient, and durable products. Throughout the company’s success, ShelterLogic has become a go-to option for anyone enjoying the outdoors. As of late, ShelterLogic has expanded to creating canopies and shady areas for dogs and other household pets!

ShelterLogic not only creates shelter for your beloved pets, but the company is also very big on social responsibility and philanthropy. ShelterLogic donates to local shelters and often raises money for causes they strongly believe in.

Dog Shade Canopy Overview 

Here is an overview of the Blue Dog Shade and why it is one of the best options for a shady retreat for your pup.

Sizes Available

The ShelterLogic Blue Dog Shade Canopy is currently available in three different sizes:

The shelter only comes in the flattering royal blue color.

Pricing and Shipping

Price is based upon the size selected:

ShelterLogic does accept the Affirm service, so you can break the price down into monthly payments if wanted. Shipping is free!

Build, Materials, and Design

Each Blue Dog Shade Canopy size comes with the same items within the box: The frame, the cover, and a bag of auger anchors.

The frame is made of strong steel, with a 1-inch/2.5-centimeter diameter, and coated with a premium powder finish.

The cover is made of Polyester 600 Denier, which is fire-resistant, water-resistant, and has a UV-ray protective coating. Velcro lining is what secures the cover to the frame.

The anchors are 15-inch auger anchors made of steel.

The ShelterLogic Blue Dog Shade Canopy is outfitted with nylon foot plates that help keep the shelter securely in place without damaging anything! You can place this canopy on a deck and patio and be fine; there will be no issues with your wood.

Durability

This is one of the most durable shelters due to the premium materials and thoughtfulness that went into designing the ShelterLogic Blue Dog Shade Canopy!

To start, the powder coating on the steel frame is resistant to chipping, peeling, rust, and corrosion—all of which tend to be problems with outdoor furniture since the canopy will be consistently exposed to the elements.

The blue cover is coated to resist UVB and UVA rays, so you won’t have any color bleaching or fading due to the sun. The Polyester 600 Denier material is resistant to fire and water, making the shelter unable to burn and fine in rain storms. The cover also can’t be ripped.

The anchors are made of durable steel, so nothing will happen to them either!

Ease Of Construction and Use

The ShelterLogic Blue Dog Shade Canopy is designed to be very simple to build. The design is simply a frame, a canopy tarp, and some anchors.

The instructions are clear and assist with putting the frame together. Then, you pull the cover over and secure it with the velcro. Anchors can then be added to keep the frame from moving around. No screws are required except when doing the feet, everything else is like putting a Lego together – super simple.

Warranty

The ShelterLogic Blue Dog Shade Canopy comes with a one-year warranty. Considering that the canopy is intended for everyday use (as a permanent fixture in your yard), I feel like the company confidently stands by its product.

You can submit a warranty claim directly on the ShelterLogic website by completing the warranty form.

In Summary

Key Features

Easy Construction

I’m not a handy person, but I was able to put this together. It’s much simpler than Ikea furniture!

Durability

Being water-proof, fire-proof, UV-ray resistant, unable to corrode and rust, and coated to prevent chipping and peeling, I would say that this is probably one of the most durable canopies for your pet out there.

Nylon Foot Plates WIth Steel Anchors

The nylon foot plates allow you to use the ShelterLogic Blue Dog Shade Canopy on decks and patios without worrying about destroying the wood. The steel anchors help secure the canopy when placed on dirt, ground, sand, or grass.

Keeps Your Pets Cool And Safe From The Elements

Using a canopy for your dogs is beneficial in many ways: your pup can have a nice shady spot to rest outside, escape from the rain, and keep the ground cool if you need a safe potty area in hot climates.

Is the ShelterLogic Blue Dog Shade Canopy a Good Value?

I will be honest with you, my jaw dropped to the floor when I saw the price of the ShelterLogic Blue Dog Shade Canopy. Ranging in price from only $55.99 to $79.99, this is the most affordable high-quality canopy I have ever personally seen. Considering the build materials and durability of the ShelterLogic Blue Dog Shade Canopy, I honestly cannot believe that is all it costs.

You can go to a different store and buy your pup a $25 tent or canopy, but I can promise that it will get destroyed quickly when left outside daily. You’ll be running to buy another one a quickly as you bought the first one. The ShelterLogic Blue Dog Shade Canopy is intended for long-term use and will withstand much abuse. A one-time fee of $55.99 (with free shipping even!) on something that I can leave in my yard endlessly is an incredible value, not just a good one.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is the ShelterLogic Blue Dog Shade Canopy only intended for dogs?

Although dogs tend to be significant users of shades like this, the canopy is not only for pups. Rabbits, cats, and other household pets can also benefit.

Is the ShelterLogic Blue Dog Shade Canopy portable and easy to transport? Can I use it on road trips?

Yes! This canopy is easy to disassemble and is small enough to be portable for beach trips, camping trips, and other adventures.

Can you get a replacement part if you lose a part or something happens?

ShelterLogic offers replacement parts for any component that may be missing or damaged—just call the company at 1-800-932-9344 for assistance.

Our Experience With the ShelterLogic Blue Dog Shade Canopy 

As I mentioned in my intro, my dog Lorelei and I are residents of Southern California, where temperatures hit the hundreds in the summer. Unlike other states, our temperatures don’t go down most of the year, so it’s toasty like… 9 months out of the year. My entire front and back yards are artificial grass, which heats up quite a bit. I was very excited to get the ShelterLogic Blue Dog Shade Canopy as a way to have a nice, cool, shady spot for my dog. I opted for the 4-foot width x 3-foot height x 4-foot length size as that would be perfect for my pup.

Assembly is required, but I found it pretty simple, even as someone who is not savvy about building things. The instructions are clear, and all parts are well-marked – I wasn’t confused about what is what. Admittedly I am a bit traumatized from Ikea furniture and expect everything to be like that, and this certainly was not – it was so easy! I did find that pulling the canopy over was a bit more difficult for me. I am not a very strong person, and that is very taut and tight. But, it was well worth the endeavor, and I can always ask for my spouse’s help if need be.

Even in the bright, beating sun, the area underneath the canopy remained very pleasant! I kept moving it around between days when I didn’t have time to sit in the yard with my dog because of work (in which case, the shade was just to keep a potty area at a walkable temperature) and as a resting spot when we had time to spend outside. This size provided 8 square feet of shade coverage for my dog.

There was an unusual day in which the wind kicked up full force, and I wondered what would happen to my canopy! The anchors held it in place strong, so the frame itself didn’t move anywhere. A few velcro spots started coming a bit undone with strong gusts, but not enough to pull the actual canopy fabric off – it was a quick fix. I felt like the ShelterLogic Blue Dog Shade Canopy is really durable and sturdy, and I don’t think it would ever fall on my pup (I have complete confidence)!

Lorelei enjoys it, and as long as she spends time underneath there, it’s a 10/10 in my book!

Conclusion

In finality, I should have gotten the ShelterLogic Blue Dog Shade Canopy a lot sooner than I did – it has really fixed many issues with living in such a sun-beating hot environment! My dog has a cool spot to do her business, and I don’t have to worry about her paws as much.

The fact that the canopy can be so easily moved is also fantastic, both for when I clean the area and when I need the canopy to just be a chill, shady spot for her to get some fresh air and relax!

The post ShelterLogic Dog Shade Canopy Review 2024: Keeping Lorelei Cool in the California Heat by Lisa Lee appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

The post What Kind of Dog Is Bluey? Breed Facts & Info by Jessica Kim appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

Bluey is an Australian family-friendly animated program that premiered in 2018. It features an anthropomorphic dog named Bluey and her family and friends. Bluey quickly rose in popularity and is now a dog who’s beloved by children all around the world.

Bluey was inspired by the real-life dog breed, the Australian Cattle Dog, also known as a Blue Heeler. More people have become more aware and curious about them because of Bluey. Here’s everything you need to know about this beloved Australian dog breed.

Bluey Is an Australian Cattle Dog

It’s no surprise that Bluey was inspired by the beloved local breed, the Australian Cattle Dog. Australian Cattle Dogs were originally bred to herd cattle on large Australian ranches. They helped to grow and strengthen the country’s beef industry and are still used today to herd livestock.

Australian Cattle Dogs got their “Heeler” nickname because their herding technique involves nipping at the feet of their cattle. The most common type of Australian Cattle Dog is the Blue Heeler. However, you can also find Red Heelers. Blue Heelers have blue base coats and can have mottled or speckled patterns, while Red Heelers have red speckled or mottled coats. Other than coat color, there are no distinguishable features between the two types of Australian Cattle Dogs.

Australian Cattle Dog Temperament

As Australian Cattle Dogs were bred to herd livestock, it’s no surprise that they’re hardy dogs with incredible stamina. Like the cartoon Bluey, real Australian Cattle Dogs are energetic and inquisitive dogs. They’re extremely intelligent and are even known to outsmart their handlers.

Australian Cattle Dogs are also known for their loyalty, and they’re devoted to their families. They usually form a strong bond with one or two people and become “Velcro” dogs that never seem to leave their owner’s side. They’re not known to be aggressive, but they can be wary or aloof with strangers. However, they tend to warm up quickly to new people if they see that they’re friendly with their family.

While Australian Cattle Dogs are relatively easy to train, they’re not recommended for first-time dog owners. These energetic dogs were bred to chase and herd livestock all day, so they need daily exercise that involves long walks and running around. Not getting enough exercise and mental stimulation will cause boredom, and they often resort to engaging in destructive behaviors if they have pent-up energy.

Australian Cattle Dogs love to learn, and they often excel at obedience training. They also make excellent competitors in dog sports and are often seen in agility courses, dock diving, and herding competitions. Because they require space to run, they’re not recommended for city life and apartment living. They do best in single-family homes with a secured, fenced yard or in rural homes with plenty of space for them to run around.

Does Bluey Act Like an Australian Cattle Dog?

Bluey’s personality does stay true to some core Australian Cattle Dog traits. She’s an energetic and upbeat dog who loves to go on adventures. She’s also very curious and enjoys learning.

Real Australian Cattle Dogs also possess these traits, which is why they’re commonly known as some of the best companions for outdoor travel. They’ll love exploring, hiking, and even riding on canoes and kayaks. Similar to Bluey, most pet Australian Cattle Dogs would love to go on adventures and explore all that Australia has to offer with their favorite people.

The only significant difference between Bluey’s personality and the Australian Cattle Dog’s temperament is Bluey’s sociability. Bluey has many friends and goes on adventures with them regularly. Australian Cattle Dogs tend to be more reserved and aren’t social butterflies. They may get along with another dog sibling, but they typically don’t go to dog parks to socialize with other dogs.

Conclusion

Bluey is an excellent representation of the Australian Cattle Dog. Both Bluey and Australian Cattle Dogs are brave and energetic, and they’re always up for going on a new adventure. We love that Australian Cattle Dogs have become more well-known and recognized around the world. They certainly deserve all the love and attention they’ve been receiving!

Featured Image Credit: Property of Bluey Wiki. All rights reserved to the copyright owners.

The post What Kind of Dog Is Bluey? Breed Facts & Info by Jessica Kim appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

The post Meet Rosa & Machado, Our Adorably Cheeky Rescue Pups by Nicole Cosgrove appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

Welcome to the Wednesday Dogs of Dogster! Every Wednesday, we share a story from one of our Dogsters. This week is about Nicole and her two rescue dogs, Mac and Rosa.

Meet Rosa and Machado. I have so many stories to tell about these extraordinary pups, but as they are rescue dogs, I feel like I need to share how they came to be Cosgroves. They live a rural life, break all of the house rules (like no dogs inside and no dogs on the bed), and change them to suit themselves with their cheeky smiles and unconditional love.

I’ll be sharing stories about our lives together each month, the good, the challenging, and the hilarious. But this month, I’ll begin with how our little hooligans found their way home.

Rosa’s Journey Home

Rosa came into our lives as a COVID baby. We had been on an 18-month nomadic adventure and were set to continue traveling for the foreseeable future. We were home in New Zealand for some weddings when the pandemic and lockdown hit, so we did what any normal traveler would do: we bought 25 acres of land with native New Zealand forest on it and started building an eco-retreat so we could host other travelers once the borders opened.

We already had our cat, Baby Cat, who had been living with family while we traveled. Since we were stuck in New Zealand, we realized COVID was a blessing and a chance for us to provide him with the retirement property he deserved—but we thought we’d spice up his life a bit by getting him a dog. Retirement is not all about staying in your comfort zone, of course!

Scrolling through the Facebook feed of our region’s main animal rescue daily, we saw plenty of adorable dogs, but it wasn’t until about two weeks of searching later that ‘Rose’ appeared, and I remember yelling to my husband ‘She’s here! That’s our girl!’

When he saw the photo, he agreed profusely, and we madly rushed to apply for her, praying we weren’t too late. We drove over an hour to pick her up (and quickly learned that car rides were not her favorite).

If you are lucky enough to have a rescue animal in your life, you’ll know that knowing their origin story is important in understanding the animal, but it does not define them.

Rosa’s Origin Story

Rosa’s origin story may have some triggers, so please proceed through the next paragraph with caution:

Rosa was kept in a small box for the first 8 1/2 months of her life and was forced to have puppies on her first heat. When she was rescued, the woman who saved her was at a property investigating it as a potential puppy mill and was there to confiscate some other dogs when she heard some noise coming from the box. Inside, she found Rosa chained to her two puppies, who were about 2 1/2 months old. Thankfully, she got them away and the three of them went to live with an incredible couple who were fostering 15 dogs at the time we picked her up. We never met the lady who physically rescued Rosa, but her foster parents told us the story. The foster parents are dairy farmers who work with specific breeds of rescued dogs to train them to be working dogs, but with Rosa, they immediately knew she was a house dog. Rosa was in foster care for 3 months because she was so traumatized, and sadly, her son went feral and had to be put down because he was too dangerous to adopt out. Her daughter went to a lovely family, but all of this further traumatized Rosa. In addition to the emotional stress, Rosa is blind in her left eye due to physical trauma. We don’t know what happened exactly, but we do know that she is the most brave, trusting, and incredible dog we’ve ever met.

Rosa got her name not just because she was previously named Rose, but because we had cared for a dog in Ecuador on our travels who was named Rosa, and she was the most kind-natured, motherly dog we’d ever met. When we met Rose, we were instantly reminded of Rosa and felt that the single letter change in honor of Rosa was perfect—her foster family shared that she was the kindest-natured dog they had met, even with all of her past. This was one of the main contributing factors to her being labeled a ‘house dog.’ Her nature continued from the moment we met her and has only blossomed.

It’s the strangest feeling, loathing the person who could treat any animal that way, especially the sweetheart she is, but also knowing that if it weren’t for that situation, we wouldn’t have our baby girl. There isn’t a word for the feeling because it certainly isn’t gratitude, but it’s something that makes me honored to be her mama. I don’t know if any other readers or parents of rescues know what I’m talking about, but if you do, I’d love to hear from you in the comments below.

Rosa didn’t know how to play, cuddle, or really be a dog when she arrived. She got a lot of ‘spooks’ as we call them. We do our best to make light of things and not let her spooks define her. We practice exposure therapy and shower her with all our love. In the early days, she learned a lot from Baby Cat (things like how to play the ‘I-want-outside-no-I-want-inside’ game, groaning in embarrassment at us, snoozing by the fire, and asking for food at all hours of the day). But, she was a Mama. The maternal instinct in her was strong and between nervous outbreaks, the girl was (and still is) always looking to care for someone.

She understandably has anxiety and showed signs of doggie depression when she first joined our family. She has come an incredibly long way. I’d like to say it was all that my husband and I have done for her, but I would be lying if I didn’t introduce the main contributing factor to her healing now…

How Machado Joined Our Family

We never anticipated being a two-dog household until after we had Rosa for about six months. We had been trying for a human baby well before Rosa arrived, as the plan had been that Baby Cat needed an animal mate (Rosa) so he wouldn’t be too upset about a human baby. But, as our human baby took longer to arrive, we learned that Rosa was actually the one who would need a mate once a baby arrived. She loved her cat, but he wasn’t really playful or engaging. We talked about getting our dog a dog, but no dogs really caught our attention.

About three weeks after we found out I was pregnant, he appeared on our district council pound’s Facebook page, and again, I immediately yelled to my husband ‘He’s here! This is our boy!’

The friendly giant was delivered to us by a wonderful woman from animal control who had been there for processing when he was brought in. She shared what little they knew about him.

Mac’s Origin Story

His origin story is full of gaps. We know that he was found wandering through a farmer’s field, looking very skinny. Up where we live, it’s sadly not unlikely for a farmer to shoot a feral dog because it could injure or kill their livestock. The farmer who spotted Mac, however, noticed something gentle in his demeanor and felt he was a lost pet. He turned him into the council pound, and they advertised him as a lost dog. After 9 days, if nobody is able to show proof of ownership, legally they must put the dog up for adoption. We saw him on day 10 and he was ours. We assume he was abandoned, another sad reality of rural life. Many people get dogs as puppies, and when they grow up and become too difficult to feed or control, they ditch them on the side of the road.

We call Machado (named after Rob Machado) our ‘drag to trash, surfer dude’. He’s so chill and ready for adventure, like a surfer dude (my husband is also a surfer, so they are kindred spirits), and it’s like he has truly forgotten whatever happened to him. He showed up at our door and left his past behind him, never to look back. It took him no time to become accustomed to life with us, and he immediately took his spot at the bottom of the chain, listening to his sister Rosa, and mostly, King Baby Cat.

The craziest part of Mac’s arrival is that the woman who dropped him off took one look at Rosa and started welling up. “I know her! I know her!” she said.

She immediately grabbed her phone and started scrolling back through her album. Much to my disbelief, she showed me a photo of Rosa as an 8 ½-month-old puppy next to her son and daughter. She was the woman who physically saved Rosa and transferred her to the animal rescue foundation because she needed fostering (and the pound doesn’t do that, they work with external organizations for this). She didn’t know what happened to Rosa until that moment, and she was speechless, seeing how far she had come, and how happy her life was now.

We got our cat a dog, and we got our cat’s dog a dog. The fur baby family was complete, and all we had to do was wait for our human baby to arrive.

The Dogs Today

Without knowing Rosa’s history, one would meet her and simply assume she was quirky, and we love that. She has the most fascinating brain and is hilarious. She has no spatial awareness (thanks to being blind in one eye) and cannot howl (only barks). Mac sings along to every song and has a beautiful voice. Rosa tries to join in, and then it just becomes chaos.

But Rosa’s anxiety is nearly gone (when it rains and she’s inside, or when it thunders, she does still get pretty nervous, but we think that’s pretty good). Mac has been the best therapy dog ever for her, without him even knowing it. He is a proper little brother. He pushes her buttons and drives her crazy and then gives her a goofy, loving look and she runs to him and kisses him all over. Their love is the sweetest thing to witness.

Both dogs love our daughter: Mac (who has thoroughly earned his nickname MacCuddles) is finally letting her cuddle him (he was a bit spooked of her when she was too little), and Rosa is very protective of her, but not so cuddly with her—she takes her job of big sister/mother dog seriously around her.

The two are mostly inseparable, but Rosa recently had to spend some days at daycare without Mac (he had emergency abdominal surgery after swallowing a macadamia nut whole, a story for another time), and she did incredibly well. Watching their relationship blossom has been an absolute treasure, and seeing both of them embrace their cheekiness in our home makes us feel like proud (and sometimes frustrated) parents every day.

I am so excited to be able to share their journey with you and let you in on some of the fun and real elements of pet parenthood, and hopefully connect with readers who have similar experiences. If you are thinking about adopting a dog, I could not recommend it more.

The post Meet Rosa & Machado, Our Adorably Cheeky Rescue Pups by Nicole Cosgrove appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

The post 6 Best Anxiety Vests for Dogs in 2024 – Reviews & Top Picks by Dogster Team appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

Among the various tricks and techniques we use to help our dogs manage stress, an anxiety vest may be the perfect touch to keep them calm in troubling situations. Maybe your dog runs at the sound of thunder, suffers from separation anxiety, or tenses up on the way to the vet. Whatever the stressful situation, giving your dog a relaxing “hug” with an anxiety vest is an effortless way to offer relief and comfort.

Picking a comfortable vest for your dog is critical for the best effect, and you’ll have plenty of unique options to wade through in your search for the ideal product. For a simple solution to help your pet keep calm and regain confidence, check out these reviews of the best anxiety vests for dogs.

A Quick Look at Our Favorites (2024 Update)

Rating	Image	Product	Details
Best Overall		ThunderShirt Classic Anxiety & Calming Vest	Lightweight, durable fabric Machine-washable Fits most dogs	CHECK PRICE
Best Value		AKC Calming Coat	Good price point Durable fabric Machine-washable	CHECK PRICE
Premium Choice		ThunderShirt Polo Anxiety Vest	Machine-washable Fits most dogs Multiple color options	CHECK PRICE
		Winbate Dog Anxiety Jacket	D-ring and handle add control Reflective piping adds visibility Easy to put on	CHECK PRICE
		CozyVest 3-in-1 Dog Anxiety Vest	Includes calming essential oils Breathable fabric Fits most dogs	CHECK PRICE

The 6 Best Anxiety Vests for Dogs

1. ThunderShirt Classic Anxiety & Calming Vest – Best Overall

ThunderShirt is the premier calming vest brand for cats and dogs. In its Classic Anxiety & Calming Vest, you’ll find a thoughtful, well-made design that fits quickly and snugly around your dog’s body for instant stress relief. The machine-washable material is breathable, lightweight, and responsive, giving your dog full range of motion and complete comfort.

Although it’s only available in a heather gray color, the simplicity and reliability make this our top choice for the best overall anxiety vest for dogs. According to the company, over 80% of dogs show reduced signs of anxiety with its product. If you aren’t sure the ThunderShirt Classic is right for your pet, the company backs its products with a 60-day satisfaction guarantee.

2. AKC Calming Coat – Best Value

The American Kennel Club is one of the most trusted names in the canine community, and the AKC Calming Coat provides a sturdy, conforming fit that applies constant gentle pressure to relax your dog. The Calming Coat has durable, machine-washable fabric for convenient cleaning and lasting performance.

Its cotton construction enhances comfort in any climate, and the relief it can provide your dog makes it an easy choice for the best anxiety vest for the money. The only drawbacks surround the fit. It’s available in sizes ranging from X-small to X-large, but the Calming Coat doesn’t work for as many dogs as the ThunderShirt, which can work for the tiniest toy breeds and the largest giant dogs.

Many users also find the vest sized for their dog’s measurements too small, so they size up to get a suitable fit. Also, the process of putting the vest on is relatively confusing compared to many other brands. All this adds up to a few initial challenges, but once your dog gets used to the vest, you’ll appreciate its high-quality design and effectiveness to match more expensive options.

3. ThunderShirt Polo Anxiety Vest – Premium Choice

Featuring a patented design that wraps easily around the dog and securely applies light pressure across their body, the ThunderShirt Polo Anxiety Vest provides all the comfort and convenience you could hope for from a premium anxiety vest. As a step up from the Classic design, the Polo comes in three fun colors to match your pup’s personality.

The ThunderShirt Polo vest is made of durable, lightweight material that provides a snug, enjoyable fit for countless uses. Plus, it’s machine-washable, allowing for easy cleanups to keep it fresh at all times. It’s available in seven sizes, ranging from XX-small to XX-large, and you’re sure to find the perfect match for your dog. Just be aware that ThunderShirt recommends sizing up if you opt for the Polo vest.

4. Winbate Dog Anxiety Jacket

The inexpensive and straightforward Winbate Dog Anxiety Jacket is a perfect low-risk option to test out on your puppy. Though the quality isn’t as high as some other vests on this list, this jacket is an excellent temporary solution for a dog that will outgrow it in a few months, delivering comfort and security during moments of stress until then.

The Winbate vest comes in three colors and five sizes, with a waterproof polyester shell and plush interior material for comfort and outdoor function. The piping is reflective for night-time visibility, and the vest includes a leash ring and handle for added control outside. It is no replacement for a proper collar or harness but offers a convenient touch to help secure your puppy for short periods.

5. CozyVest 3-in-1 Dog Anxiety Vest

A snug hug is only one part of the multi-tiered attack the CozyVest 3-in-1 Dog Anxiety Vest throws at your dog’s fear and stress. Alongside the calming pressure of the secure Velcro wrap, the vest integrates a music player and essential oil diffuser. The speaker plays a soothing lullaby while the essential oil crystals (lavender or chamomile) deliver a calming aroma.

Although there’s more sensory stimulation to consider when introducing the vest to your dog, it gives you numerous tools to combat a dog’s anxiety. The CozyVest anxiety vest has a breathable, machine-washable design that’s as easy to attach as possible.

Most users have issues with the Velcro’s adhesion to the fabric. It sticks to every part of the vest, allowing the material to pill and creating some issues with putting it on. The coarse Velcro strips also contact the body, rubbing against the skin and tugging on the hair of some long-haired and wire-coated dogs.

6. Zeaxuie Baby-Use-Grade Dog Anxiety Vest

As another affordable option for smaller dogs, the Zeaxuie Baby-Use-Grade Dog Anxiety Vest promises stress relief in an easy-to-use and cozy accessory. The material is soft, breathable, and pliable, providing a dog-friendly texture and tight yet gentle fit for a strong feeling of security.

A fluorescent strip for night-time visibility and a baby-use hook-and-loop system add unique benefits to an overall sound design. The straps are easy to adjust and quieter than many other Velcro products, though they don’t provide the most secure hold.

Buyer’s Guide: Selecting the Best Anxiety Vest for Dogs

How to Use an Anxiety Vest

Anxiety vests are a practical tool for numerous situations that may stress your dog, like loud noises, airplane or car trips, visits to the vet, or separation from loved ones. When used correctly, they can reduce shaking, barking, and other nervous habits by applying comforting pressure. Vests help reduce heart rate, blood pressure, and stress behaviors, and owners recognize them as one of the more effective drug-free alternative calming aides.

While most calming vests for dogs can help a pet with anxiety, they can only do so if they aren’t a source of stress themselves. The initial feeling of having a vest around the body and the loud noise of the Velcro straps can be nerve-wracking for a dog, especially when they’re already naturally anxious. If you introduce it incorrectly, the effect could be the opposite of what you want.

If you’re unsure if your dog needs an anxiety vest, contact your for a recommendation.

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Introduce the Vest With Positive Reinforcement

Desensitize your dog to the sounds and feel of the anxiety vest and condition them to see it as a positive item. Introduce it slowly. When your dog is calm, present the vest and let them explore it. Place it on the ground with a few treats to draw interest and create engagement.

Then, gently pull the vest straps so your dog can get used to the sound, offering treats to build a positive association. Gradually make the Velcro louder as your dog begins to tolerate the noise. You can try putting it on when your dog is comfortable with the vest and its noises.

Attach it slowly and carefully, and praise and reward your dog as you secure it. Treat your dog with playtime once the vest is on to make wearing it a positive experience.

How Long Can My Dog Wear Their Anxiety Vest?

A well-fitting anxiety vest can stay on a dog as long as they need it, even if it’s for several hours. In these instances, you should still remove the vest hourly to check for any signs of irritation.

How We Selected These Anxiety Vests for Dogs

This buyer’s guide was carefully crafted by our writers and editors in collaboration with our team of in-house veterinarians. The anxiety vests for dogs reviewed here are rated on a combination of factors: brand reputation, customer reviews across multiple retail outlets, personal experience, and in some cases, feedback from our own dogs! Together, we choose and review only the best anxiety vests for dogs available, to help you make the most informed decisions that foster the well-being of your furry friends.

Why Trust Dogster?

Dogster has been a trusted brand for dog owners online since 2004, which means we have a lot of experience with anxiety vests for dogs. We are a team of passionate dog owners who care about our pups as much as you do yours. We want the best for every canine on the planet. Dogster’s writers, editors, and veterinarians are deeply invested in the well-being of our pets, and we believe that all pet owners share this dedication to providing only the highest quality products and services for our dogs.

Conclusion

ThunderShirt is the brand of choice if ease of use and durability are your top considerations. Dogs of all shapes and sizes can find a comfortable wrap to help them de-stress, with high-quality construction providing peace of mind and consistent performance.

Meanwhile, AKC’s breathable design gives dog owners a high-value alternative to consider. Whatever their anxiety issues or needs, following these reviews of the best anxiety vests is an excellent step toward providing the stress-relieving support your dog deserves.

Featured Image Credit: Reshetnikov_art, Shutterstock

The post 6 Best Anxiety Vests for Dogs in 2024 – Reviews & Top Picks by Dogster Team appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

The post Lava and Hela: An Unlikely Bond by Dr. Maja Platisa DVM MRCVS (Veterinarian) appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

Hi, I’m Dr. Maja! Read my introduction to learn more about me and my two crossbreed dogs, Lava and Hela.

In June last year, Hela joined our family, coming all the way from Greece. She is a friendly, gentle, and energetic dog, while Lava is a nightmare, to put it plainly. Don’t get me wrong, Lava loves other dogs! She loves playing with them, getting chased, and dragging them around by their harness. Yes, she is a bully. A sweet one, but still. However, having a jolly good time with the dog park crowd is one thing, but it’s something else entirely when one of those dogs comes home with you. And never leaves again.

How Lava and Hela First Met

A few days before Hela arrived, I made some preparations, such as getting her a crate and finding a nice quiet spot where she could rest, as well as her own set of blankets, bowls, and toys. But this was all easy. The problem was how Lava would take to a new dog coming into her home, invading her privacy, stealing my attention, and eventually using her toys and other accessories as if they were her own. Lava does not share. Well, actually there are only two dogs, whom she has known since they were all puppies, and she would let them have her toys, with a bit of grunting.

So, for their first introduction, we went for a walk so they could meet and interact on neutral territory. And it was amazing. Hela was thrilled as she could run free in the dog park, and Lava was chasing her around. It was great to watch! Then, both tired and pleased, we went home together for the first time.

It Wasn’t All Roses and Sunshine

And everything was perfect for the first hour. I was with them in the garden, they were still playful, and Hela was exploring happily. Then she got to the house door and Lava felt this was too much and snapped. Nothing happened, luckily. I’ve learned that with Lava, it’s often more noise than anything else. But it was scary and worrying.

That was the signal for a time-out. Hela was already crate-trained and happily went to sleep on her new bed, completely forgetting the previous minor incident. Lava settled on the sofa. For the next few weeks and months, as Hela was slowly relaxing and feeling more confident, Lava was still at times quite grumpy and obviously displeased with this new development.

Having the Same Hobbies Helps

Slowly, we all tuned into our new way of life. It was interesting to observe their dynamic, with Hela behaving as a younger sister who always wanted to play and be around Lava, not wanting to miss out on anything, while Lava was clearly annoyed with her presence. Hela learned that grunting and occasional growls are just how Lava communicates and do not necessarily mean anything vicious. And then they seemed to have found similar interests, or really, Hela started copying Lava’s behavior, like any younger child would their older sibling.

And so they became diggers. Every walk we now go on, Lava and Hela are always digging and searching for something. And it often looks amusingly synchronized. Both with heads low on the ground, or each in their own hole, and bums in the air. And in the last 6 months, another breakthrough! They will now even share a hole and dig one next to each other! And after such a hard day’s work, they will even have a drink from the same bowl, which for Lava is a major success.

An Ever-Evolving Bond

If someone had told me a year ago that the two of them would get on so well, I would have sighed and said, I hope so. But I realized Lava accepted her as an unwanted roommate, but their relationship has since changed in so many ways. Hela is the simpler one, in the sense that she is always happy and grateful, and follows Lava around like a puppy. And Lava has learned to enjoy it and seek Hela’s company. Lava is the thinker; she always looks worried and deeply troubled. She does remind me of myself a lot. Maybe dogs do take on their owners’ characteristics after all. But that’s another story.

The post Lava and Hela: An Unlikely Bond by Dr. Maja Platisa DVM MRCVS (Veterinarian) appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.