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Anxiety wraps (vests, shirts, coats) are garments designed to calm anxious dogs. The wraps work under the theory that pressure applied to the dog’s torso causes a calming effect, like swaddling a crying infant or hugging a distressed person. There are several brands of anxiety wraps, including The Original Anxiety Wrap®, ThunderShirt® (pictured right), Mellow Shirt®, Surgi-Snuggly®, and Calm Coat®.
Anxiety in dogs can be triggered by a number of external stimuli. Dogs often fear loud noises (e.g., firecrackers), household visitors, nail trimming, car travel, vacuum cleaners, or separation from their owners.
Fear of thunderstorms is a common cause of canine anxiety because there are many stimuli associated with bad weather. The sound of a thunderclap is as scary as the bang of a firecracker. In addition, dogs become anxious when they see lightning bolts or hear the constant pounding of rain on the roof. They also detect changes in barometric pressure and the ozone content of the air (a side effect of lightning) that occur during storms. If they receive a shock from the buildup of static electricity, dogs really become nervous. It is no wonder why so many dogs suffer from “storm phobia.”
Dogs have a variety of responses to anxiety. Anxious dogs may tremble, pant, whine, or bark. Many are restless and pace constantly. Others become destructive and paw the door, windowsill, or floor. Some seek the comfort of their owners, while others hide in the closet or bathroom, preferring to be in confined areas. Outside dogs may scale fences or breach the boundaries of electric fences and run away.
High anxiety is miserable for dogs and the results can be dangerous. Dogs that break out of the house may get lost or hit by a car. Even inside dogs can be hurt by clawing incessantly, injuring nails and paws.
When worn properly, anxiety wraps distribute pressure over the back and sides of the dog’s chest, serving as a calming “hug”. Scientifically, gentle pressure releases chemicals called endorphins that promote a sense of well-being. That’s why stroking a dog firmly and slowly may calm him down but a quick pat on the head usually gets him more excited.
While there is little data confirming the efficacy of anxiety wraps, there is a lot of anecdotal evidence that they help some dogs. Pet owners often note a decreased anxiety about troubling stimuli when their dog wears a wrap. The dog may appear less agitated, giving the owner the impression that they have found a successful remedy for their pet’s anxiety; however, animal behaviorists warn pet owners about misinterpreting their dog’s calm demeanor. The "dog may remain uncomfortable and anxious but stay quiet and still because he feels so inhibited by the wrap that he doesn’t want to move. Behaviorists are concerned that, while the dog’s anxiety may be managed, the source of that anxiety is never addressed.
> "It is important to acclimate the dog to a wrap by putting it on periodically during pleasant times."It is important to acclimate the dog to a wrap by putting it on periodically during pleasant times. That way, the dog will not always associate the wrap with unpleasant occurrences and will therefore tolerate it better. Continuous wear may diminish effectiveness, so anxiety wraps work best when applied before a stressful event and removed afterward.
Although opinions on the helpfulness of anxiety wraps differ, it is commonly thought that they do not hurt. Just keep in mind that the wrap alone may not relieve a dog’s anxiety. Some dogs need anti-anxiety medication such as fluoxetine (Reconcile® or Prozac®) or clomipramine (Clomicalm®) and/or behavior modification, so consider consulting a veterinarian or animal behaviorist. Often, it takes all three options (anxiety wrap, medication, behavior modification) to help an anxious dog.
Handling phobias is difficult for pet owners and for anxious pets. After watching a terrified dog struggle through a thunderstorm, people are willing to try just about anything. Here are some tips to help you help your nervous dog.
For more information, see the handout "Helping Dogs with Severe Phobias During Storms and Fireworks".
© Copyright 2025 LifeLearn Inc. Used and/or modified with permission under license. This content written by LifeLearn Animal Health (LifeLearn Inc.) is licensed to this practice for the personal use of our clients. Any copying, printing or further distribution is prohibited without the express written consent of LifeLearn. This content does not contain all available information for any referenced medications and has not been reviewed by the FDA Center for Veterinary Medicine, or Health Canada Veterinary Drugs Directorate. This content may help answer commonly asked questions, but is not a substitute for medical advice, or a proper consultation and/or clinical examination of your pet by a veterinarian. Please contact your veterinarian if you have any questions or concerns about your pet’s health. Last updated on Apr 4, 2024.
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