Best Weighted Vest for Dogs – Top 6 Picks!

Weighted Vest for Dogs Benefits

We touched on this just a bit in our introduction but we want to dig a little deeper into just what a weighted vest might do for your dog. The benefits are noteworthy and many people find that dogs that suffer from anxiety react much better with the use of a vest.

As humans, we recommend weighted blankets for people with anxiety. There is something about the weight that is comforting and calming and the vest works in a similar manner. You will find that a weight-pulling vest for dogs can be useful for this and it is one of the primary purposes that these vests are used for.

However, that is certainly not all. Give the vest credit where credit is due. It’s awesome for anxiety but you can also use a weighted dog vest for exercise and muscle building.

Weighted vests can be useful for muscle fitness and exercise for your dog. Whether your dog exercises simply to stay healthy or they have a more rigorous need like training to be a police dog, these vests can be helpful.

The vests are designed to add weight in such a way that the dog builds natural muscle and tones their bodies. The vest does not hinder the balance of your dog when in use. However, it can improve their strength levels and also increase both agility and stability.

Finally, when it comes to behavior, there is typically a direct correlation between behavior and stressors for the dog. Things like aggression and destruction can often be traced back to stress or anxiety. Use the weighted vest in these cases for both calming and exercise purposes for your dog.

Choosing a Weighted Dog Vest

There are several things to consider when picking out a weighted dog vest. We already

discussed that these vests are not designed to be the same. What you need to consider is what you plan to use the vest for and how it will best work for your dog.

For starters, are you planning to use the vest for exercise and training or are you planning to use the vest to combat stress and anxiety? These are important considerations for making your decision. Some vests are not suitable for both purposes so just pay close attention to your plans and what the vest is designed for.

Consider the size of the vest and make sure that you choose a vest that is the appropriate size for your pet. The last thing that you want is to spend the money on a weighted vest only to have it not fit your dog. The vest is useless if it doesn’t fit the dog securely and comfortably.

Consider the design and durability of the vest, particularly if you are using it for exercise purposes. It is essential that the vest hold up against whatever you are using it for. You don’t want the vest to fall apart while you’re training so look for something that will last.

Finally, you may want to consider the comfort of the vest. Your dog is going to be wearing the vest for extensive training and use and you certainly don’t want to make your dog miserable when they may already be learning with some discomfort while they train.

Overall, just be sure that you pay attention to the details related to the vest and know what you are purchasing so you don’t end up with something that doesn’t work for your purposes.

Are Weighted Vests Good for Dogs?

Weighted vests sometimes catch a bad reputation, particularly when they are used for training purposes. This is typical because people simply don’t understand the concept of vests and the benefits that a weighted vest can provide.

You can see from our reviews that these vests can be quite versatile. They can have a lot of different uses and sometimes the vests are designed for specific purposes. We want to refer you back to the benefits of a weighted vest for this question.

Ultimately, the answer to the question is yes. A weighted vest can be good for a dog when used in the right way. Be sure that you are using the vest properly and that it is not rubbing or causing chafing on your dog.

Weighted dog vests are safe to use. Be sure to educate yourself to use them properly and understand how to properly train your dog using a weighted vest. The important part of using a weighted vest is to be sure it is used properly.

We also recommend that you work with your veterinarian, particularly if your dog has any known medical conditions that might cause suffering for your dog. Understand how a weighted vest might affect the dog and be aware of the safety precautions and proper usage.

If you notice any negative reactions or effects, stop the use of the vest and refer back to other information to be sure it will be right for your dog.

Weighted Dog Vest for Anxiety

While our focus here has been primarily for pulling and training purposes, they are becoming more and more common for anxiety use as well. You may have heard of thunder shirts or vests. Exercise is optimal use of the vest but it can easily calm a dog with anxiety problems as well or a dog prone to stress.

The vests that are used for anxiety are designed to be calming for dogs. These vests often are lightweight and compact and hug your dog tightly. They can be a single piece worn almost like a jacket. Many times, these vests can even be used underneath a sweater or jacket as well.

Frequently Asked Questions

How heavy should my dog’s weighted vest be?

How heavy your dog’s weighted vest should be will vary depending on the weight of your dog! Generally, it’s recommended that the vest should weigh between 10% and 20% of your dog’s weight.

If you don’t know your dog’s weight, weigh them or take them to the vets beforehand for a weigh-in. You want as accurate a weight as possible to ensure that you buy the right vest for your dog! Buying a weighted vest that’s too heavy can overwhelm their muscles and joints, running the risk of long-term health complications.

For your first vest, start with 10% to 20% of your dog’s weight. You can increase the weight over time if you wish, depending on your dog’s needs.

If you are using the vest for exercise purposes, you might find as your dog becomes stronger, you need a heavier weight. It’s worth discussing this with your vet before adjusting the weight of a vest to ensure it’s appropriate for your dog or not.

Remember, no matter the weight; you still want a weighted vest that distributes the weight evenly and doesn’t apply any pressure on your dog’s spine or midsection. The last thing you want to do is harm your dog when you are trying to help them!

When can a dog start using weighted vests?

You shouldn’t give your dog a weighted vest until they have reached maturity. The age a dog stops growing and reaches maturity does vary from breed to breed, but typically, most dogs are fully grown in two years.

While a dog is still growing and maturing, its joints are not yet fully developed. Placenta weighted vest on them during this time can damage their joints! You should start using a weighted vest once they have finished growing and reach maturity, between eighteen months to two years old.

The weight of a weighted vest can be too much for these developing joints and can overwhelm the joints. They might not develop as they should, and you also run the risk of over-exercising them while they are developing, which can damage the joints and leave your pooch with health complications down the line!

Wait until your dog has reached maturity before placing a weighted vest on them. Make sure that it isn’t too heavy for them and it fits properly for the best results! Remember, if you have any concerns, to speak to your vet beforehand.

Are weighted vests good for dogs?

Weighted vests for dog anxiety are an excellent option for dogs suffering from anxiety or thunderstorm phobia. VCA Animal Hospital explains, “The vests work under the theory that pressure applied to the dog’s torso causes a calming effect, similar to swaddling a crying infant or hugging a distressed person.” 

There are many brands to choose from. Some options include the following:

• ThunderShirt
• The Original Anxiety Wrap
• Mellow Shirt
• Calm Coat
• Surgi-Snuggly

Which weighted vest is best?

VCA adds that “When worn properly, anxiety wraps distribute pressure over the back and sides of the dog’s chest, serving as a calming “hug.” All the brands help decrease anxiety to troubling stimuli when a stressed-out dog wears a vest. Here are some of the best-selling dog anxiety weighted vests for anxiety brands:

• Thunder Shirt
• The Original Anxiety Wrap
• Mellow Shirt
• Calm Coat
• Surgi-Snuggly

Do weighted vests help dogs build muscle?

Weighted vests to build muscle in dogs differ from those used to calm anxious dogs scared of thunderstorms or troubling stimuli. Weighted vests for muscle in dogs can help build muscle mass but must be used correctly to prevent injury. They also help with weight loss and are designed for tactical training for numerous purposes. Start with 10% to 20% of your dog’s weight. You can slowly increase over time.

Are weighted vests bad for dogs?

The weights should not be overly heavy for dogs to prevent injury. Weighted vests used to build muscle are different than those used for anxiety which are lightweight. If your dog needs to improve performance and fitness or combat obesity, adding the right amount of weight may help them with strength training. 

Start slow with the lowest weight and slowly add more. You should do so after a training period so that your dog finds the weight easy to carry. Weighted vests should be easily adjustable and should feature many weight options. The weighted vest should also easily adjust to your dog’s movements.

Can you put a weighted vest on a puppy?

Your dog’s growth plates need to be fully developed before using weights. On the other hand, lightweight anxiety wraps like the Thundershirt can be used by pups for anxiety and to help calm them during stressful times. Dogs two years and older can safely use the weighted vest to build strength and as a means of intensifying exercise.

But, as usual, always reach out to your veterinarian for the best advice, especially when it comes down to using weight to add muscle and lose weight.

How can I make my dog muscular?

There are numerous activities used for dog muscle building. Remember that a high-quality diet, regular exercise, and swimming work well. However, you should always consider musculoskeletal problems common in dogs and try to prevent them by working closely with our vet and dog trainer. The most common problems in dogs are stiffness and lameness in the joints, as in the hips, knees, and elbows.

Dog sports like agility are also effective in keeping your dog fit. If you’re looking at other options for muscle building in dogs, here’s the takeaway:

• Dog hiking
• Dog treadmill
• Swimming
• Agility
• Dog surfing
• Doga
• Spring Pole exercises

Should dogs lift weights?

You should always watch out for and try to prevent injury when working with dogs. Strength training may be suitable for some breeds. For example, weighted vests can improve muscle tone in dogs and overall fitness, but you must understand how much is too much for your dog? 

Senior dogs with hip dysplasia should not be using weights. Dogs with health conditions should not use heavy weights for muscle building and keeping fit unless your vet has approved it.

Conclusion for the Best Weighted Dog Vest

Whether you’re looking for a training vest or an anxiety vest, understanding your options for the best-weighted vest for dogs is important. We hope that you will find this guide a valuable resource for understanding your options and maybe even picking out the right weighted vest for your dog.