20 Best Weighted Dog Vest (2022 Updated)

Our 9 month old pup Jack is a very different kind of a dog. We adopted him at 3 months for a lovely local rescue where they described him as being very sweet but unpuppy like. We started noticing a lot of quirks as days went by after his adoption, like a prancing high-step gait, sideways walk, circling, hesitation towards most things, trouble getting up and down like a much older dog, depth perception issues, and a seeming lack of short-term memory, to name a few.

He wanted to give and receive affection but would back away, and he wanted to play with other dogs but didn’t seem to understand how. Our dog trainer recommended a rehab vet who informally diagnosed him with a neurological disorder having to do with his cerebellum, as well as a crooked and somewhat weak skeletal frame.

All the pieces fit when we looked up that condition and answered a lot of our questions. She found that unbeknownst to us, Jack’s lower back was very tender, so she prescribed some low-dose pain meds which made an immediate positive change in his ability to get up and down easily.

For his circling and situations where he might get anxious, she suggested a Thundershirt. We ordered one and what a difference! Now when he seems unable to stop circling or when he can’t relax himself, we put it on him and he calms right down.

Jack will probably always have all these unusual idiosyncrasies but he is a happy, sweet dog who is learning to adjust to the world in his own way, and the Thundershirt is one thing that definitely makes his life easier.

I bought the Thundershirt on Amazon a few years ago for my cat that has massive anxiety. This thing has been a gift from the gods for him. I had to order a Cat’s Large for 13+ pounds because he is a very large cat (not just in weight but in his general size.

He is as big as a corgi, possibly bigger), it does fit him but its almost snug. I love that there is a spot to put calming liquid on the Thundershirt because the Feliway really makes a huge difference when he has a lot of anxiety.

This is the perfect product for holidays with fireworks, trips to the vet, and days where he is noticeably very anxious. One of the main factors that led me to this purchase was that I do not like giving him prescription medications, as a pharmacy worker the drugs used for pets can be a little questionable sometimes and with his CKD (Chronic Kidney Disease), I want to make sure he is as healthy as possible and I can avoid those medications unless it is absolutely necessary.

I do have one complaint, I think the velcro needs to be stronger to keep the Thundershirt on because he will rip it off. It was $40 which is very expensive if you are on a budget but I think it was worth every penny.

I really recommend this product to pet moms and dads who have cats or dogs with anxiety like issues, from my experience, the Thundershirt reduces stress and anxiety for my cat and he doesn’t need medication when he is wearing it.

I did have to redo it somewhat, as it is kind of stiff, so I soaked it in Downey fabric softener, so it’s a lot better. Also, the thick plastic clip is awful for my little girl. It’s sits right on her elbow and must be uncomfortable, so I cut of the extra strap and added secure velcro pieces to the ends of the straps.

Now it’s perfect and much more comfortable for her. It’s fits perfectly now. She is an XXS. The first one I bought was a XXXS. way too big, so Chewy was so sweet to just have me donate it to our local humane society, which I did.

THANK YOU CHEWY FOR YOUR CARING!!!.

I’m so bummed, after reading the reviews this seemed like a great product. I ordered a large for my border collie pit mix because I’ve had issues in the past with items being too small on her despite using the size charts.

But this harness was too big and normally I’d ask to exchange sizes but the overall harness is very awkward and not comfortable for my dog. I was able to adjust it to the max it could be, but I noticed the velcro strap at the front is hard to adjust if the dog is wearing it.

You have to take off the whole vest. But the Velcro is also very rough and rubbed Lucy too much that she wouldn’t want to wear it.

I got my 20 pounds weighted vest today. There are things I like about it and things I don’t like about it. Well I found out if you are chunky, overweight, bulky however you like to call it. this vest may not fit as well.

It have adjustable velcro straps to put around you. However if you are large chested or just heavy they may pop a loose if you bend over or something. This is what I have experienced. That is my only issue, I wish the straps were a little bit longer.

I’m 5’8, 260 lbs a big girl, ok. So I’m guessing if you big at the top you risk it not fitting around you well. I can get it fastened but bending over a few times it would pop a loose. Now what I love about it, that the weights are easy to take out and pop back in.

The material is very heavy and made well. I find it easy to slip over my head. Otherwise for this price it would be great. but it says most size fits most, but if you got a big upper chest it may not fit well is my only issue.

I hope I can figure out someway to remedy this problem for I don’t want to send it back. I still like it though. I want to use it while walking on my treadmill. Ok, that’s all I wanted to make sure people know.

Have a great day!.

Good quality! Fits well. I’m 5’ 0” and 110 lbs. I purchased a small vest without shoulder pads with 20 lbs of weight. It’s easy to walk in. I wear a tank top and sport bra underneath and have no problems without the shoulder pads.

It does bounce a little when I run with it but I clasp my thumbs inside the sides of the vest as I run and that stops it from bouncing and is actually a comfortable running position. Very adjustable with lots of Velcro.

Also has pocket in front for my phone and another for storing keys or anything else.

I use this to run with. I don’t have the shoulder pads and i am fine with out them. It straps on tight which is good because the area i get burned on from the weight is my upper hip bone. It takes a few runs to adjust to the weight and tailor your form.

Would recommend the vest, just make sure to strap it on tight.

I was using my husband’s old vest for a long time and it just never stayed put, was hard to put on myself, and always gave me a burn on my lower back. This weight vest solved literally all of those problems.

It doesn’t move, it’s easy to strap on, and it doesn’t rub my lower back. I also love that the weight doesn’t press down on my chest as hard. Highly, highly recommend.

My brother had given me his weight vest, but it was too big and never felt right. This one is perfect- I’m 5’5” average build/145lbs. It was comfortable enough that I wore it the whole first day I had it working outside in the yard.

The weights are easily added/removed and can be distributed on the back or front evenly. 10/10.

I have worn this for roughly six weeks now. Takes a bit of getting used to, due to the weight. But now it feels very comfortable, fit is great. Sturdy great materials, easy on and off. Terrific way to turn a 30 min walk into additional benefit.

I love it. Highly recommended.

This cooling vest works great for my baby boy! We have started going camping and it did a great job at keeping him cool. I’m BIG on reading reviews, but terrible at writing them, the products have to be super great or super bad for me to write one.

I know, I know I should do better. Anyways, this cooling vest is the bomb! My Dobie doesn’t tolerate really hot or really cold temps, yes he’s a special Prince, so I really make sure he’s cool or warm.

This vest did a great job at keeping him cool, I’ll never leave home without it when we are going to be outside in warm weather. But let me warn you, I did have to go back and order the 4xl. The 3 xl was suggested for Dobies, but my boys girth is 37, SO if I would have went by the measurements, I would have gotten the right size to begin with, which is the 4xl.

So, this vest is like a Frog Toggs, if you’ve ever had one. We used them all the time when our girls played travel softball. They worked on keeping us and them cool. These are the exact same material.

You get them wet, wring them out and put them on your dog. They are cool instantly and stay cool for several hours. I even ordered the neck one for when I think he may be even a little to warm. He has Epilepsy, so our days revolve around him and making sure he’s good.

So money well spent & in my opinion a necessity for being outdoors with your pup. I attached a pic, we had just come inside the camper, it’s the only one I had taken when writing this review and I had the time to go ahead and write it.

Also adding one with the neck one, which the L/XL fit him fine, with a little room if needed. Get it, you won’t be sorry!.

I purchased this cooling vest for my Labrador guide dog. The humidity bothers her more than the heat. The vest is extremely easy to use and put on her. simply run the material under cool water ring it out and it is ready for use.

The Velcro sides are easy to adjust and hold secure. The material is thin enough to fit nicely under her guide dog harness. as we are out walking the water evaporates from the vest helping to keep her cool.

I have noticed since she is wearing the vest she can work much longer in the heat and humidity versus not wearing the vest. after wearing the vest I simply hang it up to dry and it is ready for the next day and our adventure together.

I recently adopted 2 retired greyhounds and noticed my female would hide and pant before and during rainstorms. I bought these just a few weeks before July 4th since the firecrackers were already starting to explode in our neighborhood and my male grey refused to walk after hearing pops and getting spooked.

I got 2 in XL: one in Camo with orange stripes and the sport in platinum which has a quilted weave and feels thicker so I could see if they had any preference since they both fit on either dog (they like them both).

Just followed the directions for wrapping the shirts and it seemed to instantly calm my girl down to the point where she doesn’t want to take it off though eventually she lets me. I’m not sure it helps my male so much since it’s gotten so hot out that I won’t add an extra layer on them in this heat and cause them to have heat stroke but I put it on them during stormy weather and they both really like wearing the shirts which surprised me so I think he likes it too.

I’ve already gotten my money’s worth knowing they like wearing them and seems to help them. I’m very happy I got them. Thanks for making these.

I ordered it to say emotional support animal and I bite. Instead I got the harness with Velcro pieces that only say emotional support. Not only that but my dog was able to remove and chew up the Velcro pieces.

Fits very well. Leon doesn’t mind putting it on. Really like the handle on vest. Over all I think this one is the best.

My wife loved the vest as now people will stop asking to pet the dogs and risk getting bitten as we have big dogs but they are cute and everyone wants to pet them.

Its not a big thing but it shows as having two handles on the top but it only has a back handle. Part of why I purchased this vest was the double handle shown in the picture. With only a back handle, I wont be able to lift my dog without pulling on his neck.

If I only use the single handle the dog will be leaning way forward with a lot of pressure on the one neck strap. Since I will be using it to lift a dog into a boat, the lack of this handle will be problematic.

Also when my box arrived, it was not sealed. It had clearly not been sealed properly in the first place, not that the post office opened it. Either way, my item was opened and was missing a shipping invoice/receipt.

This vest was perfect for our aging yellow lab when she wanted to swim all day on our recent family vacation on the lake. At 13 years old this vest gave out dog enough help to swim for hours. The large vest fit our 72 pound yellow lab well and she seemed to enjoy wearing the vest.

Appears to be durable but of course swimming doesn’t put a lot of wear on it. We’ve used it every day since July 17th that’s 20 days. Great product.

This vest is perfect for my dog who is now an avid swimmer after starting off with the vest. It fits him just right and is easy to put on. It has the handle on the back for guiding your swimmer. The even better part is that I ordered the vest in medium and it was too small for my skinny black shepherd so I called to exchange it and they made the process so easy and I had the large one 2 days! We were ready to hit the water!.

I have two yellow labs that weigh between 70-80lbs. I tried to find vests that fit them. XL’s in other brands wouldn’t even velcro around the belly. Finding a vest to fit was difficult. The fit is great with this vest.

And I am proud to say my son is a Sergeant in the Army. Needless to say, we are thrilled with the Army vest!.

Chewy really helped me out with this. I couldn’t find a vest that I could attach a leash to. It’s really necessary for my little runner. This fits the bill.

First, let me say I really value that this product is American family made. As well, the vest fits beautifully, and all of the accessories that came with it are very helpful. I appreciate that the D rings are metal and not plastic, which is safer when connecting the bridge handle on a large dog.

Plastic can break and the metal is much more secure. I really value the bridge handle as it gives me something tall enough to hold on to when my dog and I are working and I have a day of feeling off kilter from my seizure meds.

I did order a bridge handle with metal snaps and neoprene to use instead of the bridge handle that came with the vest. I prefer metal snaps with a large dog and the included handle has plastic snaps.

I will keep it as a back up. Thank you for a very good quality product that is American made and at an affordable price point.

I have been using this harness with my 4th service dog for 5 months now so I can give it a solid review. #1 this is better suited to a wide chested dog structurally espicially if you are using it for balance support, on my narrower chested malinot mix it just never feels completely stable #2 it is better for people with good hand dexterity as you have to actually pick up a dogs foot to thread it into the harness and the buckle is hard to grab and fasten #3 the clasps on the bridge handle are weak, mine broke within a month of use I have used other styles of harness before.

I got this as I thought it looked more comfortable for the long days my boy puts in as I am a teacher but I have to say overall I have been disapointed. I am going to have to get a different style of harness as this one just is not meeting our needs no matter how I adjust it.

This harness is so comfortable for me ,and for my dog Rory. I have a neuromuscular disorder and I fall quite often when I walk with Rory. With the harness on her, she is closer to me so my balance is so much better.

It is also more comfortable for Rory not to be pulled by the neck. Thank you for giving me back my walks with my dog. they may be short, but it is time that we both need. Thanks again, Wendy Mueller and Rory, my sweet yellow labbie girl !.

I searched n searched them all back forth good reviews n bad and sizing and pricing not wanting to go for the 70$ ones that claim they are the best made real jacket yet read reviews on them that weren’t good and hard to size right.

Those still may be great jackets but didn’t want to spend that much and get something no better than the outward hound brands which on sales are 14-25$ and couldn’t decide on one o those wishing I had spent more because I want one made as a real life vest quality just like my whitewater jacket.

Again for some needs those jackets may be just fine too but I was date away by bad reviews and for what I was willing to spend for a good jacket. This one for the bill for both. $42 and well made. On the construction and design everything is fine and as durable as my professional whitewater pfd.

very happy about that. Yes the plastic ring is not that strong but I will probably replace it w a metal key ring. Ad one review stated it’s fine except for where the straps are at the under belly the flap slips loose to rub the dog.

Unless you are easily at the bottom adjustment of fit on your dog it does slip out and I’m not sure why strap guides weren’t sewn on that side of the flap in the middle. Would prevent this all together without hampering full adjustment for the fit.

and in the case of my dog it is a problem. I am going to sew on my own guides. I still give 5 stars because for the price and build quality you can’t beat it. On fit. it is true fit to size but watch for between small and medium.

Even outside of measurements the names used at each size are more correct. I got the small and I have what would be called a small dog. but he’s not tiny small. Jack Russell sized Rat Terrier so barrel chested for his size and weighs 20 lbs.

So basically he measured 19 inches around the chest, well within the limits for small and under the range for medium. Most other brands ran under sized but again another helpful review said they ran right on size.

Also there were no mediums available. Basically I believe my dog could have fit into either one and when wet you want a jacket snug. He fits into this one fine while still having room to tighten down even more but not alot.

because it’s designed for small but his shape, it makes it a little snug fit as it wraps and then tightening it right makes him a little uncomfortable while he is used to wearing a harness so, that detail combined w fact that floatation on the small is a little under for his weight, I kinda wish I had a medium which starts at a 20 ” measurement and tighten it down I think it would be overall better if he chunks up at all but once I sew on the strap guide onto the flap underbelly I think it will hold and tighten right when wet in water.

Excellent jacket. Happy.

I’m very particular about swim vests. As a past Search and Rescue handler, my equipment must protect my partner. This vest is great for my 80 pounds of energy! It gives him flotation and at the same time doesn’t impede his movements.

He can play out of the water and then swim after his toys. We go out on a pontoon boat, dogs jump off the deck and retrieve toys. Also, Kayak and generally swim. This vest makes him visible to other boaters and keeps him safe.

I’ve had a dog, Springer Spaniel (not a SAR dog), who would play and then just sink when tired. The first time it happened I had to dive in to “rescue” my dog. There wasn’t any indication he would just “give up” when he reached a certain level of tiredness.

Wearing a vest, he’d just quit swimming and I could haul him out of the water with the handle of the vest. so much better than diving in. After that. all my dogs wear vests.

I should have read the reviews! Fits well, but underbelly straps slide out of position without the addition of velcro. Paid $30 more for this vest because others in size I needed and have velcro were sold out.

Now I’m pulling out my sewing machine and off to the sewing store to buy velcro strips! Crossing my fingers it works. Disappointing. I would have expected more from KONG.

I have a German Shorthair and ordered this vest for him, a 68lb normal sized but athletic critter. By measurements on the sizing guide a large should have worked, too tight across the chest. Returned for an XL, same.

The XL was tight across the chest and in the abdomen you could fit a loaf of bread in there it was so loose. I think this design may be best suited for a more barrel shaped dog like our lab.

Flimsy construction, fit didn’t match size guide chart. just not at all what the description made it sound like and no where near as rugged as the Drake swim vest my dog out grew. I returned it and ate the extra shipping costs.

I’ve got tons of Drake gear, this was the only dud I’ve seen. There’s better and cheaper priced swim vests out there. Don’t settle for junk.

Really like the new vest and the sizing chart allowed me to select the one that really fits my dog well, which has always been somewhat problematic with other brands I’ve had in the past, and the handles are a great feature.

Have only used it a few times this season for early teal and goose, but its holding up well. I gave it 4 stars for now because longevity is still to be determined.

The vest fit well on my strong German shorthair hunting for the First time working thick fence rows called dog and no vest on dog. Could not find. How she got it off I do not know. I had even cut the handle off the top of vest.

She had wore the vest before to get use to it. Going to get another one.

Product keeps the Dogs warm as well as dry, is easy for dogs to move in, & they can’t tare it up or off each other . Very well made! This product has been tested by Two GSP dogs…it’s tough

Excellent vest that fits my dog perfectly. The vest quality is outstanding and the design is excellent. Easy to put on the dog and it will definitely protect the dog from all types of issues.

My dogs need to be dressed to be seen, especially in hunting season. We live in the middle of nowhere, a rural area where there are lots of hunters on the weekends. I do not trust the hunters to recognize my Lab as a dog and not a deer or my Hunter as not a bear.

These jackets are bright and visible. They cover the chest and belly well and seem water resistant- all good. I am hopeful that eventually stepping into the jacket will become less of a hassle than it is now; the dog needs to put both legs into the jacket which closes with strong Velcro down the back for a nice tight fit.

Reflective material, not currently on the jacket, would be a nice addition since we walk at dawn (as do hunters).

I bought the vests to protect my Boykin and Lab from briars and sticks. The vests are sturdy and protective. I ordered sizes based on dog weight on the sizing chart, and they fit well. They are also good platforms for tick repellent.

My only complaint is they are not actually blaze orange, which is disappointing as they accompany me on hunts, and we walk in woods that are hunter on occasion.

I purchased a vest for my Australian Shepherd puppy to wear when bringing cattle through the timber and pasture. He is still a puppy weighting around 35lbs now, I ordered a medium and I put it on him and its big on him now (to be expected) , but I am confident it will fit him perfect in the summer when he is 50-60lbs.

I feel it fits true to size. It will be great in the coverage of his body, as it goes longer on the back than others i have found. I also like that the velcro is on the top of the back so it shouldn’t get matted with leaves and debris.

It appears to be a good light vest made out of durable material. I am happy with this purchase and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it.

I have had this vest for a couple weeks now and have enjoyed a few workouts using it. The fit is great and it does not seem to move as much as others I have tried. It arrived withing a week of ordering and the quality is very good.

I think the design using sand as the weight helps in the comfort of use.

I really have found this product to be very beneficial. For me specifically I do cardio workouts with the best on and when I take it off I feel like I am getting faster. Also using this product has been very beneficial while doing workouts such as sit ups and push ups.

The only knock I have against it is that for some reason I experienced a small rip in the vest within a couple of days of using it and the material used to weight down the vest started spilling out so I had to sow it back together.

It fits great! It’s easy to get on. The quality seems great. Really comfortable. Excellent customer service. Free shipping. The feels just right, for now.

Bought this for my boys so they could work out and run. They love it. Would definitely recommend this product. Appears to be less expensive then the other ones being sold but with the same quality

So far it is very comfortable, fits snugly and does not slide around my body as my other vest did. I get a good workout from my 20 pounder.

I like when the pictures and the measurements match what I receive when ordering online. That is why I am so satisfied with my order of this piece. This Futon from the Futon fit perfectly! I could not be happier.

New to training and wasn’t sure what benefit I would get if I bought one. In short it makes life so much easier with stowing dummies and leads. Other pockets for other items as well. Well made was my immediate impression.

Good price. Does exactly what I expected and hoped for. Large cargo pockets are easy to access. Nice zip which runs easy. Magnetic closures to the pockets are nice touch.

Love it!! As a dog trainer this jacket is perfect, it has the spacious big pocket at the back for toys, deep pockets on the side for treats, phone etc, and 2 inside pockets, one with a Pooh bag holder.

I bought the plum and the colour is lovely. It’s a good fit giving space for thicker clothongyet without being too big without. Very pleased.

Fantastic product. I want to wear this over my jacket and found my normal sizing to be perfect. New forest wear very helpful. The delivery was quick. Highly recommend the waistcoat and new forest.

Other brands were in the £150 region and I didn’t want to pay that much. I’m delighted with this. It’s extremely functional and practical for dog training (and I’m sure on shoots). I’m a 42/44″ chest and chose a XL as I wanted it to fit over the top of a shirt, jumper and Barbour coat, which it does perfectly.

Was exactly what I wanted. Functions well in use. If I was being really pernickety I would have said there should be a small pocket by the poo bag hole to hold your roll of poo bags or your dispenser to stop it rolling around in the pocket.

And a detachable pocket inside one of the large outer pockets for soft treats. As I said, very pernickety!.