How to Wrap Dogs to Treat Anxiety

By Jo Jackson

 Cleo the Corgi Mix

Overview

Throughout history, parents have swaddled their babies to settle and soothe them and to help them sleep soundly. You can wrap dogs in a similar way so that constant gentle pressure can calm and comfort them during times of stress or anxiety. Anxiety can be caused by loud noises like fireworks or thunder, travel, injury, separation or other disruptions. There are a number of products you can buy for your dog, such as a Thundershirt or The Anxiety Wrap, or you can wrap him yourself.
 

Step 1

Select a wide bandage for large dogs and a narrower bandage for small dogs. Unwrap the bandage and fold in half to locate the middle of it. With the dog in a standing position, place the middle of the bandage across his chest, below his neck but above his front legs.

Step 2

Bring the ends of the bandage up and cross them above the top of the shoulder blades, and then take them underneath the body behind the front legs and cross them again.

Step 3

Bring the ends of the bandage up again and tie the ends over the top of the lower back. Check that the wrap feels snug against the coat, but is not tight or restrictive, and adjust if necessary