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Color-coded tapes are a safe way to communicate
Just like humans, dogs have different personalities and what one dog may be comfortable with, another may struggle with. While some pet owners provide anxiety relief for their dog through behavioral or anxiety medications or using dog anxiety jackets, others focus on communicate your dog’s creepy behavior to others, rather than medicating or covering up those behaviors. That is why you can see a dog with a yellow ribbon tied around its neck. Yellow ribbon means creepy dog.
Buy this item: Vetoquinol Zylkene Behavior Support Supplement for Small Dogs and Cats Cozyvest 3-in-1 Anti-Anxiety Jacket Nervous Yellow Padded Dog Leash
A yellow ribbon means a fearful or anxious dog
There are many reasons why an owner might want to tie a yellow ribbon around their dog’s neck. Primarily, a yellow ribbon is a way to communicate to other owners how best to proceed around the animal, but individual reasons may include an assistance dog that is in training, has PTSD or other health issues, is deaf or blind, a rescue dog or is generally anxious about other animals and humans, too.
What does a red ribbon on a dog’s collar mean?
Sometimes other color-coded tapes are also used to communicate different messages. A red ribbon tied around a dog’s collar indicates an aggressive dog. In this case, it is recommended not to approach the dog. Red and yellow are the most commonly used color-coded tapes, but there are a few others as well.
Green indicates a friendly dog that welcomes pets, while an orange ribbon means the dog likes humans, but other dogs should keep their distance. A white ribbon is traditionally used to indicate that a dog is blind or deaf. A blue ribbon means that a dog is in service training (although yellow is sometimes used for this as well), and purple indicates that a person should not feed the dog (either because of allergies or for another reason).
A bright yellow ribbon is sometimes used to indicate that a dog is up for adoption. Because there is a significant difference between a nervous/anxious dog and one that is up for adoption, always ask the dog’s handler for clarification before approaching or petting the dog. In either case, make sure to give the dog space.
The best products for nervous dogs
Vetoquinol Zylkene behavior support supplement for small dogs and cats
For pets that need a medical boost, this capsule uses alpha-casozepine, a natural milk protein from cow’s milk, to promote calming behavior. It’s lactose-free, easy on sensitive stomachs, and starts working within 90 minutes in short-term stressful situations.
Sold by Amazon and 1800PetMeds
Dexil Limited Nervous Yellow Padded Dog Leash
Like a yellow ribbon, this yellow dog leash communicates to other pet owners, and people in general, to be careful around that dog. To make sure nothing gets lost in translation, the word “nervous” is printed on the strap.
Sold by Amazon
Cozyvest 3-in-1 anti-anxiety jacket
Using compression that promotes feelings of calm and safety, this vest also includes a music player and a pocket for essential oils. It’s designed to engage all three of a dog’s senses (touch, smell and hearing) and reduces stress during fireworks, vet visits, storms, travel and separation anxiety.
Sold by Amazon and Walmart
ThunderEssence Natural Oil Soothing Spray
This calming spray, a drug-free way to calm a splashy dog, uses lavender, chamomile and Egyptian geranium essential oils. Pet owners can spray it on a dog’s anti-anxiety jacket, bed, blanket, or air.
Sold by Petco, Amazon and 1800PetMeds
Dexil Limited Nervous Yellow Vest (Give Me Space).
This harness makes it easy to communicate to other pet owners and people that you need to give the dog wearing the vest space. It reads “Nervous” on the front of the harness and also on both sides. It also has front and rear rings for a drag-free walking experience.
Sold by Amazon
Corn Hemp CBD Oil for Pets
Made with United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) certified organic hemp oil from Kentucky, this oral CBD supplement helps with separation anxiety, stress, hyperactive behavior, excessive barking and chewing, and general discomfort also in public settings. It supports the general well-being of dogs’ hips and joints and is made without additives, preservatives, synthetic ingredients, dairy or gluten.
Sold by Amazon
Jxgzso Nervous and Anxious Dog Bandana
The words “I’m a little scared, please ask the pet” are printed on this yellow dog bandana. Also available in a similar phrase: “please don’t pet, I’m a little anxious.” Both bandanas help notify others that this dog is nervous or anxious.
Sold by Amazon
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Stephanie Osmanski writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
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