5 Best Protective Anti-Coyote Vests For Dogs of All Sizes
Rocky Kanaka
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You don’t have to live near the woods or in a rural area to worry about coyotes. Highly adaptable, urban coyotes now comfortably enter town and are not afraid of humans, cars, or domesticated dogs. Coyotes can be aggressive, and small dogs are especially vulnerable to coyote attacks since they might look like prey to these wild canines.
Unfortunately, it’s not just coyotes you need to worry about if you own a small dog. Tiny pups are more vulnerable to other predators like large birds of prey and can sustain life-threatening injuries if they tangle with larger aggressive dogs. Of course, medium and large dogs can be injured or even killed by predators and other dogs, too—protective vests are for dogs of all sizes, even if the smaller ones are more vulnerable.
It can be a scary world out there for smaller dogs, but there are ways you can help them feel confident while giving yourself peace of mind that they’ll be safe if a larger animal manages to get ahold of them. Coyote vests for dogs are designed to protect your small dog’s vital organs with puncture and stab-resistant material, deter predators with spikes, and confuse larger animals with colorful protrusions that “disguise” your dog.
Whether you take long hikes with your pup in areas with off-leash dogs and dense wildlife, or your city is one of the many US cities with urban coyotes, a protection vest can put your mind at ease and potentially save your dog’s life in the event of a coyote attack.
1. Best Overall: CoyoteVest Pet Body Armor
Shop CoyoteVest Pet Body Armor
CoyoteVest comes in two basic variations: the original CoyoteVest (left) and the SpikeVest (right). Both options have spiked backs and spike collars—these spikes aren’t sharpened to a point and won’t hurt you or your dog, but they can really put off a larger animal trying to overpower your pup. Both options have the same basic specifications.
Basic Specs:
- Price: $109.95
- Sizes: XXS—L (for dogs between 2–55 pounds)
- Puncture/Stab Proof Material: Yes
- Removable Chrome Spikes: Yes
- Leash Attachment: Yes
- Reflective Strip: Yes
Both the CoyoteVest and the SpikeVest are also compatible with CoyoteWhiskers—a custom attachment that makes your dog look extra intimidating and confusing to predators, and makes them look a little like a colorful porcupine.
There are a few key differences to be aware of before you choose between the classic CoyoteVest and the SpikeVest. For example, the SpikeVest has more total coverage, but if your dog has trachea issues the CoyoteVest will be more gentle on the throat.
| CoyoteVest v SpikeVest Compared | ||
 CoyoteVest |  SpikeVest | |
| Closure Type | Buckles | Military-grade velcro |
| Body Material | Woven aramid fiber | Coated ballistic nylon |
| Coverage Areas | Side panels, back and sides of neck | Side panels, back and sides of beck, throat coverage, belly protection |
| Extendable Straps | Yes | No |
| Colors | YellowNeon Pink Turquoise RedRoyal Blue Texas Tan Fluorescent OrangeRoyal Orange | Yellow Neon PinkTurquoiseRedRoyal BlueTexas TanFluorescent Orange |
Protection vests for dogs have existed for a long time for working dogs and as hiking/athletic equipment, but it wasn’t until Paul Mott and Pamela Mott appeared on season 10, episode 23 of Shark Tank that everyday dog owners started to buy anti-coyote vests for their pets.
Paul and Pamela Mott tragically lost their dog Buffy, to a coyote attack in 2014. The devastated couple immediately began designing an anti-coyote vest for dogs to ensure they would never be in such a horrible situation again. Realizing other dog owners could use their product, Paul and Pamela decided to invest in marketing the anti-coyote vest for dogs, Shark Tank featured the product, and the rest is history!
2. Most Affordable: PawRoll™ Dog Spike Vest
If you’re not ready to shell out $100+ for a coyote spike vest for dogs but are still interested in testing out this way to protect your dog, check out the PawRoll™ Dog Spike Vest. PawRoll’s design is very similar to other popular coyote resistant vests and features two rows of removable spikes along the back, and two clusters of removable spikes around the collar.
Basic Specs:
- Price: $79.00
- Sizes: XXS–L (for dogs between 2–55 pounds)
- Body Material: Stab-proof DuPont Kevlar
- Closure Type: Velcro (body) and buckles (collar)
- Coverage Areas: Side panels, back and sides of neck, belly protection
- Extendable Straps: No
- Leash Attachment: Yes
- Reflective Strip: Yes
- Colors: Red, Orange, and Blue
Each of the three colors PawRoll’s Dog Spike Vest comes in are vibrant and near fluorescent, making it very easy to spot your dog if they are a hunting or working dog and spend any time off leash.
3. Best for Large Dogs: Tactical Spike Protection Vest
While most people buy some version of the coyote vest for small dogs, big dogs can also benefit from the added security of a puncture proof vest. This is a coyote vest for dogs Amazon offers that fits dogs up to 135 pounds. While this vest features less coverage, it’s a nice option for very active dogs who don’t want to feel confined or restricted by a full jacket. This protection vest mostly covers the back, which can be useful for dogs who are larger and need more room to maneuver to protect themselves.
Basic Specs:
- Price: $59.99
- Sizes: S–XL (for dogs between 18–135 pounds)
- Body Material: Nylon, not puncture proof
- Closure Type: Buckles
- Coverage Areas: Back and chest
- Extendable Straps: Yes
- Leash Attachment: Yes
- Reflective Strip: Yes
- Colors: Army Yellow, Black, Black Ink Camo, Blue Camouflage, Desert Camouflage, Gray, Purple Camouflage, Very Peri, Woodland Camouflage
Unfortunately this vest is not puncture proof, so it works best as a deterrent. For this reason, this vest also isn’t the best for small dogs who need more protection against larger animals.
4. Best Spikeless: Raptor Shield Vest
The puncture-proof material used to make coyote spike vests for dogs is the real hero when it comes to protecting your pup. The spikes look intimidating and definitely give your dog a punk rock vibe, but they aren’t sharp enough to do real damage to a predator. If your dog doesn’t like wearing spikes, or you’re just concerned about protecting them from puncture wounds, the Raptor Shield Vest is perfect for your purposes.
Basic Specs:
- Price: $82.60–$86.60
- Sizes: XS–L (for dogs between 2–21 pounds)
- Body Material: Polycarbonate plastic
- Closure Type: Velcro
- Coverage Areas: Back and sides
- Extendable Straps: Yes
- Leash Attachment: No
- Reflective Strip: No
- Colors: One color
The major downside of this design is the lack of d-ring or leash attachment. The other coyote spike vests for dogs on this list feature leash attachments so you can keep your pup nearby, but this vest should only be used in your yard or another safely fenced area. The Raptor Shield is designed specifically for small dogs, and the largest size can fit a dog up to 21 pounds. This makes the Raptor Shield Vest a good option for small breeds, but not useful for medium and large breeds.
5. Best Low-Profile: BUVUB Spiked Puncture Resistant Dog Vest
If you’re looking for a puncture-resistant anti-coyote vest for your dog that they can wear on everyday walks without getting too many looks, this is the most low-profile option. Made in a sleek black with spikes only around the collar, this dog vest features a steel plate over breathable mesh to keep your pup safe from teeth and talons. While this option provides physical protection, it doesn’t offer the visual deterrent of bright colors or extra spikes.
Basic Specs:
- Price: $78.99
- Sizes: S–L (for dogs between 7.5–25 pounds)
- Body Material: Steel and cotton mesh
- Closure Type: Velcro
- Coverage Areas: Back, sides, and back and sides of neck
- Extendable Straps: Yes
- Leash Attachment: Yes
- Reflective Strip: Yes
- Colors: One color
Unfortunately, this option has a very limited size range, and won’t work for extra-small dogs or dogs over 25 pounds. However, if you have a mid-small dog and live in a city where you want your dog to look fashionable and be safe from predators, this is the best option for you.
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