When you see a yellow ribbon on a dog’s collar, this is what it means

Mar 30, 2024

by: Stephanie Osmanski, BestReviews Staff

Posted: Aug 20, 2023 / 08:23 AM CDT

Updated: Aug 20, 2023 / 08:32 AM CDT

Just like humans, dogs have different personalities and what one dog may be comfortable with, another may struggle. While some pet owners provide anxiety relief for their dog in the way of behavioral or anxiety medications or by having them wear dog anxiety jackets, others focus on communicating their dog’s skittish behavior to others, rather than medicating or covering these behaviors up. That’s why you may see a dog with a yellow ribbon tied to their collar. The yellow ribbon signifies a skittish dog.

Shop this article: Vetoquinol Zylkene Behavior Support Small Dog and Cat Supplement, Cozyvest 3-in-1 Anti-Anxiety Jacket, Nervous Yellow Padded Dog Leash

There are many reasons why an owner might want to tie a yellow ribbon on their dog’s collar. Mainly, a yellow ribbon is a way to communicate to other owners how to best proceed around the animal, but individual reasons could include a service dog that’s in training, has PTSD or other health issues, is deaf or blind, a rescue dog or is generally anxious around other animals and humans, too.

Other color-coded ribbons are sometimes used to communicate different messages as well. A red ribbon tied onto a dog’s collar indicates an aggressive dog. In that case, it is advised not to approach the dog. Red and yellow are the most commonly used color-coded ribbons, but there are a few others, too.

Green indicates a friendly dog that welcomes pets, while an orange ribbon signifies that the dog likes humans, but that 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 (though yellow is sometimes used for this, too), and purple indicates that a person should not feed the dog (be it because of allergies or another reason).

Sometimes a bright yellow ribbon is used to indicate that a dog is up for adoption. Because there is a significant difference between a nervous/anxious dog and one that’s up for adoption, always ask a dog’s handler for clarification before approaching or petting. In either scenario, make sure to give the dog space.

Vetoquinol Zylkene Behavior Support Small Dog and Cat Supplement

For pets that need a medical boost, this capsule uses alpha-casozepine, a naturally occurring 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 stressful short-term 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 this dog. To make sure nothing is lost in translation, the word “nervous” is printed on the leash.

Sold by Amazon

Cozyvest 3-in-1 Anti-Anxiety Jacket

Using compression that promotes feelings of calmness and safety, this vest also features a music player and pocket for essential oils. It’s designed to touch on a dog’s three senses — touch, smell and hearing — and reduces stress during fireworks, vet visits, thunderstorms, travel and separation anxiety.

Sold by Amazon and Walmart

ThunderEssence Natural Oils Calming Spray

A drug-free way to quell a skittish dog, this calming spray uses lavender, chamomile and Egyptian geranium essential oils. Pet owners can spritz it on a dog’s anti-anxiety jacket, on their bed, blanket or in the air.

Sold by Petco, Amazon and 1800PetMeds

Dexil Limited Nervous (Give Me Space) Yellow Vest

This harness makes it easy to communicate to other pet owners and people that the dog wearing the vest needs to be given space. It reads “Nervous” at the front of the harness and on both sides as well. It also has both front and back rings for a no-pull walking experience.

Sold by Amazon

Cornbread Hemp CBD Oil for Pets

Made from United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Certified Organic Hemp Oil from Kentucky, this oral CBD supplement helps with separation anxiety, stress, overactive behavior, excessive barking and chewing and general discomfort in public settings as well. It promotes overall wellness for dogs’ hips and joints and is made without any additives, preservatives, synthetic ingredients, dairy or gluten.

Sold by Amazon

Jxgzso Nervous Anxious Dog Bandanna

The words “I’m a little scared, please ask to pet” are emblazoned on this yellow dog bandanna. It’s also available in a similar phrase — “please don’t pet, I’m a little anxious.” Both bandannas help notify others that this dog is skittish 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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