Thundershirts

[mbfrench]

So, the premise is that they feel secure, like a swaddled baby? I always thought you wrapped a baby to recreate the feeling of being in the womb. I don't get how this works, but it seems awesome. I wonder if it really helps with nervous barking.

Interesting!

Yes you are pretty much correct.It does work,actually saw a thing on ABC news some time ago.They demonstrated it on a dog that was really scared of storms.

The instant calmness that was brought about was amazing.The shirt has not one or two adjustable velcro closures,it also tightens up around the rib cage area,which also helps calm the dog.

There might be something involving certain pressure points,that the shirt compresses,that helps calm the pup also.

 

[Mikos_Mom]

Very interesting!!! .... SO's dog is terribly afraid of thunder/fireworks... this might work for her.

 

[Silaria]

Earlier in this thread I mentioned on of my agility trainers using a Thundershirt on her Belgian Tervurens.

One of her dogs is completely terrified of thunder, to the point where he couldn't eat, drink, play, etc. She tried these based on recommendations from other people with similar problems. When the dogs wear the Thundershirt (and she puts one on all her BTs) the one with the worst reaction to thunder will now eat, drink and play during a storm, a HUGE improvement since, as we all know, a nervous dog will do none of those things.

 

[OntarioSheltie]

I'd read about these a while ago because of Ginny's fear of thunderstorms, but never really looked into them till now. Last night our trainer suggested we might try one to calm his various noise anxieties. I haven't been able to find anything negative about them, and supposedly they have an 85% success rate. I'm going to order two of them tonight I think, one for Toby and one for Ginny. If I can get his anxiety under control I think that Toby would be a fabulous therapy dog.

 

[Caro]

I guess I must be one of the 15% it didnt work with. I tried one for Deska's thunder phobia and it made no difference. Shame because we have been inundated with thunderstorms lately and I am exhausted from trying to keep him quiet.

 

[OntarioSheltie]

I guess I must be one of the 15% it didnt work with. I tried one for Deska's thunder phobia and it made no difference. Shame because we have been inundated with thunderstorms lately and I am exhausted from trying to keep him quiet.

Thats too bad, I hope it works for Toby.

 

[mbfrench]

I guess I must be one of the 15% it didnt work with. I tried one for Deska's thunder phobia and it made no difference. Shame because we have been inundated with thunderstorms lately and I am exhausted from trying to keep him quiet.

Have you tried it again recent. Is there a possibility it was not snug enough?

 

[BarbV]

I guess the only concern I have is the comment in the video that her dog became kinda "dopey". I'm not sure I want a dopey dog.....but if the effect is temporary (i.e. when they are wearing the shirt), then I suspect there is no harm. Better than doping them with ongoing drugs.

 

[mbfrench]

I guess the only concern I have is the comment in the video that her dog became kinda "dopey". I'm not sure I want a dopey dog.....but if the effect is temporary (i.e. when they are wearing the shirt), then I suspect there is no harm. Better than doping them with ongoing drugs.

I was thinking she was talking about medication.But I would have to re-watch it.

I did watch the video,I did see an immediate effect on the dog,but I certainly would not say,doped up.

And looking at it,was'nt it a jack russel or such.Since they are pretty high stung and all over the place,I would think any amount of calm behavior would seem kinda "dopey" and probably a relief.

I am hoping for some calmness with Mia,to give her more confidance.

 

[Caro]

Have you tried it again recent. Is there a possibility it was not snug enough?

I've used it quite recently, also tried the anxiety wrap but trying to constrain Deska when he is agitated just makes things worse. A colleague at the dog club advises on both plus a pressure point method. It may have something to do with his anxiety response, he doesnt cower and act fearful but becomes aggressive and tries to take the storm on. I have found every type of confinement (incl a crate) seems to make him worse.

He has gotten better over the last year as so I can sometimes settle him down with a bone but I still have to drug him if the storm goes on too long. Problem living in a body corporate - it wouldnt matter about him running around the house barking except for the winging neighbour.