Thundershirt's are an excellent treatment for most types of dog anxiety and fear issues. For many anxieties, we recommend just putting on a Thundershirt and observing the results (No training!). You very well may see significant improvement for noise, crate, travel, barking and others with absolutely no training. For more complicated anxiety cases, we recommend using Thundershirt as part of a behavior modification program.
One thing is for certain, for a very large percentage of dogs, Thundershirt’s gentle, constant pressure has a terrific calming effect. This has obvious benefits for most types of anxiety. But Thundershirt is also a very useful tool for managing excitability or hyperactivity with strangers, on the leash, or in a training environment. Thundershirt’s calming effect helps a dog to focus (or refocus) her energies in a more constructive direction, allowing training to be more effective.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Thundershirt work?
Thundershirt’s patent-pending design is a pressure wrap that applies a gentle, constant pressure on a dog’s torso.
A survey of Thundershirt users shows that over 80% of dogs show significant improvement in at least one anxiety symptom when using Thundershirt.
Using
pressure to relieve anxiety has been a common practice for years. For example:
- dog trainers use pressure to address a variety of anxieties.
- Veterinarians use pressure to relax cattle and cats when they are administering vaccinations.
- Some autistic people use pressure to relieve their persistent anxiety.
Until now, there just hasn’t been a well-designed, inexpensive pressure wrap commonly used for canine anxiety.
What training is required for using Thundershirt for anxiety and fear issues?
For many types of anxiety… none! Just put Thundershirt onto your dog and you will likely see results with the very first usage. However, for some dogs, it may take two to three usages to see results. For some more serious anxiety cases, such as severe separation anxiety, you should consult a good trainer for how to integrate Thundershirt into a training program.
Can I wash and dry Thundershirt? Remove hair from Velcro hooks?
Thundershirt is made with durable, washable fabric. When necessary, Thundershirt may be washed in a regular cycle using regular laundry detergent and warm water. Hang to dry.
How long can I leave a Thundershirt on my dog?
Thundershirt is designed to be safe to leave on your dog for extended periods of time when appropriate for the situation or issue that you are addressing. Thundershirt is made out of light-weight, breathable fabric, so over-heating is very rarely an issue. It is typically safe to leave a dog unsupervised while wearing a Thundershirt.
How do I put Thundershirt onto my dog?
The Thundershirt is designed to be easy to put on your dog, even if she/he is already in a state of anxiety.
Is there any special sizing and fit considerations for male dogs?
When fitting a Thundershirt on a male dog, the straps that go around the stomach area should not cover or push on the genitals or prepuce. If the Thundershirt rubs against the genitals or prepuce, irritation may result.
What size is right for my dog?
Size | Chest Size | Weight |
XXS | 9"-13.5" | < 12 lbs. |
XS | 13"-18" | 10-18 lbs. |
S | 16"-23" | 15-25 lbs. |
M | 18"-26" | 20-50 lbs. |
L | 24"-32" | 40-70 lbs. |
XL | 31"-40" | 60-110 lbs. |
XXL | 38"-50" | > 110 lbs. |
Measure “Chest Size” as illustrated by red arrow below
Thundershirt comes in seven different sizes… XXL, XL, L, M, S, XS, and XXS. See the table to find the right size for your dog. Like people, dogs come in many different shapes and sizes, so if your dog has unusual proportions, you may need to go up or down a size versus the “standard” measurements. But the Thundershirt is designed to be very adjustable to accommodate different dog shapes and still be easy to put on.
Is overheating a concern when using a Thundershirt?
Except in extreme conditions (e.g. 90 degrees Fahrenheit in the sun), overheating is not typically a concern when using a Thundershirt. Dogs cool themselves primarily through their mouths and paws, and a Thundershirt is constructed of a thin, breathable fabric. The state of
Florida is one of our biggest markets. But if you feel that overheating might be a problem for your particular circumstance, please monitor your dog for any signs of overheating such as heavy panting or tongue hanging out of the mouth. Remove the Thundershirt if you see any signs of overheating.
Thundershirt is designed to be safe to leave on your dog for extended periods of time when appropriate for the situation or issue that you are addressing. Thundershirt is made out of light-weight, breathable fabric, so over-heating is very rarely an issue. It is typically safe to leave a dog unsupervised while wearing a Thundershirt.
For many types of anxiety… none! Just put Thundershirt onto your dog and you will likely see results with the very first usage. However, for some dogs, it may take two to three usages to see results. For some more serious anxiety cases, such as severe separation anxiety, you should consult a good trainer for how to integrate Thundershirt into a training program.
Call us today if your are interested about Thundershirts for your pet!
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