<p>We have a dog that has severe reactions to thunder and fireworks. I saw an add for Thundershirt and I wonder if anyone here has tried it.</p>
<p>Haven’t tried it but Sonia the “pet psychic” on XM radio swears by it. Says she has used one on her dog and it worked. Not a paid commercial but her talking about it with another pet owner who called in. She is truly a nut but I actually believe her on this one.</p>
<p>Luckily I have never had a dog with that type of anxiety, but I know several people on my dog forum that swear by the Thundershirt. There are articles on the web if you do a google search from people that use the shirt as well as homemade remedies.</p>
<p>We have a Pembroke Welsh Corgi that cannot stand storms or hot air balloons. I can deal with the huffing and barking when the hot air balloons go overhead, which is fairly often and during the day, but when storms occur at night, she keeps us awake. A few weeks ago when a huge storm rolled through at night which was expected to last several hours, DH went to the grocery store and bought some Dramamine. Our Sadie slept all night. I’d rather not knock her out, but I cannot be waken numerous times throughout the night and expect to have a good day after that. We had previously purchased something called “Rescue Remedy” which is touted as a natural stress relief for pets. It did not work at all for our dog. After looking online at the Thundershirt, I may try placing our dog’s life jacket on her during our next storm and see if that makes a difference at all.</p>
<p>I think what makes the Thundershirt work is that it hugs the dog. I have read about people that use a blanket to swaddle the dog, much like you swaddle an infant. You could also try a tight fitted human shirt; maybe one of those athletic compression shirts.</p>
<p>Disclaimer: I sell Thundershirts in my pet shop.</p>
<p>I think they work. I have several customers that are happy with them, including my store manager. I bought one off the floor last fall at an industry trade show and gave it to her to use for her thunder-attacking terrier. She says it’s amazing.</p>
<p>It does not work for some dogs and some situations. The company does guarantee that it will work or you can get a full refund. They say it works for 80-90 percent of dogs. My pet store network buddies say it’s more like 90%+ and that’s my experience, but we are proactive in talking about how to use it and if it will work for a specific dog.</p>
<p>One trick is to wear the shirt in less stressful situations and also to put the shirt on if there is a chance of thunder. Don’t wait until the dog is cowering in fear to put the shirt on.</p>
<p>Thanks everyone. I think we will try it.</p>
<p>I know several people who have used Thundershirts with success. I know several people who think they are useless. I think they work for some dogs and not for others. I’d see if I could get a return agreement before I bought one.</p>
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<p>According to their site:
“But if for any reason Thundershirt isnt the right solution for your dog, return it within 45 days for a full refund of your purchase price (less S&H).”</p>
<p>I’m still going to try placing our dog’s life jacket snugly around her before our next expected storm and see what happens. If that doesn’t work, I know I can depend on Dramamine.</p>
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Can’t offer any help on the Thundershirt, but I have to say that quote stopped me in my tracks. I’ve never seen a hot air balloon (other than the Goodyear blimp a few times–does that count?) Splashmom, in what fascinating place do you live?</p>
<p>I wondered why several stores in the town next door to us sell Thundershirts - we rarely get thunderstorms. I guess these must be popular in my neck of the woods because of the hot air balloons! I’m OK with the balloons floating above my house as long as the folks do not toss beer cans on my roof.</p>
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Yes, mommaj, the Goodyear blimp counts. I live in middle Tennessee about a mile from our town square which is very quaint and welcoming. Our neighborhood is located across the road from a very large church which we refer to as “Six Flags Over Jesus” and many hot air balloons use the grounds there as a launching area. Occasionally, a group of them will fly together and it really is quite lovely. We enjoy sitting out on our deck and watching them fly over. At that point, they’re still low enough that they often see us waving, and they wave back.</p>
<p>Our dog has become more anxious as he ages and now shakes uncontrollably during thunderstorms, fireworks and when he perceives we are leaving the house. Before attempting medication, I decided to try the Thundershirt. I would say he is 80% better when wearing the Thundershirt. Sometimes, it takes 15-20 minutes before beginning to see the effect of the shirt, but he is definitely less anxious with it on. It’s probably worth a try before resorting to more drastic methods.</p>
<p>My sis had a pembrook corki.
We have awesome fireworks on the 4th over the Pacific. Many a 4th, I had to sit with the dog in the bath tube, or shower stall, or in the car at the summit of the mountains. She was a very good dog. And I’m used to be in the dog house, so dog company was always welcomed.</p>
<p>My husband arranged for a hot air balloon ride for my 50th birthday. We started off at the end of our street and flew across the local countryside. It was wonderful. We scared a few dogs and cows. Should have dropped some of those miracle thundershirts!</p>
<p>Is there a human version of Thundershirt?</p>
<p>^Yes. They’re used for people with autism, typically.</p>
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<p>Edifice complex?</p>
<p>There’s a storm rolling through right now with thunder and our dog has “huffed” a few times, but no real barking. Because her life vest looks very similar to the Thundershirt, I thought it might have the same effect so I placed it on her about 15 minutes before the storm started. I’m pleasantly surprised. We just spent a few minutes in the downstairs bathroom due to a tornado warning and some heavy wind whipping around, and I’m surprised at how much calmer she is today than when other storms have rolled through. I guess I’ll save the money, though, and just use the life vest.</p>