Although overcoming dog anxiety can be difficult, one of the most straightforward solutions is to put your dog in a Thundershirt. This all-natural, drug-free fix helps your four-footer feel secure.
Below, we’ll describe what a Thundershirt is, how it functions, and how to determine whether it’s a good choice for your dog.
How we tested the ThunderShirt for dogsFor pets who aren’t used to wearing clothes like
What‘s the evidence that they work?
There are numerous online testimonials supporting the use of ThunderShirts, which claim to work for 80% of dogs. But is there any scientific support for the claims? Yes, but only in certain circumstances.
One 2014 study examined how the ThunderShirt affected the heart rate and behavior of dogs with known anxiety disorders. They divided the dogs into three groups: one wearing the ThunderShirt as instructed by the manufacturer; one wearing it loosely; and one serving as the control group without a ThunderShirt. Following that, the dogs were left unattended for 15 minutes while the measurements were made. When a ThunderShirt was worn correctly, that is, tightly, fewer dogs in the group showed an increase in heart rate than those in the other two groups. Despite the fact that no group’s maximum heart rate varied from one another Additionally, they exhibited less yawning and tongue-flicking than the other dogs did. However, the same degree of other anxiety symptoms, such as pacing or panting
Another study looked at whether letting the dog wear a ThunderShirt could lessen the anxiety symptoms that are present during a thunderstorm. Only 18 dogs were included in the study, but 89% of the owners felt that it was at least somewhat successful and that their dog’s behavior had improved as a result.
What are they designed to do?
The ThunderShirt is designed to function similarly to how swaddling a baby or using a weighted blanket do. By calming the autonomic nervous system, which controls the “fight-or-flight” response, the pressure applied reduces stress. They are not only useful for the thunderstorms for which they are named, but also in a variety of other situations. The ThunderShirt’s makers assert that it can be helpful for reducing stress related to vet visits, travel, loud noises, and separation anxiety, as well as during training and to lessen barking.
FAQ
How long should a dog wear a ThunderShirt?
For the first few times, we advise taking off ThunderShirt every one to two hours to make sure everything fits properly and your pet is comfortable. Despite the rarity of irritation or other problems, it is always advisable to exercise caution. AND, if using the ThunderShirt for prolonged periods, make sure to take it off at least twice a day.
Do vets recommend ThunderShirts?
Many people use products made to give their dog a “therapeutic hug” when that occurs. The Anxiety WrapTM and the ThundershirtTM are the two most well-known brands on the market. They are actively advocated as a drug-free alternative by veterinarians, dog trainers, and canine behaviorists around the world.
Does putting a shirt on dog help with anxiety?
While you can combine other methods, dressing an anxious dog in t-shirts and coats is one of the best ways to calm them down. Many pet owners have observed how anxiety can be reduced by dressing their dogs in various types of clothing. Clothes can calm down anxious dogs.
Do anxiety jackets really help dogs?
Although there isn’t much data supporting the effectiveness of anxiety wraps, there is a lot of anecdotal evidence that they do assist some dogs. When their dog wears a vest, pet owners frequently notice a decreased anxiety to unsettling stimuli.