I purchased a Thundershirt for my rescue dog who lacks confidence and is a busy little girl. It doesn't seem to do a thing. She doesn't mind having it put on, and behaves much the same as always. Did I just buy a scam?
My girls are split 50/50 on the Thundershirts. Chica and Blanca try to get them off, but Tini and Rita just love theirs!
I am the manufacturer of a similar product to the Thundershirt and have found that it really depends on the dog. If your dog likes to be comforted and cuddled by you then chances are the swaddling effect will work. The biggest issue that I stress to our customers is the fit! It needs to fit snug. We offer custom sizing for our product because there are many dogs that just do not fit into the chart. ie oversized like the Wolf Hound or boxy like the Basset Hound. The "swaddleshirt" is also lightweight and breathable and is a T-shirt without velcro straps. For more info go to http://www.swaddleshirt.ca
Strategies for Anxiety in dogs was featured on the Dr's "Ask a Vet" segment: https://youtu.be/Xvc3pNBaEMw
I agree with the people above who note that it doesn't work on all pets. However, if you buy your Thundershirt from a reputable veterinarian or feed store, (i.e. not Ebay), then the shirt comes with a guarantee. If it doesn't work fo you, you can return it for a full refund.
A family friend of mine's pup passed away and she had a thundershirt for him. She gave it to me, and I tried it on one of my poodles since he constantly BARKS at any thunder storms or even fireworks. Well here came a day where we had a storm - here came the barking! I put the thundershirt on and frankly, I did not notice any difference. He was still barking, but not AS much. He didn't bark at the small rumbles but rather the LOUD ones.
We've only tried the thundershirt twice - both times same results - I will keep trying, but as of right now I am not satisfied it's helping him at all.
Worked wonders for my corgi, who is terrified of fireworks. Well worth the price!! It's a one-time cost, and compared to tranquillisers, the the stress of having a terrified dog, the price is a bargain!
Hazel has never needed a thundershirt.
If I just harness my labradoodle into the car for local rides, she's whining the whole time. She seems to be nervous even though she wants to go for a ride vs. being left at home in her cage. If I put her Thundershirt on her and harness, I can drive her from NJ to TN for 12 hrs and hardly hear a sound out of her. Inside the house, her behavior changes immediately when I put it on and she's immediately calm. Best money I ever spent on a pet item.
Never worked for my mother in laws dog.
I use a tight perfectly fitted doggie shirt instead...
I've talked to owners who have tried it and the majority say it does not work. The cost is far too high to "hope" it works.
Thundershirt is one of those things that doesn't work for everyone. (Kind of like a "One Size Fits All") There are some dogs it really helps, but others that it doesn't seem to make a difference. The snug feeling can calm some personalities, but I wish there was a way to know in advance!
I am my dogs thunder buddy. Nothing really seems to help except me being there. I leave all the doors open on any stormy day so they can roam around as they please. It's the only thing I know that protects my doors from their claws. I also close my curtains all around so at least they don't see the flashes. Good luck.
I have used this shirt and it helped tremendously to ease the anxiety for one my dogs i pet sit for.you can also try putting lavender oil on the shirt too.its a calming oil for humans as well for animals.