How To Use Thundershirt
Thundershirt is 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.
Is Overheating a Concern?
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.
Why doesn’t my vet know about this remedy for anxiety and fear issues?
Good question! With millions of dogs suffering from anxiety, it amazes
us that such an easy to use, inexpensive solution like Thundershirt
isn’t more widely known and used. Thundershirt is working to change
that; we have launched an outreach campaign for veterinarians. If you
would like us to speak with your veterinarian, please contact us.
What training is required for using Thundershirt for anxiety and fear issues?
For many types of anixety… 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.