Thundershirt Grey or Pink Chest - For Dogs With Anxiety and Fear Issues

Thundershirt's patent-pending design is a pressure wrap that applies a gentle, constant pressure on a dog's torso.

According to some experts such as Dr. Temple Grandin, pressure has a calming effect on the nervous system. Using pressure to relieve anxiety has been a common practice for years. For example:

• TTouch dog trainers use pressure to address a wide variety of anxieties.
• Veterinarians use pressure to relax cattle when they are administering vaccinations.
• People with autism use pressure to relieve their persistent anxiety.
• Children with certain behavioral problems use pressure shirts and weighted vests to relax and focus.
• Parents use swaddling to calm an inconsolable newborn infant.

Until now, there just hasn't been a well-designed, inexpensive pressure wrap commonly used for canine anxiety. Thundershirt is changing that!

A survey of Thundershirt users shows that over 85% of dogs show significant improvement in anxiety symptoms when using Thundershirt. As for WHY Thundershirt's gentle pressure works to calm a dogàno one knows for sure. There are theories, but no scientific studies to prove them.

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.

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.

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.

If necessary, to remove dog hair from your Thundershirt’s velcro, we recommend using a standard dog “slicker” brush (Available at most any pet store for as little as $2.99). A couple of strokes and the velcro hooks will be nearly completely hair-free.

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.   

Are 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?