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dogs and thunder vests

Posted: May 26, 2013

Has anyone tried the vests made to calm their nervous dogs during thunderstorms? I have 2 large dogs who get extremely anxious during storms but am skeptical if these products marketed towards this problem would actually work. ;

Potential alternataives - shipwrecked

[ In Reply To ..]
Before you invest in a thunder vest, you might want to try a less expensive alternative. Bach Flower Essences, either Rescue Remedy or mimulus both might be calming (just rub it in your hand and then on their head/ears), and some say that wiping them with a fabric softener sheet reduces the static electricity which the dog senses before a storm.

thunder vests - NK

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I know someone with a cat rescue, and he says they work on cats. I'm thinking of getting one for one of my cats for vet trips. I also know someone who got one for her Newfie with separation anxiety, but we'll never know whether it would have worked because he wouldn't leave it on. That might be something to keep in mind with your dogs.

dog and thunder vests - Old Pro

[ In Reply To ..]
I have a friend who has a charming little Shih-Tzu who would just go ballistic during thunderstorms. He would hide, cower, and howl. Someone told her about thunder shirts, and she thought it sounded like nonsense. But she bought one out of desperation and--believe it or not--it works like magic! The minute she puts it on, he calms down and is just fine. I have a Rottie and a Dobie and true to their reputation, they are afraid of nothing (including thunder), but if that ever changes, I will buy ThunderShirts in a heartbeat: See at ThunderShirt.com. Their website says 80% of dogs show improvement with the shirt. That's enough to sell me. And there is now a Thunder Shirt for cats, as well.

Thundershirt - FormerCMT

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We have a German shepherd who is terrified of thunder (gunshots & fireworks). We bought the Thundershirt for her, and I would say it helps. It doesn't completely relieve her anxiety, but the shirt does make her less anxious. I would say it was worth the money. Hope it works for you!

thanks for the input - anon

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Was curious if anyone had used one or knew of someone who had, with success. Hate to see the dogs so stressed, plus it's tough to have 160 pounds of dog weight in my lap during bad weather. I'll check out the website Old Pro provided. Thanks again.

Friend uses one PLUS anti-anxiety med to calm down - her Shih Tzu. Vest alone not enough. NM

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x

Inexpensive alternative to thundershirt - lexluther

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This has worked for my family and especially since they are larger dogs, try putting one of your own t-shirts on them, preferably unwashed. The smell of you (or whoever the "favorite" person in your family is) will help to calm them down. This worked for my brother with his 100-pound dog and also worked for my husband with our 10-pound dog. Obviously, we couldn't get my husband's 2x t-shirt on her, but we did put one of his work shirts in her crate and she went in, curled up, and went to sleep. I should mention that both of these dogs are extremely storm shy, afraid of gunshots (common around here during hunting season), anything loud that bangs. Good luck!

lexluther - candy

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It works for cats, too. I have an elderly cat who is on medication and he sometimes gets grouchy. I wrap my sleepshirt around him and he calms right down. I think he is calmed by anything that belongs to "his human."

Will give this a try. - Thanks.

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My 100-pounder used to be okay with fireworks until a couple years ago when a neighbor set off a suspected illegal, bomb-type firework that shook my house. Now my dog is nervous when he hears them. Hopefully the tee shirt works on him.

I hate fireworks! - Old Pro

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In California, many cultures use fireworks for their celebrations, which is fine for them, but it really disturbs some dogs and cats. I used to have a cat and he would go crazy when fireworks went off.

I live near a theme park, and in the summer there - are fireworks nightly. My cats dont even - sm

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notice them anymore, and as a result, don't do much more than crack one eye open at thunder.

Wow, you must have great cats - Old Pro

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My poor guy turned into a frightened tiger when they went off. Strangely enough, they do not bother the dogs. I guess they fancy themselves fierce enough not to worry. ;)-

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