The Fourth of July is a national holiday when we celebrate the birthday of America across the country that includes picnics, family gatherings and booming fireworks!
Each year, dogs run away at record numbers leaving July 5th as the busiest day of the year when dogs end up in animal shelters.
So, what’s a pet parent to do to ease a dog’s anxiety during the explosive fireworks?
THUNDERSHIRT has been hailed as the “Best Solution for Dog Anxiety ” but is it effective to calm your pet during a spectacular display of light and loud noise?
I’ve never had an issue with fireworks or thunderstorms with my dogs as an adult. As a young child, my dog, Prince, a robust beagle/bird dog mix who was never afraid of anyone, was so terribly frightened during storms with outbursts of loud booming thunder. He would shake uncontrollably. Nothing calmed him.
So, what is a Thundershirt? It is a garment that fits snugly around your pet’s body over the top of the shoulders and the chest cavity as shown in the photo. The reasoning behind how it is supposed to work is the gentle pressure supplied by the Thundershirt which is to create a calming effect upon your pet. They can be worn for other situations which cause anxiety such as separation anxiety, barking, travel anxiety, excitability, fearfulness and leash pulling as well as for thunderstorms and fireworks.
The Thundershirt states it is safe, drug free and easy to use.
According to some veterinarians, they say do not expect this garment to work miracles. It may provide some relief for anxiety-producing situations. Some suggest you invest in behavior modification techniques in addition to using this apparel.
I’ve seen mixed reviews from consumers about this product. Some say it worked great and provided complete relief to mild relief while others say it didn’t do anything. It has been found to be 70-75% effective according to some reports. As you can see the results vary.
The Thundershirt is available for both dogs and cats.
We can’t forget that Every pet is unique in personality and traits and the Thundershirt may or may not help your pet.
If it works or not, I hope people keep their pets at home safe and secure in the confines of their own home during this weekend’s display of fireworks. Shelters are busy enough without more dogs ending up at their doors because they ran away due to fear from the fireworks.
If you have used the Thundershirt, did it work for your pet? I’d love to hear your stories.
Have a safe and happy Fourth of July!
Have a story, please email me at tevangelistaepp@yahoo. Like my tv page at https://www.facebook.com/ACloseUpLookAtAnimalWelfareIssues.
I hope people are wise enough to keep their pets indoors this weekend. Fireworks are scary for pets. Put them in a room, play soft music and have their favorite toys with them.
worked the first time then nothing. Oh well.
Didn’t do anything for my dog during a storm. Waste of money. NOT recommended.
Thank you
I’m glad you wrote this. This vest was a life saver for my Benji. My husband and I were ready to put him on drugs since he got so bad before a storm. I put him on it a few seconds after I heard thundering in the distance since he was beginning to feel anxiety. Within seconds, he started to calm down. I couldn’t believe my eyes. He slept through the storm! Amazing product!
It helped my dog a lot for separation anxiety. I’m satisfied with it. I know some of my friends haven’t had the same positive results I have. I think it’s worth a try.
I wish I had one for last night and tonight. My lab went crazy from the fireworks. More going off the night. Long night ahead!
I just additional this particular feed to be able to my book marks. I need to say, I seriously take pleasure in reading your own sites. Keep it up!