Has anyone tried a Thunder Vest for their pet?

1. 69

   ShootersCenterposted 12 years ago

   Has anyone tried a Thunder Vest for their pet?
   
   My dog is scared of any loud noises and with storm season here, I was wondering if those things really work

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   SJmorningsun25posted 12 years ago

   I have one for my incredibly nervous Golden Retriever, and I do think it does help. It doesn't eliminate her nerves, but it does seem to cut down on her nervous pacing some.

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3. 82

   Laura Schneiderposted 12 years ago

   I've got one for my black lab and it works wonders, but it's kind of hard to put on because the velcro sticks everywhere and my dog loses patience eventually. Gets her through lots of scary stuff, though (like the garage band across the way, fireworks, thunder and lightning, and even guests visiting). I've got to remember to use it more on her when guests visit because she gets REALLY hyper then.
   
   I'd highly recommend getting one! Just don't necessarily follow the box's instructions on how to put it on--however you can get it on your dog, just do it. Make sure it's firm and calming, though. I usually put it on loosely at first (to manage the velcro) then tighten it down secondly.
   
   Hope it works for you, too!

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      ShootersCenterposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      My Beagle is sacred to death of lightning and thunder she runs around panting from person to person, hopefully this will help. Thanks for your input, sounds like this might work.

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   2. 82

      Laura Schneiderposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      I hope it works! Don't forget to write back here and let us all know whether it does or not. These things have only been on the market a year or two, so most people aren't familiar with them. Hoping to hear good news.... --Laura

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   Seeker7posted 12 years ago

   Sorry for being so ignorant guys - but what exactly is a 'thunder vest'? I've never heard of them.  Thanks.

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      MickiSposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      You should ask that as a question....I'll follow it. I'm as confused as you are!

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      SJmorningsun25posted 12 years agoin reply to this

      It's a shirt you put on a dog that provides a comforting compression--it mimics the way they usually retreat into a small, confining den when they're afraid. Check out www . thundershirt . com for more details (not sure if URLs are OK).

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      Laura Schneiderposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Nobody is ignorant! This product has only been around for a year or two and it's only hitting the main pet stores lately. The Thundershirt is clothing for your dog that provides "deep pressure" similar to autism treatments. Feels like a big "hug".

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   jblais1122@aolposted 12 years ago

   Yes we did, we have a Shih Tzu/Lhasa Apso mix, he is very hyper at times.  We tried the thunder vest in an attempt to calm him down under certain situations.  Don't think it worked too well in that regard.  He does seem rather comfy in it.

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   1. 69

      ShootersCenterposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      A vet had suggested we give it a try, it's that or doggy downers which leaves her groggy for hours so I'll probably at least give it a chance thank you for your comments.

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   cathymadsonposted 11 years ago

   We used the Thundershirt at the shelter I worked at, and I recommend it to many of my dog training clients. Getting to see it on many different dogs during many different scenarios helped me see if it really worked or not.
   Answer: It works for some dogs, and not for others.
   The Thundershirt is based on research done originally with cattle and livestock (think Temple Grandin), that showed when even pressure was applied around their torso, they relaxed and were much calmer during innoculations and other veterinary exams. Temple Grandin eventually used this technique on herself to calm herself down (she is autistic).
   Most dogs I see using the thundershirt show improvement during stressful situations; others I see no difference. Be sure that you have fitted it properly. If it's too loose it won't work, and if it's too tight the velcro can dig into your dog's skin and cause discomfort which cancels out any good that the shirt might be doing for your pooch.

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