DEAR PET TALK: Do Thundershirts work? There have been storms recently, and my dog got upset and ran away. Should I invest in one? Doggie Mama
DEAR DOGGIE MAMA: For those just tuning in, “Thundershirts” are a product designed to help with dog anxiety issues, which may include reacting negatively to thunder, and loud noises. There are other manufacturers of this item, but like the word “Kleenex,” “Thundershirt” is fast becoming a generic designation.
With July 4 coming up, this issue is vital – particularly because many people think nothing of their neighbors and light fireworks throughout the month. So there was some urgency when we posted this question on our “Be PAWSitive” Facebook page and some other pet-centered groups.
Overwhelmingly, the response from pet owners was that these shirts are helpful for calming both dogs and cats. Some people used the shirt on their dog for “social anxiety” issues, such as a rescue dog who had been poorly treated.
One commenter noted that her Golden Retriever wasn’t scared of thunder, but suffered from separation anxiety, and the shirt didn’t help. And another commenter suggested having patience with a pet when you use the item, as pets all have different “stress triggers.”
And cats can get nervous, too! One cat lover told us she would put a shirt or sweater on her tabby cat when he went out of the house because it “comforts him just enough.”
Other pet owners noted that the Thundershirt helped dogs with excessive barking issues.
Our advice: Try the shirt, but have a specific idea of the behavior that you are hoping it will help with.
Sally Cragin is the director of Be PAWSitive: Therapy Pets and Community Education. Send questions to bepawsitive01420@gmail.com
