Is ThunderShirt Effective For Dogs?
It is not uncommon for dogs to have phonophobia, or the fear of loud noises. It’s actually one of the most common anxiety-related complaints among dog owners. If your dog is afraid of thunder, fireworks, or other loud noises, you’re not alone. As always, it’s important to figure out the why behind the behavior before trying to correct it. Let’s take a look.
Why is My Dog Scared?
Behaviorists have performed many studies, trying to figure out why dogs can become so afraid of storms; they have looked at everything from air pressure changes to electrical charges to fireworks and still come up short on the why. It appears working and sporting breeds tend to have a predisposition to storm phobias. This could be due to the fact that they have been bred to react quickly, storms not excluded.
As it turns out, rescued shelter dogs tend to have noise and storm-related phobias as well. It’s difficult to determine why this is, as many of these dogs have unknown backgrounds. It’s not unusual for these dogs to have been abused, abandoned, or lacked socialization or exposure to various stimuli.
Symptoms
Every individual animal reacts differently, however, the most common symptoms include:
- Tucking of the tail
- Hiding
- Howling
- Shaking or trembling
- Pacing
- Drooling more than normal
- Panting
- Chewing
- Barking or whining
- Licking a particular spot, such as their paws
- Accidents
- Destruction
Should I Use A Thundershirt For My Dog?
A ThunderShirt has become a preferred option for non-aggressive dogs in response to phobias, fear, and anxiety. Just like swaddling a baby helps him feel secure, a ThunderShirt works the same way. It is a durable Spandex-like vest that uses pressure to relieve anxiety and has a calming effect. It has adjustable fasteners and comes in multiple sizes. Some dogs only see an improvement when combined with other methods like training. On the plus side, the ThunderShirt offers a 100% money-back guarantee; so if you want to try it out and it doesn’t help your pup, you can send it right back for a full refund.
If you are unfamiliar with the dog you are trying to help, it is important to be on guard. Some dogs will snap out of fear and may react without warning. If it is your dog you are dealing with, reach out to your veterinarian. Understanding your pup’s needs is important when it comes to correcting the behavior. Your vet will know your dog’s health history that could be contributing to the phobia. You may need to contact a behaviorist or get prescribed some calming medication when you know a storm is coming or you expect some small explosions from your neighbors. We are professional dog trainers serving the southern Denver area such as Littleton, Englewood, Aurora, Lakewood and surrounding area and you can contact us if you want to learn more.