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Deb_and_Ed_M's avatar
Deb_and_Ed_M
Explorer II
Jun 30, 2015

Just ordered a Thundershirt

I HATE the 4th of July. I live on a large lake, so the fireworks start several weeks before the 4th; and continue for a few weeks afterward. Jimmy, bless his heart, took his cues from Ike (my late Aussie) and finds fireworks somewhat annoying, but not particularly scary. But Ben was still in that "fear imprint stage" of puppyhood when some &*#hole launched a "mortar" about 100' over our house just as Ben had walked out the door at 11 PM to potty. To say it terrified him would be an understatement.... I prayed he might outgrow it, and with careful work, we've got it down to "controllable scared dog".

So I'm going to try a thundershirt, and some calming tablets. Crossing my fingers we have a happy Fourth. I'll let you know how it goes.
  • 4X4Dodger's avatar
    4X4Dodger
    Explorer II
    Jun 30, 2015
    My dogs are afraid of lightening and thunder also. I just put a tight fitting T shirt on them and it seems to help reduce the anxiety level about 50-60%

    Strangely enough when I lived in SE Asia where the storms are much much more ferocious than here in the states they were not nearly as afraid of the thunder and lighting as they are here.
  • FLman2's avatar
    FLman2
    Explorer
    Jun 30, 2015
    We just have well saved our money, our Schnauzer hates his. Every time we have put it on him he will not move from the spot he is in and acts like he is being hurt. Once we take off he is fine. Found the best thing to do is just hold him till it's over.
  • Uppercrust's avatar
    Uppercrust
    Explorer
    Jun 30, 2015
    My Daisy has one and it has helped her a lot. Keep us updated on how it works.
  • Scottiemom's avatar
    Scottiemom
    Nomad
    Jun 30, 2015
    Until the shirt arrives, you can use a t-shirt, child's probably and put it on him. Cinch it up over his back and tie a knot it in so it's snug and it will do the same thing.

    Good luck. My dogs don't need one, but my kids both do this for their dogs and they are good to go.

    Dale
  • Executive45's avatar
    Executive45
    Explorer III
    Jun 30, 2015
    Ours works well too....she still doesn't like the thunder or fireworks or my gun but she tolerates all of them with the shirt on....Dennis
  • bgum's avatar
    bgum
    Explorer
    Jun 30, 2015
    Our Maltese will actually go to where we keep the shirt look up at it and growel and whine for it to be put on her.
  • robsouth's avatar
    robsouth
    Explorer II
    Jun 30, 2015
    Fritz will actually seek out his thundershirt in the event of an approaching thunderstorm. Has helped him immensely. Haven't tried around fireworks, etc.
  • Big_Katuna's avatar
    Big_Katuna
    Explorer II
    Jun 30, 2015
    Nothing has helped our poor Morkie. Calming tabs, jacket, nothing.
    Tabs helped our old boy Standard Poodle if I got them into him before the Thunder.
  • sher9570's avatar
    sher9570
    Explorer
    Jun 30, 2015
    I hope it works for you, it has been wonderful for my daughter's dog.
    Millie is now 15 but she's still terrified of thunder storms and fireworks and any kind of pounding.
    We got the ThunderShirt several years ago and it has worked beautifully.
    Best of luck and make sure you put it on well in advance of any activity. Millie will likely have hers on all weekend.

    Sher

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