Thundershirts

Parodius

Parodius

Does anyone have any experience of using a ThunderShirt or similar to help an anxious dog with fireworks? Do they work? It’s getting close to that time of year again and I’m looking into anything that might help Neo cope.

He was absolutely fine with them last year as a young pup but I’m anticipating this probably won’t be the case this year given that he has since developed noise sensitivities to everyday bangs, let alone fireworks. We had a load go off nearby a few weeks ago (no idea why) and he got quite upset so was wondering if anyone had found these helpful, or maybe tried one of those grooming snood things that might help block some of the noise? I’m still working on noises with him but unfortunately I feel we are not far enough along with our training that he is going to cope well with fireworks, especially when they seem to go on for weeks rather than just the one night 🙄
 
kateincornwall

kateincornwall

Location
Cornwall , UK
Three Labradors ago , my Tess was terrified of loud sudden noises . I had bought a medivest when she was spayed and so put this on her , it seemed to give a good degree of comfort , these are similar to thundershirts , so maybe one might help Neo ? There is also a free download on the website for The Dogs Trust , its a desensitising video with lots of noises , thunder and fireworks etc . I used to play it when I was doing routine stuff in the house, you can adjust the volume yourself , it seems to help to normalise loud noises , good luck x
 
Shaz82

Shaz82

Location
Essex, U.K.
Maisy was great with fireworks and shotguns when she was a pup and didn't take a blind bit of notice of the desensitising cd I had, but now she is petrified - a loud one went off unexpected and very close to us a few weeks after 5th November. How are you supposed to be prepared for that? Since then she is a nervous wreck with fireworks, shotguns and thunder. Last Tuesday - 11th October for goodness sake!! - we heard our first ones and she would not go on her evening walk. I have tried 'Calmex' from the vets but you need to give them several days before the event so no good if the event is ongoing. Pet Remedy do a range of sprays and wipes that I use, and the best thing that might work (can't be sure because it doesn't solve the problem completely) is the bach flower remedy drops. It has to be the dog version not the human one.

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I have not tried a thunder shirt yet (think I will this year) so can't help there but I do sit with her with my arms and hands over her head and back so she can feel the pressure, that calms her anyway so I hope it helps her feel safer.

It is awful seeing them so afraid, I hate fireworks now :mad:
 
Anne123

Anne123

Location
Vlaardingen, the Netherlands
kateincornwall said:
Three Labradors ago , my Tess was terrified of loud sudden noises . I had bought a medivest when she was spayed and so put this on her , it seemed to give a good degree of comfort , these are similar to thundershirts , so maybe one might help Neo ? There is also a free download on the website for The Dogs Trust , its a desensitising video with lots of noises , thunder and fireworks etc . I used to play it when I was doing routine stuff in the house, you can adjust the volume yourself , it seems to help to normalise loud noises , good luck x
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I have the same experience with Finn. Not that he is afraid of fireworks, but I noticed the change in him when wearing the shirt after his ’spaying’. He was very comfortable in it and no jumping up or barking what he used to do
 
HAH

HAH

Moderator
Location
Devon, UK
I really feel for you @Parodius , and all the dogs who find fireworks scary. I read an interesting article a while ago (can't find it yet, but will keep looking) which was making the argument that compression shirts and bands work by shutting the dog down, rather than providing comfort. I know many swear by them, but there's not much evidence on the mechanism by which they work.

Keep working on counter conditioning to the noises with firework recordings and positive associations like treats and games, there's still a bit of time. And lots of people find the Adaptil plug-ins help make a calm atmosphere, alongside giving Neo a safe cosy space near you so you can comfort him as needed. Other things like feeding him early and going out before it gets dark all help. There are some tips from a trainer I follow here: 3 Tips for Firework Season — Kirby Dog Services and a video she did here:
 
Selina27

Selina27

Location
Herefordshire, UK
@Parodius I don't have any experience of thundershirts so I can't give an opinion.

I too really feel for dogs and their people at this time of year, especially as it seems to go on so long in some areas. I guess there isn't one answer as I think that each dog reacts individually. For example, Cassie isn't bothered by loud bangs or gunshot, she merely looks a bit startled and then seems to shrug it off. But one year my neighbours let off those rockets that squeal and those completely freaked her, she was in real distress. Luckily it was only three, if I lived somewhere where this likely to happen all the time I would be very worried.

I think talking to your vet would be a good move.
 
Parodius

Parodius

Thanks all for sharing your experiences and ideas. I think I am going to put a call in to the vet and see if they have any recommendations. As he is already on anxiety medication I’m a bit wary of further medicating him, hence the thunder shirt idea, but equally I don’t want him to be stressed and upset. We actually changed his current medication to a new one at the weekend, fingers crossed we have a better fit for him now and that will help in the lead up. Will look at making a den too, he doesn’t really tend to seek small spaces but might be worth a shot.

I used to play him all sorts of noises when he was a pup and nothing worried him but since he was about 7 months old his general anxiety really kicked in and now he is a lot more noise sensitive. I’m working on desensitisation with him as part of his ongoing anxiety issues and there has been progress but he seems to pick up on the difference between me playing recordings through speakers and a genuine noise outside so it’s been slow going.

My previous lab Billie hated fireworks too but she was happy with loud music so I got my brother to mix me a drum n bass cd and just drowned them out. She would very happily snooze away, unlike my neighbours at the time - I used to bribe them with chocolates or wine! 😂 Was worth it though as despite the high volume she was much more settled, it’s horrible to see them suffering.
 
Parodius

Parodius

Just a little follow up - I had an appointment with the vet this week to discuss options for Neo with the firework season. As his medication has changed recently he advised he thinks we should see how he gets on first before looking at additional meds but said he will be happy to prescribe some if we need it.

He thinks thundershirts can be very effective with some dogs, providing they are happy to have them on and they are introduced properly so the dog doesn’t just associate them with the thing that is worrying them. He has given us some calming supplements to try alongside his current meds and we also discussed Adaptil. He thinks this can be quite hit and miss on whether it makes that much of a difference in dogs with fireworks but worth a try and he recommended the collar over the plug-in diffuser so if it does help him relax, it’s not limited to just one room. He also agrees a den is a good plan.

So we are going to give the thundershirt a try, along with the adaptil collar, den and supplements, and see how he gets on with them. Neo has always been happy to have his drying coat put on and have a snooze in it so this bodes well for him being comfortable to wear the thundershirt. It’s been delivered so will introduce it to him with some snacks and see what he makes of it 🤞
 
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