Real User Review: Thundershirt Fixed My Dog’s Storm Anxiety!

Does your dog get anxious at the first sign of a thunderstorm? 

If so, you might want to consider getting him a Thundershirt.

The Thundershirt has been a total game-changer for our rescue dog Lennox, who starts trembling at the slightest drizzle, much less a full-blown thunderstorm. 

But with the Thundershirt, we’ve seen an amazing transformation.

If you’ve been on the fence about whether the Thundershirt is the right tool to ease your dog’s storm anxiety, I’m here to share our experience. 

Hopefully, our story will help you decide if a Thundershirt is the solution you’ve been searching for to help ease your dog’s anxiety.

What Is A Thundershirt?

A Thundershirt is a garment that wraps around a dog’s torso to provide gentle, consistent pressure. 

It is made of a soft, lightweight, breathable fabric that is stretchy and comfortable for the dog to wear. 

How Does A Thundershirt Work?

The Thundershirt is specially designed to help dogs cope with anxiety and stress. 

It works by providing gentle, constant pressure to the dog’s body, which has a calming effect on the nervous system. 

This activates the dog’s natural relaxation response and can help reduce feelings of fear and anxiety.

Pressure Therapy

Pressure therapy has been used for many years to calm both animals and humans. 

For example, swaddling infants soothes them and helps them sleep, and pressure vests are used to treat autism.

You can also buy weighted blankets for anxiety.

Even a big hug can be a stress reliever!

While the exact mechanism behind the Thundershirt’s calming effect is not fully understood, many pet parents and experts swear by its effectiveness in helping dogs cope with anxiety and stress, including me.

Having said that, if you read the various Thundershirt reviews, the success rate seems to vary, with some pups finding immediate relief, while others experience gradual improvements.

Research into the calming effects of the Thundershirt is also positive.

In one study, a staggering 80% of dogs with different types of anxiety, as well as anxiety-related behavior problems (e.g. excessive barking, inappropriate elimination), showed improvement when wearing a Thundershirt. 

When To Use A Thundershirt

The Thundershirt can be used in a variety of stressful situations where dogs may experience fear or anxiety, including:

• Thunderstorms
• Fireworks and other loud noises
• Car rides and other travel
• Separation anxiety and other anxiety disorders

Note: A Thundershirt alone will not “fix” your dog’s separation anxiety.

It’s always best to consult with a canine separation anxiety specialist for the best outcome.

I’ll list three of my favorites at the end of the article.

Benefits Of A Thundershirt

#1. Reduced Anxiety

As I’ve said, the Thundershirt can help reduce anxiety in dogs caused by thunderstorms, fireworks, separation, travel, and other triggers.

#2. Improved Behavior

A Thundershirt can help improve your dog’s behavior. When applied correctly, the constant pressure may help lower your dog’s heart rate, potentially leading to a calmer state of mind. Dogs that are less anxious are more likely to be well-behaved and less likely to exhibit destructive or aggressive behavior. 

#3. Enhanced Well-Being

Dogs that are less stressed are happier, healthier, and more content.

#4. Safe To Use

Safe, drug-free, and easy-to-use.

Case Study: Nervous Dog Lennox – Scared Of Thunder And Rain

Lennox is a 9-year-old rescue dog from Romania who we adopted about 18 months ago. 

He has a calm and friendly temperament but is terrified of thunder.

He even gets anxious at the sound of heavy rain.

Before I invested in a Thundershirt, he would anxiously pace up and down any time the sky clouded over with the threat of rain.

If that developed into a thunderstorm, poor Lennox would be shaking with fear, trying to seek refuge in the smallest, darkest space he could find.

Then, 10 seconds later, he’d be back again, completely unable to settle, much less relax.

It was so hard to see him like that and I was unable to distract him.

Why I Chose A Thundershirt

Already aware of Tellington TTouch* and the potential benefits of anxiety wraps and touch pressure, I started to experiment with placing my hands firmly – but gently – on either side of Lennox’s torso when he was engaging in his anxious behavior. 

He would stop pacing and calm down almost immediately.

Intrigued by this revelation, I was certain a Thundershirt could help him.

So I duly placed my order on Amazon and anxiously awaited the arrival of this exciting new accessory.

Wouldn’t you know it? 

It arrived just in time for a big thunderstorm!

As per the manufacturer’s recommendations, it’s best to get your dog used to wearing the Thundershirt when the weather is fine, just so he doesn’t have to deal with an extra stressor.

But in our case, there was no time for that.

Instead, we jumped right in.

And the results were better than I could have hoped.

All I had to do was adjust the Thundershirt (as per the easy-to-follow fitting instructions helpfully supplied by the manufacturer) so it was comfortable for Lennox. 

We were up and running in no time.

It took two minutes at most.

Admittedly, Lennox was mildly hesitant about his new gear, but I gave him one of his favorite chewies at the same time.

This served a dual purpose: to divert his attention both from the storm and the new shirt, and to start building up a positive connection with wearing the shirt.

As soon as I fastened the Thundershirt snugly around him, I could see an immediate change in his demeanor.

Within minutes, he had stopped pacing and was standing still, noticeably calmer. 

After about 10 minutes of that, he was relaxed enough to settle on his sofa and doze off. 

Note: I also played some dog-specific music to provide some white noise and mask the sound of the rain.

Wearing The Thundershirt: Before And After 

The video below starts with Lennox pacing up and down because it’s raining heavily and he can hear it banging down on the roof.

We then see him wearing his Thundershirt.

Watch the video to see the difference!

Choosing The Right Size For Your Dog

Choosing the right size Thundershirt for your dog is important to ensure that it provides the right amount of pressure and is comfortable for him. 

Consider his body type as well as whether you have a small dog, a female or male dog, or a pup with a unique build. 

Whatever your dog’s gender, shape, or size, you should be able to find a Thundershirt that will fit. 

Here are some steps to follow when measuring and choosing the correct size:

#1. Measure Your Dog’s Chest

Use a soft measuring tape to measure the circumference of your dog’s chest, just behind the front legs. Make sure the tape is snug but not too tight.

#2. Weigh Your Dog

The Thundershirt sizing chart is based on weight, so it’s important to know your dog’s weight when choosing the correct size. If you can’t do this for any reason, you could check with your veterinarian, as they will probably have it on record.

#3. Consult The Sizing Chart

Use the measurements you took to consult the Thundershirt sizing chart. 

The chart provides guidance on which size to choose based on your dog’s weight and chest size.

Choose Your Color And Design

Thundershirts come in several color options and styles, including:

• Heather Gray Classic 
• Pink Rugby
• Platinum Sport 
• Fuchsia Sport 
• Blue Polo
• Pink Polo
• Camo Polo

Choose Your Custom Embroidery

If you want to get fancy, for an extra $10, you can have your dog’s name embroidered on his Thundershirt.

Check The Fit

Once you receive your Thundershirt, make sure to check the fit. 

The shirt should fit your dog snugly but not be too tight or restrictive. 

Make sure he can move freely and breathe comfortably while wearing it.

The Thundershirt is designed to fit most dogs, but some dogs may not respond well to the pressure or just find it uncomfortable to wear. 

If you have any concerns, it’s best to consult with your veterinarian or a certified positive reinforcement dog trainer for guidance.

Should I Size Up Or Down?

For the sport and classic styles, Thundershirt recommends sizing down if your dog is on the cusp of the weight range indicated in the size chart. 

For the polo styles, the manufacturer recommends sizing up as they tend to run smaller. 

If you’re still not sure, you can call the ThunderShirt customer service number or email Thundershirt Support for assistance in finding the right size for your dog.

Email: service@thundershirt.com
Phone: (866) 892-2078

What’s The Difference Between Classic, Sport, And Polo?

The differences primarily lie in the design and aesthetics.

Their primary function of applying gentle pressure to reduce anxiety and stress remains consistent across all variations.

Thundershirt Classic 

Thundershirt Sport 

Thundershirt Polo

How To Put The Thundershirt On Your Dog

The Thundershirt design features a series of adjustable straps that allow you to customize the amount of pressure applied to your dog’s body. 

It is designed to fit snugly around the dog’s torso, with the pressure distributed evenly across the chest and back. 

It’s also designed to be easy for dog owners to put on their dogs.

This means you don’t have to put the shirt over your dog’s head or thread his legs through any holes.

This makes it ideal for dogs with mobility issues, or older dogs dealing with stiff and painful joints or arthritis.

Here are some step-by-step instructions on how to put the Thundershirt on your dog correctly:

• Unfold the Thundershirt and lay it flat on the ground with the logo facing up.
  
• Place it over your dog’s back, with the logo facing up. Make sure the shirt is centered on your dog’s back and the long flap is hanging down over his chest.
  
• Wrap the short flap around your dog’s torso and secure it with the Velcro. Make sure it is snug but not too tight.
  
• Take the long flap and wrap it around your dog’s torso, crossing over the short flap. Secure the Velcro on the long flap, making sure it is snug but not too tight.
  
• Make sure the Thundershirt is not too tight around your dog’s neck. You should still be able to slip a couple of fingers between your dog’s neck and the neck straps. Adjust the Velcro straps as needed to ensure a comfortable fit.
  
• Keep an eye on your dog to make sure he is comfortable and not showing any signs of discomfort or distress. If he seems uncomfortable or is trying to remove the Thundershirt, remove it and work on building up a more positive association with it.

Here’s a video from the manufacturer demonstrating how to put on a Thundershirt:

Tips For Introducing The Thundershirt 

Despite how things transpired the first time Lennox wore his Thundershirt, the way you introduce it can be a make-or-break moment for some dogs. 

As it may take time for some dogs to get used to their new Thundershirt, it’s best to introduce it gradually and use positive reinforcement* to help your dog associate the shirt with positive experiences. 

• Introduce the Thundershirt to your dog in a calm and relaxed environment.
  
• To start with, the manufacturer recommends using the folded ThunderShirt as a “plate” to offer a small food treat to your dog, creating a positive initial association.
  
• Use positive reinforcement to help your dog associate the Thundershirt with positive experiences. 
  
• This means that, after putting on the ThunderShirt, offer your dog with a steady supply of treats, praise, and affection to build and maintain that positive association.
  
• Remove the Thundershirt after 5-10 minutes and stop feeding the treats. That way, your dog will learn to associate wearing the Thundershirt with good things happening.
  
• Make sure your dog stays relaxed. If he starts to show signs of stress, remove the Thundershirt and build up the duration more slowly, starting with 10 seconds. 
  
• Gradually increase wearing time over several days or weeks until your furry friendis comfortable wearing the Thundershirt for longer periods of time.
  
• Even if your dog isn’t anxious for any reason, it’s good practice to keep him familiar with the ThunderShirt by puting it on him every 4 to 8 weeks or so.
  
• If your pup is resistant to wearing the Thundershirt, don’t force him to wear it. Take a break and try again later, or consult with your veterinarian or a certified dog trainer for guidance.

How Long Can My Dog Wear The Thundershirt?

According to the manufacturer, the ThunderShirt is safe for extended wear when appropriately sized and fitted. 

For your dog’s comfort, however, it’s best to remove it every 1-2 hours initially to check for irritation, though this is rare. 

Once your dog is used to it and is wearing it for longer periods of time, remove it for 30 minutes at least twice a day.

At the same time, it is not recommended to wear the Thundershirt all the time, as this can cause your dog to become desensitized to the pressure and reduce its effectiveness.

We’ve had no  problems with Lennox wearing his Thundershirt all night if it’s stormy or raining, but those are the only times he wears it.

It works perfectly.

Manufacturer’s Guarantee

The Thundershirt comes with a money-back guarantee, so if you are not satisfied, you can return it for a full refund. 

This allows you to try the product completely risk-free.

Additional Calming Aids For Anxious Dogs

As well as the Thundershirt, there are several other calming aids that can complement its use: 

• Adaptil pheromone spray (also available as a plugin diffuser) is a synthetic pheromone that can help reduce anxiety in dogs. 
  
• Pet Remedy is a natural calming spray that contains essential oils and can help promote relaxation in dogs. 
  
• Rescue Remedy is a Bach flower remedy that can help reduce stress and anxiety in dogs. 
  
• Relax My Dog* and Through A Dog’s Ear* are music programs that are specifically designed to help calm dogs and reduce anxiety. We use these to great effect with Lennox.

*You can find both on YouTube.

While products like these can be useful for managing anxiety and stress in dogs, they are not a substitute for proper training and behavior modification. 

If your dog has severe anxiety issues, it’s always best to consult with your veterinarian or a certified positive reinforcement dog trainer for guidance on how to manage his anxiety.

Maintenance And Care

Proper cleaning and care of the Thundershirt can help ensure its longevity and effectiveness. 

Here are some tips for cleaning and caring for your Thundershirt:

• Thundershirts are machine washable. Wash in cold water on a gentle cycle, and hang up to dry.
• Avoid using fabric softeners when washing the Thundershirt, as they can reduce the effectiveness of the shirt’s pressure.
• Before washing the Thundershirt, brush off any hair or debris that may be stuck to the Velcro closures or fabric.
• Check the Thundershirt regularly for any signs of wear and tear, such as frayed edges or loose stitching. 
• Avoid storing the Thundershirt in direct sunlight or in a damp environment.

The Bottom Line

All in all, the Thundershirt has been a lifesaver for Lennox and has helped us manage his anxiety during thunderstorms and heavy rain. 

We have used it many times with the same result every time. 

If your dog struggles with similar anxiety issues, I highly recommend giving the Thundershirt a try.

Having said that, a Thundershirt is not a “cure” for anxiety in dogs.

However, it can certainly be a useful tool for managing anxiety and stress. 

*Tellington TTouch method (known as TTouch) is used to reduce stress and relax animals so they can learn more effectively. It aims at increasing an animal’s body awareness and balance by using a combination of techniques that include specific touches, body wraps, and leading (movement) exercises.

READ NEXT

10 Best Calming Sprays For Anxious Dogs: Ultimate Guide

Resources

• Canine anxieties and phobias: An update on separation anxiety and noise aversions – B.L. Sherman & D.S. Mills
• The effect of a pressure wrap (Thundershirt®) on heart rate and behavior in canines diagnosed with anxiety disorder – C. King, L. Buffington, T.J. Smith, & T. Grandin
• Using TTouch to Reduce Stress and Enhance Learning when Training Guide Dogs  – J. Lloyd & E. Roe
• What Is TTouch? – Linda Tellington-Jones

NEED A DOG TRAINER OR BEHAVIOR EXPERT?

If you need more help dealing with a training or behavior issue, please find professional help from a force-free dog trainer who can consult with you either in person or remotely.

GOOD PLACES TO START ARE:
- COAPE Association of Pet Behaviourists and Trainers
- Pet Dog Trainers of Europe
- International Companion Animal Network
- Institute of Modern Dog Trainers
- Pet Professional Guild 

All dog owners deserve to have successful relationships with their canine companions!