Thundershirt for dogs scared of fireworks

pollyanna24 · 6 October 2016 at 2:12PM

Does anyone use these? My dog is petrified of fireworks, but I've looked up the cost for this coat and it's £35 which is fine if it actually works.

Just looks like an ordinary coat to me.

The pills don't seem to have any effect on my dog.

MallyGirl · 6 October 2016 at 2:16PM

I do know people who really rate them - thankfully mine are oblivious of fireworks so I have never used them myself. The big difference to a normal coat is that they wrap quite tight so the dog feels like they are being protected. You can achieve a similar effect with a tight t shirt if you have something the right size and can get it on and keep it there.

teddysmum · 6 October 2016 at 4:42PM

Mine couldn't care less about fireworks, either, butI too have known people have success with a close fitting T shirt.

Another suggestion is to get a dog used to the noise by playing the sounds at a low level and gradually increasing the volume as each level is tolerated. (you can find recordings on the internet).

sheramber · 6 October 2016 at 5:08PM

A snug fitting tshirt might be just a good.. Depending on the size of your dog a child's tshirt might do.

The principal is it is like having a hug.

missbiggles1 · 6 October 2016 at 5:26PM

What pills have you tried?

minimad1970 · 6 October 2016 at 11:18PM

The thundershirt didn't work for my dog. There's lots of pages online showing how to use bandages, which would be a lot cheaper. https://www.cuteness.com/article/wrap-dogs-treat-anxiety

I use Bach's Rescue remedy for my dog, the only problem is it takes 10 minutes or so to work.

helcat26 · 9 October 2016 at 2:56PM

Looked these up after reading your post. my goodness you can get them for cats as well! I can only imagine the bloodshed if I tried to get our cat in one of those.

Feral_Moon · 10 October 2016 at 1:37AM

Almost all cases of animals being scared of fireworks are human derived. I've taken dogs (temporarily) away from people who proclaim they are terrified of fireworks only to find they don't even bat an eye lid when away from owners.

If you're scared of fireworks yourself then you will be teaching your dog that they're something to be fearful of. And he/she may even bark protectively, sensing you're concerned.

Acting out of character and making a fuss (by wrapping dogs up in stupid shirts) only compounds the problem.

Dogs take their lead from their owners. If you're not worried then neither will they be.

catkins · 10 October 2016 at 12:14PM

I know someone whose dog is terrified of fireworks. A thunder shirt did not work for them.

Personally I would try desensitising the dog. Play a video of a firework display and gradually increase the sound.

I did that with my dog and while it was playing I would be saying "Ooooh what's that funny noise" and stroking him or giving him a treat. I did it with fireworks and some other noises - lorries, hoover etc. Worked for me

chris_n_tj · 15 October 2016 at 6:26PM

If you buy one from Pets at Home and it doesn't work you can take it back for a full refund. They don't quibble either. Worth a try in my view I know many that have had good results using them. x

Mupette · 15 October 2016 at 6:42PM

Feral_Moon wrote: »

Almost all cases of animals being scared of fireworks are human derived. I've taken dogs (temporarily) away from people who proclaim they are terrified of fireworks only to find they don't even bat an eye lid when away from owners.

If you're scared of fireworks yourself then you will be teaching your dog that they're something to be fearful of. And he/she may even bark protectively, sensing you're concerned.

Acting out of character and making a fuss (by wrapping dogs up in stupid shirts) only compounds the problem.

Dogs take their lead from their owners. If you're not worried then neither will they be.

I love fireworks. my dog is still petrified by them.

Thundershirt for dogs scared of fireworks

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