When I noticed Stella becoming  more and more terrified of veterinary visits, I decided to do a little research on non-drug treatments to help her cope.  Such things as routine annual exams & vaccinations or any other necessary medical attention are so important and definitely should not be ignored.  After much research I found the ThunderShirt, decided to give it a chance and was so excited when the shipment arrived.  It’s made of quality soft-to-the-touch thick stretchy fabric.

On the box, it says that the ThunderShirt can be used for:

• fear of thunder
• barking problems
• as a general training too
• any noise anxiety
• separation anxiety
• car or travel anxiety
• any excitability
• crate anxiety
• reactivity
• general fearfulness
• leash pulling
• and more

Anxiety symptoms listed by the ThunderShirt Company include and are not limited to: panting, shaking, drooling, barking/whining, hiding, scratching, licking, bolting, eliminating indoors, seizures.

How does it work you may ask?  It’s described as “applies gentle, constant pressure on a dog’s torso, that has an amazing calming effect for most dogs…  Pressure has been used to successfully reduce anxiety for many years for both animals and humans.  Examples include parents swaddling infants, veterinarians using squeeze chutes when vaccinating cattle, and thousands of people with autism using pressure to relieve persistent anxiety.”  I like that there was an option at the time we purchased it to return the product within 45 days for a full refund of the purchase price (had we felt it was not the right solution for us), but since we thought it was a good product, we did end up keeping it.

Our thoughts: Honestly, the pressure of the ThunderShirt is quite gentle.  Stella seems to tolerate her ThunderShirt pretty well and normally acts relaxed without any obsessive tendencies.  Does it lesson her vet anxiety?  Maybe a little.  Any progress is really a step in the right direction.  I also bring along one of her favorite blankets to lay on and dog toys to keep her entertained in the vet waiting lounge.

Please comment on your experience with your ThunderShirt purchase.  I would love to know what other furmoms think of it.

*Photocredit: ThunderShirt Company