Tag Archives: animal

The ThunderShirt

General Interest, Pet Anxiety, , , ,

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

thundershirt dog model thundershirt sizing chart

 

 

Spread Some Holiday Cheer! Please Foster a Lonely Pet for the Holidays!

General Interest, , , , ,

Petfinder.com’s third annual Foster a Lonely Pet for the Holidays Campaign is fast approaching so I really wanted to blog about this important topic in support of their cause.  To be honest I have not had the pleasure of such an experience because my husband and I have always had a full house.  Two to three furbabies is unfortunately all we can handle at this time.  I really wish we could take more in; I miss my Neo terribly and miss having a meezer around.

I’m going to highlight Petfinder’s conversation regarding the reasons to foster; however, I encourage you to visit their blog for a more detailed look at their post.  Please also visit Petfinder.com- your future best friend is hoping you will find them.

*Reference: 3rd. Annual Petfinder’s Foster a Lonely Pet for the Holidays Campaign

  1. Giving shelters and rescue groups extra help during a time of year when they are usually short-staffed.
  2. Giving other foster parents a chance to travel or just take a break.
  3. Freeing up a spot so the shelter or rescue group can take in another pet.
  4. Giving your foster pet the time he or she needs to be ready for adoption. (Learn common reasons pets need foster homes).
  5. Helping the shelter or rescue group learn more about the pet so he can end up in the home best suited to him.

  6. Socializing the pet to a home environment and possibly getting him used to being around other pets and different types of people.

As much as we hear about or see injustices around the world, I believe that there’s always something that can be done to send good karma back out into the world.   Fostering/rescuing a soul is definitely one of these things.