Recently, I wrote about how you should prepare your dogs for the 4th of July holidays (http://www.prestonspeaks.com/2012/07/04/fireworks_is_stressful/). I get very upset when I’m around fireworks. Luckily, the pals at Thundershirt came to the rescue. They sent me one of their products and claimed that it would calm me down. I have to admit, I was very skeptical since I wear clothes all the time … and well … they do nothing but make me look good!
The Thundershirt kind of reminded me of a snuggie with Velcro everywhere that you put on very tightly. It applies constant, gentle, pressure to our torsos, creating a calming effect for most dogs.
Well, my very inconsiderate neighbors (don’t they know I don’t like fireworks) started firing off those terrible things as soon as the sun set. I got very upset, started pacing, barking, and running around. I was trying to tell the rents “we are being attacked!” but they just didn’t get it.
Mom put on my Thundershirt and I immediately felt calmer and laid down beside her. I admit, I did bark every now and then when there were really loud ones, but I never jumped up. I just sounded the alarm with a bark or two. At one point I even almost took a nap. I was calm and things were going well.
That was until both of my neighbors, right next door (50 yards away) decided to start setting off fireworks too. We are talking BIG fireworks. It was like explosions were happening right inside my house. At this point, even the Thundershirt wasn’t enough to keep me calm.
My thoughts on the Thundershirt is that is does definitely work in most situations but it can only do so much. If the fireworks a really really close and loud your dog is still going to get upset. Even in the worst of situations having it still has to be better than being without it.
Another neat thing about the Thundershirt is they donate thousands of these shirts and money to rescue groups and shelters to help them manage their dog’s anxieties and help them find their forever homes.
For dogs, the Thundershirts come in size XXS to XXL and the colors heather gray, blue polo, and pink polo. For cats, they come sizes S,M, L and just the color heather gray. If you have a cat, you need to check out my pal Gracey’s review of the Thundershirt (http://conservationcubclub.com/2012/04/thundershirt-for-cats-review-and-giveaway/). They can also be personalized with custom embroidery. To learn more, and to buy your own, go to www.Thundershirt.com.
Overall, I give Thundershirts two paws up! Heck, anything that can help me get through the 4th is amazing!
Your Pal,
I don’t think we had enough really bad noise last night (the fireworks across the street were short) as most of the fireworks shows are a couple of miles away. Pretty for mom, quiet for the cat. Also, with all the windows closed and the air conditioner running, that made it a lot quieter anyway. But good to know that the thundershirts help. If it ever is cool again for the 4th and the windows are open, maybe I don’t have to sit in the shower. It would have been nice to know when they were remodeling here. Now that was loud. And constant. For about a year. I would have worn out a thundershirt! I would have lived in it!
Thanks for the great review! It’s now on my wish list!
Hi Preston! Tyler also does not like the booms of fireworks. But his Thundershirt makes a big difference for him. Last night, during our neighbor’s 4th-of-July celebrations, Tyler actually did some snoozing while the booms were going on. It may not work for some dogs, but it works for Tyler.