How Do Thunder Shirts Help to Calm a Fearful Dog?

Thunder shirts have been designed to help to calm dogs or cats during what they find to be stressful situations. They give the animal a gentle "hug" which can have an amazing, calming influence over a fearful animal and around 80% of dog owners have confirmed that their pets show a remarkable improvement when they are wearing their thunder shirt.

So how do they work?

The gentle pressure which is exerted from the thunder shirt has a calming influence over anxious dogs and cats - encouraging the nervous system to produce endorphins and other calming hormones to help relieve the stress and anxiety. This technique has been used in human therapy for years so it really makes good sense that it would work for animals too.

The swaddling technique has been used to keep newborn babies calm for centuries with mothers finding that by wrapping their child in a snuggly blanket it will help them to fall into a sound sleep. This is said to replicate the warmth and the pressure which the baby associates with the womb but the truth is it works which is proof enough for thousands of tired parents who have endured far too many sleepless nights.

Thunder Shirt

Some animals have a fear of loud noises, thunderstorms can provoke stress and anxiety but many dog owners have found that their pets have shown real improvement in their ability to stay calm in such situations when they are wearing their thunder shirts.

What training is needed?

In most cases no training is required for the thunder shirt to help your dog to feel calm, relaxed and happy - and a calm, relaxed and happy dog creates a calm, relaxed and happy owner. For many dogs it is enough to simply put the thunder shirt onto the dog to achieve instant results. It may take a little longer to see the desired results in some dogs - perhaps two or even three sessions but stick with it. If your dog is extremely anxious and does not show any signs of improvement it may be necessary to introduce the thunder shirt in conjunction with other training and therapy sessions from a qualified dog therapist.

Thunder Shirt

The thunder shirt really does provide an inexpensive solution to what can be a very real problem for dogs and their owners. If your dog shows signs of stress and anxiety it is definitely this is one item which is definitely worth a try.

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