ThunderShirt for Dogs, Medium, Heather Gray Classic - Dog Anxiety Relief Calming Vest

This is the third ThunderShirt I have purchased over the last four years. None of the dogs I purchased the shirts for was afraid of thunder, but I have found these shirts to have a calming effect for other anxieties. The first ThunderShirt I ever purchased was a size XL for an elderly 84-pound labrador retriever to help her deal with the anxiety she experienced following a stroke. It also seemed to give some relief from the itching caused by her meds. She really liked wearing it, and would have gladly worn it 24/7, but I didn't think that was a good idea. I was concerned she would get chafing or circulation problems from overuse, so she only got to wear it for a few hours a day. Still, I think it was an important part of the various things we did to increase her comfort until she was ready to leave this world. After she crossed over, the shirt was donated to help rescued dogs in foster care, and it was much appreciated by the foster "mom". The second shirt was a size XS that was purchased for a rescued 11-pound rat terrier who has no issues other than sibling rivalry. He wanted to wear a ThunderShirt because his "sister" was wearing one. It also helps give him a little extra warmth in cool weather, which he really appreciates because he chills easily. And he looks really, really handsome wearing it. The third ThunderShirt was a size XXS purchased a month ago for a 5-pound chihuahua puppy I adopted two months ago. She was found abandoned in a storage container with three other dogs. She was rescued by the county animal control department and given veterinary care until she recovered enough to be adopted. She has issues. Many, many issues. She hadn't been socialized at all and was absolutely terrified of people. She hadn't been potty trained. She was not much more than skin and bones -- you could easily see the outline of every rib. She obviously had been badly abused and she has a leg injury that may never heal completely. She didn't know how to walk on a leash and was terrified to try. She shook with fright for fifteen minutes when shelter staff placed her in my arms. She screamed and screamed and screamed in absolute terror when a very gentle friend of mine tried to pet her. After a month of training and socialization, and lots and lots of love, my chihuahua had gained a whole pound, was starting to get the idea about where to go potty and where not to , and had learned how to use a doggie door! But she was still exhibiting a lot of fear and anxiety, so I got her the ThunderShirt. I forgot to go through the recommended training process to introduce her to the ThunderShirt, but thankfully it turned out to be one of the few things that didn't frighten her. She loves it! It doesn't make all her issues go away, but it definitely seems to reduce her anxiety. She doesn't have very thick fur, so she appreciates wearing any shirt, but this is the only one that helps to calm her. She, too, would love to wear it 24/7, but I won't let her. With lots of love and positive reinforcement and her new Thundershirt, she is getting a little braver. She can't tolerate a leash attached to her collar, but she loves to walk in familiar places with her Bright Mesh Heart Printed Dog Cat Pet Vest Harness and Matching Leash Set in Blue for Dogs Cats (Large) . She will cuddle with me for hours, but she cowers if I move suddenly or use a stern voice. She is afraid of anyone new, except delivery people. They might be bringing Dogswell Nutrisca Dog Food, Salmon and Chickpea, 15-Pound Package or GREENIES Dental Dog Treats, Teenie, Original Flavor, 130 Treats, 36 oz. from Amazon! :-) I wouldn't call the ThunderShirt a miracle, but I would call it an excellent tool for helping dogs with anxiety issues. It is effective, and it is well-made with quality materials. The latest version has three new features that were not on my original two ThunderShirts: a patch for using a calming spray, snaps for attaching a jacket, and some reflective trim to make your dog more visible at night. Unfortunately, I can't use the calming spray because I am sensitive to one of the ingredients. I would love to get the snap-on ThunderShirt Outerwear Raincoat, X-Small , but so far have not been able to locate one in size XXS. I do appreciate the reflective trim because it glows in the beam of my flashlight when I take my puppy out after dark. I will continue to use the ThunderShirt to help reduce my puppy's fear and anxiety. I will be using it when I introduce her to new situations, and I will update this review to report on how that goes. The first photo below shows what the ThunderShirts look like from the front, where they can be adjusted with the velcro that is under the front tab. Of course, the photo also showcases how adorable my dogs look in their (almost) matching ThunderShirts! The second photo clearly shows two of the new features on the chihuahua's ThunderShirt, the patch and the reflective trim at the neck. The rat terrier is wearing the older version of the shirt, which he has had for four years now. He even has his name embroidered on it. The third photo was taken with a flash to show the reflective trim doing its job.

This thunder shirt is a life saver for my 8 year old Min Pin! I got it about three weeks ago, tried it on her as soon as I got it to make sure she would like it or not. She immediately fell asleep for two hours… So, last night thunderstorm was coming through- she would run around and cry and try to hide. Well, not this time, took her to potty before storm came through- heard the first crack of thunder and put the shirt on. She was calm. It’s easy to adjust, just measure your puppy PRIOR to ordering- just know the XS is does not go over the puppy’s head like the small. Sizing up your puppy is key, make sure you measure correctly prior to ordering - there is definitely a difference between the XS and the S. The S goes over their head, the XS is ALL Velcro and it’s definitely smaller. I like the material because it’s soft, not thick but not too thin - just right. It’s really easy to use, as soon as you get it out of the package you will be able to see how to put it on your puppy. I do like the soft gray color as well. I think it helped my puppy calm down. Definitely love the product and recommend it! Would definitely buy it again!

My dog is usually scared during thunderstorms. I bought the ThunderShirt and am pleased with its effectiveness. We have had two storms and she was noticeably calmer. It is easy to put on and the velcro straps help it stay in place

We like it, I was surprised it really works for a small dog a Shih Tzu. It seems to comfort them and give an assurance of being held because it is wrapped tight around the body every time it rains I put it on her. I bought two one for upstairs and one for downstairs, great product.

We’ve purchased two of these over the years. A small for a 40 pound English Setter, a medium for a 70 pound lanky golden retriever. Recently, we have been making 200 mile trips with a 65 pound golden doodle, and after 5 years of road trips, she developed a fear of riding in the car. Dont ask me why she traveled fine for 5 years and now gets anxious, it’s beyond me and my vet! We thought it might be car sickness, so the vet prescribed Dramamine and it made no difference. She doesn’t seem sick, so the vet is assuming anxiety. I bought an XL because of her weight and she’s a stocky girl. It was WAY too big. Too long and could almost wrap around her twice. We had the same sizing issues when we bought the first two shirts, as it took two tries on each to get it right. After days of rooting around in the closets, we found the medium that we had purchased years ago for the golden retriever. Lo and behold it fits, so we gave the XL to a friend to try on their Bernese Mountain Dog who is afraid of storms. The sizing charts are way off, so good luck! Id recommend taking your furry family member to a pet store and trying it on. As far as efficacy, it helps my little setter calm a little during thunderstorms, but does not completely eliminate the symptoms. It did little for the skinny Golden Retriever. I’ll update as soon as I see what difference, if any it makes in the doodle while traveling.

I inherited a dog that had never been left alone. I am out for a few hours every day. He howled and cried even though there were 2 other dogs with him. He was not in a crate. The thundershirt is working wonders for him. Cries very little if at all. He is just calmer. Under vet direction, I also give him 2mg of melatonin for his anxiety. These 2 things really helped him.

My dog is about 9 lbs. It fit her very well. It was easy to put on her and is well made.

well made and good fit for medium dog. Basenji cross cattle dog 30 lbs. Velcro at the neck and torso made it easy fit.

My Jack Russell x would get very anxious (stressed and shaking) with thunder storms, when insects were in the house, and when having to go to the vet. Before trying anti-anxiety medication suggested by one of the vets, I thought I would try the thundershirt. It’s worked brilliantly. When she gets anxious, the shirt goes on and it calms her right down. She is no longer frightened going to the vets and, instead of becoming reactive (growling and trying to bite the vet), she is now happy to go to her appointments and the vet can give her her monthly injections without any reactive behaviour. In the vets words, they are now ‘BFF’s’! Thoroughly recommend. It may depend on the dog, but it’s worth a try before having to resort to medication.

I was sceptical about the claims of this product, but after trying diffusers and CD's without any results, and watching our dog getting stressed every 5th Nov and Hogmany for 8 years I decided to give the Thundershirt a try. We first put it on him on Saturday afternoon, a couple of hours later the first fireworks started. We waited on his usual signs of stress, panting, pacing, shaking, but they never came. He barely lifted his head, it was amazing! It was the same on Bonfire night, he hardly reacted. The next test will be gunshot. A local hotel has clay pigeon shooting which can be heard from the park. If our walk coincides with the shoot we have to turn back, as he becomes too distressed. I plan to try it for this scenario too. NB: My dog has a long body, but is slim, I purchased the XS, based on his weight and chest measurement. However when I put it on him it looks short, it doesn't go as far down his back as it does in the picture, so I wondered if it would be less effective, but as you can see from my review it needn't have worried. Our young dog has just started showing signs of stress on long car journeys, so I plan to purchase one for her.