Agreed, sparklee! I basically, with kind intent, ignore when he's trembly and panting. Offering treats for command performances doesn't interest him at all. Doesn't respond to treats at these times... Hence, I ignore the behaviour and go about business as usual.

I will put the TV or music on, louder than normal---two nights ago, I was out and DH took the dogs into the bathroom while he took a long shower, with the iPad's speaker blazing music into the sink. LOL! Evidently, the sink's acoustic effect improved the iPad's sound. Stuie was perfectly relaxed with the sound of the shower, the fan and the music masking the fireworks.

They arrived! Stuie's fits fine but I *think* Lola's is a tad large for her. They're both in the proper zone, measurement-wise, but IRL, it's big on her. So, I've had the little zoot-suits on them and they're both completely fine with them. Mind, in winter, they have jackets they wear, so these are similar except they're snug.

Interestingly, I put the Thundershirts on them just before their "dinner time" and Stuie, instead of pacing around waiting to be fed, hopped up on the sofa and went to sleep! Lola was also very relaxed---usually she's uber-keen to be fed.

So, now I'm excited for a t-storm to arrive, but noooooo, nothing yet. LOL! Just 'cause we have these, now we won't have any storms. Kinda like carrying an umbrella in case of rain, and then it doesn't. We were supposed to have t-storms several days in a row. Nothin' yet. Hmph.

I am very interested to hear how this works!! Both of our rescues are anxious to terrified in lots of different situations, so this has really peaked my interest.

another thundershirt vote!

weighted vests and compression shirts can also be magical for humans who need them.

For those of you with experience with the thundershirts, do you think they would work for anxiety with things? Like visitors in the house??

I think I will order and try anyway, I am just curious is you think that type of anxiety can also be controlled or lessened by this.

I actually bought a thundershirt for my dog for the long weekend here in Canada. We were going camping, and I know my pup has major anxiety about fireworks and loud noises.

I tested it the day before we left by putting it on, and bringing him in the car for a ride. He's great in the car, but gets really excited and begins to pant. I thought the panting was reduced, but after about 15-20 minutes he was acting his usual self panting like crazy.

I brought the thundershirt camping, and I didn't find it made TOO much of a difference for my dog. He still trembled like usual, and was not calm. He was really freaked out by the crackle of the fire, and I found the thundershirt did nothing for him for that.

I bought it from Petsmart, and will be returning it. If anyone is interested, they are on sale at Petsmart until the middle of June for $34.99 (regular $39.99). I believe the packaging says it works on 80% of dogs, so I think mine is in the minority here.

I really wanted it to work, but I don't think it did for me and my dog. I'd love to hear anyone else's experiences with the thundershirt

Good to know about Petsmart. I found them online for $49, so saving $15 would be great!!

WOW! Yes a $15 savings is fantastic! I'm sure it would be at all Petsmart's in Canada. I called before I went because I initially called a location close to me and they said they didn't have any, and it looked like they had been taken off the shelf.

I also called a Pet Valu near me and they had them for $39.99 if you can't find it at Petsmart.

from my human experience, if it's going to work it's going to work in most of the instances you mentioned, Sparkle. I'm no expert, but that's my take. For me and for my daughter having that compression/weight makes EVERYTHING more tolerable.


I'm sorry it appears that your doggie is in the 20%.

Still no thunder, here. Never thought I'd be keen to have thunder, what with the dogs' fear of it. LOL!

That said, the doorbell rang this morning and that's generally a trigger for WILDNESS from the wee hounds. They did bark, but both immediately obeyed when I told them to get into their dog-area (the laundry room). They were relatively calm, compared to "normal."

I read that the dogs may have to wear the Thundershirt for several times before the full effects kick in. Our dogs definitely really relax with them on---they're very mellow!