The weather is getting warmer and summer will soon be here. For many pets summer can be a scary season filled with thunderstorms and fireworks. Often pet owners will turn to medication to combat noise-induced anxiety, but in the case of a storm, the thunder may be over by the time the medication starts to work.
Fortunately, there is an alternative. A shirt that uses constant, gentle pressure to relieve anxiety has helped many dogs and cats cope with fearful situations. The Thundershirt, and the Anxiety Wrap are two widely available brands that both use the same calming pressure to help anxious pets. Both brands are comparably priced and have been shown to be effective for more than 80% of dogs.
In addition to helping with noise related anxiety, these shirts can also be used to treat separation anxiety, travel anxiety, leash pulling, veterinary visit fear, and more. Most animal behaviorists recommend that owners acclimate their pets to the shirt before attempting to use it during the fearful event. One suggestion is to offer food to the pet, using the shirt as a "dish". This will help to create a positive association with the shirt. The next step of the acclimation process is to put the shirt on the pet during a stress-free part of the day, such as mealtime. Once the pet has adjusted to wearing the shirt, it can be used during any anxiety causing situation.
Some pets will still require medication in addition to the pressure wrap, but many are sufficiently calmed with the pressure wrap alone. Remember to always consult your veterinarian before altering any of your pet's medication doses.
