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.
ThunderShirt for Dogs, Large, Heather Gray Classic - Dog Anxiety Relief Calming Vest
4.2 | 52,416 ratings
Price: 41.21
Last update: 07-02-2024
About this item
ThunderShirt is already used by millions of dogs and may help alleviate anxiety symptoms in your dog
Recommended for thunder, fireworks, separation anxiety, travel, general anxiety and vet visits*
Vet recommended and very easy to use; ThunderShirt is safe and drug-free*
The patented ThunderShirt design applies gentle, constant pressure, like a hug, that may calm anxiety, fear, and over excitement due to a variety of environmental triggers; ThunderShirt is also great for rescue dogs
Money Back Guarantee: We stand behind ThunderShirt. If you are not satisfied for any reason, simply return within the Amazon return window for a refund of your purchase price. Veterinarian recommended
Recommended for thunder, fireworks, separation anxiety, travel, general anxiety and vet visits*
Vet recommended and very easy to use; ThunderShirt is safe and drug-free*
The patented ThunderShirt design applies gentle, constant pressure, like a hug, that may calm anxiety, fear, and over excitement due to a variety of environmental triggers; ThunderShirt is also great for rescue dogs
Money Back Guarantee: We stand behind ThunderShirt. If you are not satisfied for any reason, simply return within the Amazon return window for a refund of your purchase price. Veterinarian recommended
Product information
| Item Weight | 8.5 ounces |
|---|---|
| Department | mens |
| Manufacturer | Central Garden & Pet |
| ASIN | B0028QK6EY |
| Country of Origin | USA |
| Item model number | HGL-T01 |
| Customer Reviews |
4.2 4.2 out of 5 stars
52,396 ratings
4.2 out of 5 stars |
| Date First Available | May 6, 2009 |
| Item Package Dimensions L x W x H | 9.96 x 6.54 x 1.65 inches |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 0.9 x 9.45 x 13.05 inches |
| Item Weight | 240 Grams |
| Brand Name | Thundershirt |
| Target Audience Keyword | dogs |
| Country of Origin | China |
| Warranty Description | If for any reason Thundershirt isn’t the right solution for your dog, return it within 45 days for a full refund of your purchase price. |
| Model Name | Cabot |
| Color | Heather Grey |
| Size | Large |
| Material | soft fabric |
| Age Range Description | All Stages |
| Care Instructions | Machine Wash |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Manufacturer | Central Garden & Pet |
| Style | Jacket Only |
| Breed Recommendation | All Breed Sizes |
| Included Components | HGL-T01 |
| Specific Uses for Product | Coat |
Top reviews from the United States
Willow
I have purchased ThunderShirts for three dogs in the past four years
Reviewed in the United States on October 28, 2016
Willow
Reviewed in the United States on October 28, 2016
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 [[ASIN:B01FJ44IZY 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 [[ASIN:B005KSOI9G Dogswell Nutrisca Dog Food, Salmon and Chickpea, 15-Pound Package]] or [[ASIN:B006W6YHYQ 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 [[ASIN:B00PSKFY0I 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.
Images in this review
MichSnow
Helps my dog relax
Reviewed in the United States on June 13, 2024Alejandro Soto
looks adorable, mostly works, very durable
Reviewed in the United States on May 7, 2024
Alejandro Soto
Reviewed in the United States on May 7, 2024
1. it looks adorable. - i can’t stop gushing over how handsome it makes our boy look haha. i know it’s silly but we think he looks all buff and handsome with it.
2. it mostly works. - is it the ultimate one all be all solution for a dogs anxiety issues. not necessarily. it has certainly helped out extremely anxious lab. in particular, we have noticed his body language has become a little more relaxed during rainy days ans storms. we’ve also tried it on for fireworks and seems to help him feel a little more secure. HOWEVER, keep in mind this is a tool, not a solution. while yes, if introduced properly, gradually, with positive reinforcement and positive associations it can help ease your dogs symptoms. BUT you will still need to keep working on desensitizing your dog to storms and fireworks. (if you don’t know what that means, look it up in yt, there are great training videos there)
so please, know this is just one more tool in your tool box, and you will need to use it adequately to see results.
honestly, at this point my boy loves it, he enjoys wearing it around and will fall asleep as soon as i put it on. so even if it didn’t work perfectly for storm anxiety it has helped him get better quality and longer sleep bc of how comfortable and calm he feels, so it’s a win either way.
3. it is made of great durable fabric. - the material feels sturdy and durable. we wash it about once a month during winter to make sure it’s clean and it has held up just fine. i like how easy to put on and adjustable it is. it does not get stuck or snag on the dogs fur (at least not for short haired shedding breeds like labradors).
Images in this review
JA
Idk I think it might work!
Reviewed in the United States on May 30, 2024Jenny
Doesn’t work
Reviewed in the United States on June 9, 2024
TS
What a Difference This Shirt Makes!
Reviewed in the United States on May 27, 2024