Learning how to put a Thundershirt on a dog is essential for any pet owner managing a dog with anxiety.
It’s a simple yet effective process: you gently wrap your dog in the Thundershirt to create a soothing, hugging sensation.
This guide will delve into the step-by-step procedure, making the task easy and stress-free.
Keep reading, as we’re about to break it all down for you.
Get ready to equip yourself with a proven tool to comfort your furry friend during those anxious moments.
How Does a ThunderShirt Work For Dogs?
So, what is a Thundershirt for dogs?
Originally, the Thundershirt aimed to help dogs suffering noise-induced anxiety, but subsequent findings show its effectiveness against other types of dog anxiety too.
Thundershirt, also known as a Thunder Jacket or Thunder Blanket act as a calming coat for dogs and works by applying consistent pressure to your dog’s body.
The compression experienced is similar to getting a big warm, friendly hug, and the Thundershirt can induce the same hormones and calming effect as hugs.
This constant reassuring pressure can help to calm dogs even in the worst storms.
A Thundershirt can be an excellent investment for calming your dog if they struggle with separation anxiety or fear of loud noises. It helps ease their anxiety effectively.
Created with patented technology, Thundershirt’s soft and comfortable fabric applies gentle pressure that has been scientifically proven to lower stress levels in dogs. It does not restrict movement or cause discomfort, but instead provides calming reassurance similar to being hugged. This hug-like pressure on the body is known as Deep Touch Pressure (DTP), and calms dogs who suffering from all types of anxieties such as separation anxiety, travel, noise, general phobias, panic attacks and more.
However, there are one or two things you should know once you have your nice new Thundershirt.
How to Measure for a ThunderShirt
Confused about what size Thundershirt is right for your dog?
The good news is that dog thunder shirts come in a variety of sizes, from XXS to XXL, which means that there’s a thundershirt for small dogs to large dogs.
Each one has two straps with hook and loop fasteners, which make for easy adjusting and can help your dog be comfortable.
However, you need to get the proper size, and in order to do that, you need to know how to measure appropriately.
The best practice to measure your dog for a Thundershirt would be to use a soft measuring tape to make it easy on yourself and your dog.
According to the sizing guides for ThunderShirts, they recommend you measure your dog’s chest.
A dog’s chest refers to the widest part of your dog’s torso.
This area is usually right behind your dog’s front legs or their “armpits” and goes around their ribcage.
Wrap the soft measuring tape around this area to get the general sizing for your pet.
If your dog’s chest size falls “in between” sizes, we advise choosing the smaller size.
In addition, you shouldn’t rely on a dog’s weight for sizing as measurements are always best, and male dog’s may need smaller sizing to prevent irritation from the end of the Thundershirt.
Once you have your measurements, check out the ThunderShirt size chart below to work out the right Thundershirt sizing for your anxious dog.
How to Put on a ThunderShirt
Once you have measured your dog’s chest correctly and got the right size, you will need to know how to put on a Thundershirt.
Put the Thundershirt on your dog before they need it, this allows them time to become accustomed to it.
Start by letting your dog get a good sniff of the Thundershirt and make sure they’ve had proper exercise.
Anxious dogs can become anxious for a variety of reasons, and you don’t want to add to it by trying to force something strange or unfamiliar on them.
When your dog’s ready, start by undoing the straps. Then, you’ll need to place the body of the Thundershirt, or the longest part, along your dog’s back. The straps should be hanging down.
Grab the shoulder straps and wrap them around your dog’s neck, towards the front of their chest.
You typically use these straps to secure the Thundershirt, so it shouldn’t exert any pressure.
Next, you’ll wrap the long torso flap around your dog’s ribcage, right where you had measured. Secure that longer flap with the short strap. One final long flap will help secure the Thundershirt into place.
Below is a great video by ThunderWorks for Dogs & Cats demonstrating how to put a Thundershirt on a dog.
How tight should a ThunderShirt be?
Are you unsure about how tight should a Thundershirt be? The fit for your dog’s Thundershirt should be snug and secure, so it shouldn’t twist or rotate on your dog.
However, it should not be so tight your dog has trouble breathing or walking around.
It’s best to follow the natural curve of your dog’s torso without pulling upward on the flaps too much.
The best way to gauge how tight it is, is you should be able to fit your fingers easily in between your dog’s skin and the Thundershirt. If you can fit more than your fingers, then it is too loose.
should you find that your fingers can’t fit between your dog’s skin and the flaps, then it’s likely too tight.
How long can you keep a ThunderShirt on a dog?
If you’re wondering how long can you leave a Thundershirt on a dog, it is really up to your dog! Some dogs will enjoy the weight and pressure for extended periods of time.
However, during the first few weeks of using the Thundershirt, we recommend that you take it off every few hours.
This is important during the beginning because it will give you a chance to make sure the thunder shirt fits properly and isn’t making your pet uncomfortable.
Once your dog adjusts to the thundershirt, you should aim to remove it at least twice a day.
Many times, however, pet parents will only put them on their dogs whenever they know there will be a source of anxiety.
For example, if your dog has separation anxiety, you can put it on your dog as you’re getting ready for the day to help calm them and prepare them for your time away.
To quickly calm your dog without a Thundershirt, you can create a DIY Thundershirt for dogs or ‘Thunder Blanket’ for dogs. By using wraps, you replicate the snug, reassuring hug sensation that soothes your anxious dog.
The Best Practices for a Calm Pup
The Thundershirt can work like magic for your anxious dog. However, there are other techniques that can help your dog reach their maximum zen.
You can use supplementary products and create a space where your dog feels the safest.
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Creating a comforting space for your pet to go can also ease your dog’s anxiety.
Having an isolated space like a downstairs room with a fan or even your dog’s kennel is a good idea.
In addition, getting a calming bed can help your dog be more at ease. Consider adding your dog’s favorite toys and treats to this space as well.
Using the Thundershirt in addition to one of these other methods can really help ease your dog’s anxiety.
Final Thoughts
Dog anxiety can be stressful for both dog parents and dogs. Fortunately, there are many ways you can help your dog face their fears and ease their tension.
Now you know how to put on a thunder jacket for dogs, you’ll find it provides comfort for dogs, and an easy way to calm your dog during a storm, a firework celebration, or a separation from their favorite human.
Created with patented technology, Thundershirt’s soft and comfortable fabric applies gentle pressure that has been scientifically proven to lower stress levels in dogs. It does not restrict movement or cause discomfort, but instead provides calming reassurance similar to being hugged. This hug-like pressure on the body is known as Deep Touch Pressure (DTP), and calms dogs who suffering from all types of anxieties such as separation anxiety, travel, noise, general phobias, panic attacks and more.
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Transforming anxious pups with her wealth of hands-on practical experience, and qualified in the following disciplines: Holistic Healing, Canine Anxiety & Therapy, Zoopharmacognosy, and CBD Oil for Animals
Founder of Anxious Canine and proud member of the Complementary Medical Association.