Thunder Shirts For Dogs: What Are They & Do They Work?

Panting, pacing, hyperactivity, and shaking are signs your dog is experiencing anxiety. Unfortunately, panic attacks can happen at any time. Even dogs that don't normally experience anxiety throughout the day can get triggered during stressful events due to loud noises or new experiences. You might consider using a thunder shirt if your dog struggles with anxiety during short-lasting events. 

Thunder shirts, also known as thunder coats, vests, and jackets, are a wrap your dog wears during stressful events, such as Halloween, fireworks, and thunderstorms. They work by swaddling the dog to provide touch therapy which may reduce the effects of anxiety. 

Ultimately, every dog is different; thunder shirts work for many dogs suffering from anxiety, but they don't work for all dogs. Still, they might be worth a try for pets who experience panic attacks during stressful events. 

• What Is A Thunder Shirt For Dogs?
• How & When To Use A Thundershirt
• Best Thunder Shirts For Dogs
• FAQs
• Final Notes

What Is A Thunder Shirt For Dogs?

Thunder shirts for dogs are a type of wrap that fits snugly around their torso. They look similar to any other dog sweater, except they're slightly tighter and made from more durable materials. A thunder shirt works similarly to how swaddling can help calm a baby or weighted blankets that provide deep pressure therapy (DPT) to the user¹. 

Thunder shirts for dogs may help treat and manage short-term anxiety, which can occur during stressful situations and events like storms, fireworks, vet visits, car rides, or when traveling with your dog. The ultimate goal of a thunder shirt for dogs is to help them stay calm.

How Does A Thunder Shirt Work?

As we've mentioned, thunder shirts work by providing deep pressure stimulation (DPS). DPS refers to providing gentle pressure to the body that can relax the nervous system and relieve anxiety.¹ DPS can be applied in several ways, and service dogs are trained to sit or lie on their handlers to provide relief. However, the same concept applies to dogs, giving them a swaddle to reduce feelings of anxiety and help them stay calm.

DPS activates the parasympathetic nervous system and replaces the sympathetic nervous system's fight-or-flight response.¹ In doing so, the muscles start to relax, and circulation improves. At the same time, the body releases mood-boosting hormones like dopamine and serotonin to provide relaxation and an overall feeling of happiness.

Therefore, similar to the effects of using a weighted blanket or swaddling an infant, a thunder shirt for dogs applies gentle pressure to the torso to promote relaxation. That said, thunder shirts are not an effective treatment for overall fear and anxiety. They won't solve your dog's anxiety issues, but they may help them stay calm during periods of extreme stress.

A few studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of thunder vests on heart rate and anxiety in dogs. One such study, conducted in 2014, reviewed the effects of thunder vests on dogs with anxiety disorders. Three groups of dogs—one wearing a thunder vest, one wearing a thunder shirt loosely, and one without a thunder shirt— were left alone for 15 minutes. Dogs in the group wearing their thunder shirts correctly showed less of an increase in heart rate than the other groups. However, there wasn't a difference in the maximum heart rate across all three groups, and all groups showed some signs of anxiety, such as pacing and panting.²

Additionally, surveys conducted by GMI Inc. on behalf of the brand Thundershirt ™ in 2011 focused on different types of dog anxiety. One survey focused on US dog owners, while the other focused on the brand's customer base. The Thundershirt customer base, which consisted of 2,000 dogs, found that Thundershirt was identified as having the highest success rate of all solutions tried for various types of anxiety, with 83% seeing improvements. In contrast, environmental management had a 77% success rate, and medication had a 76% success rate.³

Thunder Shirts: Pros & Cons

By simulating deep pressure therapy, thunder shirts may help calm anxious dogs, especially in the short term. However, more evidence is needed to prove just how effective it is. Additionally, like any treatment, they're not a perfect solution. 

Thunder shirts may provide medication-free anxiety relief for short-term anxiety-inducing events, like car or airplane rides, vet visits, and of course, thunderstorms. 

While anxiety medication for dogs is considered relatively safe, many pet parents don't want to give their dogs medication, so these vests might be a good solution for some dogs. Additionally, thunder vests are convenient. Unlike medication, they may provide faster relief, which can benefit unplanned events like storms, loud noises, and emergency trips to the vet. Additionally, thunder shirts are available from various brands and in several sizes. Therefore, you can find thunder shirts for small dogs, large dogs, and even giant breeds. 

However, while many pet parents claim to see a reduction in anxiety symptoms, thunder shirts don't work for every dog. There's not enough evidence to definitively prove these vests' effectiveness, even though many pet parents swear by them. Meanwhile, thunder shirts for dogs are not enough for severe anxiety in dogs, but they may be combined with other strategies like behavioral modification, obedience training, and medication. 

How & When To Use A Thundershirt

Thunder shirts for dogs should be used during anxiety and stress, which could mean anything from fireworks to when you leave the house and your dog suffers from separation anxiety. 

Since you can't always predict when something will frighten your dog, they can make a convenient solution for helping treat anxiety and stop barking and other anxious behavior. First, however, we recommend introducing your dog to their thunder shirt before they become anxious. Since some dogs don't like wearing anything but their collars, you should ensure they're comfortable in their vest before using it for stressful situations. 

Here are a few tips to help you and your dog use a thunder shirt most effectively:

• Get the correct size: Thunder shirts for dogs must be appropriately fitted to ensure your dog is comfortable while still getting the compression feeling to stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system and provide them with a more comfortable, calming sensation. The best thunder shirts for dogs should fit snugly but not be too tight that it's uncomfortable. 

• Build positive associations: Letting your dog build positive associations with their thunder shirt can make it easier to put on them when they're experiencing anxiety or a panic attack. Introduce your dog to their thunder shirt by letting them sniff it and give them treats for interacting with it. You can also place it in areas your dog finds comfortable, such as their bed or couch.
• Put it on: Put the thunder shirt on during non-stressful situations to ensure your dog doesn't associate it with fear and anxiety. Practicing will also ensure you know how to put it on your dog quickly. Letting your dog wear their thunder shirt around the house can help them get used to it, and using treats whenever they wear it can help them build positive associations with it.
• Use during stressful situations: Once your dog is comfortable with their thunder shirt, they can wear it during stressful situations like storms, fireworks, vet visits, and holiday celebrations. We suggest putting it on before a stressful event occurs. For example, if you know there will be fireworks at 9 pm, consider putting it on at 8:50 to help your pet stay calmer throughout the entire event. 

Best Thunder Shirts For Dogs

Finding the best thunder shirts for dogs is easy. Most pet parents will opt for the brand name, but several brands and styles are available to suit your dog. Of course, there are pros and cons to each, but we recommend researching the best one for your dog. You can generally find thunder shirts in various styles that apply gentle pressure to the torso. 

Remember, the best thunder shirts for dogs should fit properly. Taking your dog's measurements can help you choose the right size thunder shirt for large dogs, small dogs, and everything in between. In addition, no matter which brand you choose, your dog's thunder shirt should be comfortable and easy to use. Look for thunder vests that are easy to put on and take off and are made with quality, comfortable materials that won't cause skin irritation or overheating. 

FAQs

How long can dogs wear a thunder shirt?

Dogs can wear thunder shirts for a few hours every day. However, they shouldn't wear them all day because their skin needs to breathe. Most thunder shirts for dogs are safe to leave on for extended periods, but it's usually best to take them off of them once the stressful event has ended. 

How long does it take for a thunder shirt to work?

Thunder shirts for dogs provide immediate relief as soon as they begin feeling the compression. However, some pet parents report that it takes two or three uses to see results.⁴ Every dog is different, and thunder shirts don't work for severe anxiety. If your dog continues to experience fear or stress, take them to the vet for diagnosis and treatment. 

Will a thunder shirt stop barking?

Since anxiety can cause excessive barking, thunder shirts may reduce or stop barking altogether, especially in dogs with separation anxiety. However, for thunder shirts to be effective, the barking must be an anxiety-related issue. Additionally, since thunder shirts only work for some dogs, they may be ineffective at stopping barking. 

Final Notes

Anecdotal evidence from pet parents has revealed that compression thunder vests might effectively treat anxiety in dogs. However, more evidence is needed to scientifically prove their efficacy. Meanwhile, thunder shirts are not ideal for every dog and won't help with severe anxiety. Since many different types of anxiety can affect dogs, you shouldn't treat your dog's fear without first consulting a vet. 

Talk to a Dutch vet today if your dog suffers from anxiety. Our vets can diagnose and treat anxiety in dogs in several ways. By providing advice for behavioral modification, discussing certain medications, and helping you improve your dog's life, Dutch can help you see an improvement in your dog's anxiety. Try our online vet care today.