Thundershirt

[Bethers]

The humane society I used to be associated with has found these shirts to work on many dogs that are anxious or fearful. They recommended them to folks to put on their dogs before the fireworks. I'm guessing you could find them other places possibly at a lower price - but if you have a dog that you think could benefit:

http://wihumane.org/shop/item.aspx?id=15604389

[AlmostThere]

I will ask my vet about these. My problem is noise from fireworks so not sure this would work. I tried holding Choco tight with and without his blanket and he wiggled away. Mostly he wanted to crawl somewhere closed in and hide behind some stuff under my bed ended up being his place of choice.
Thanks, Beth.

[dpf]

This must stem from the weighted products that are made for autistic people. We make the blankets in one of my shops.

[Redetotry]

There was a letter in the July issue of Whole Dog Journal from a woman recommending the Thundershirt who said it worked great for her dog. Another article on new recommendations from research at Tufts University Veterinary School for fear based problems suggested the drug clonidine as it is non-addictive and is fast acting so good for dogs with storm and other noise phobias. It is also good for fear-based behavior like separation anxiety.

[JoanE]

A local pet supplies store had these or something similar and said it works - no complaints or returns for the ones they have sold.

[Rufflesgurl]

We don't have many thunder storms here in CA but the fireworks on the fourth are so scarey for Rags. He wants me to hold him or just curls up and hides if I'm not holding him. He's a fearful dog anyway. It's good to know about this shirt product.

Linda

[Bethers]

I would have purchased one of these in a heartbeat to try on Tips. He so hated storms and fireworks, etc. I'm considering getting one to try with Peaches when we're in thunderstorms. She comes and curls up tight during those. Maybe it would help calm her. So far, like some of you, I've only heard good things about them. Even if it just is like us with snuggle blankets - and only somewhat eases the fear, it would be a very good thing.

I found this product description which explains it's really for noise anxiety, as well as other anxieties (Liz, see the problem barking part):

Dog anxiety is a surprisingly common problem and includes issues like fear of thunder, fireworks, separation, travel, crating, problem barking and much more. Millions of dogs in the United States suffer from anxiety severe enough that their owners are seeking help. Thundershirt Company has now helped many thousands of dogs around the world. And Thundershirts are being rapidly embraced by professionals; thousands of veterinarians and dog trainers are now recommending Thundershirts for their anxiety cases. Dog anxiety often brings the dog/human relationship to the breaking point, and far too many of these dogs end up abandoned or in shelters. Our mission is to help relieve the suffering of millions of dogs and to help strengthen the dog/human bond. As part of that mission, we are assisting shelters and rescue groups across the country through financial support and donations of Thundershirts. Thundershirt’s gentle, constant pressure has a dramatic calming effect for most dogs if they are anxious, fearful or over-excited. Based on surveys completed by over two thousand customers, over 80% of dogs show significant improvement in symptoms when using Thundershirt. Thundershirt is already helping tens of thousands of dogs around the world, and is recommended by thousands of veterinarians and dog trainers. Thundershirt is an excellent treatment for most types of dog anxiety and fear issues.

[Mollysmom]

Molly has a Thundershirt and I'm pleased with it ... she actually gets excited when I get it out. She's afraid of thunder and of fireworks and just about any loud noises so we've used it allot this year. I've also used a "calming collar" on Molly - it's some sort of pheromone thing and seems to work well to calm her - the two of them together are great. I purchased the calming collar at Petco. I think the trick to either product is to put it on before the noise starts - if i do it after it starts they both help, just not quite as much.