With regular wear, will my dog's anxiety issues lessen or go away, or will she get used to it and become immune to the shirt's purpose?
931564
I'm sure every dog will be different. In our case, we only put it on her when there is a stressful situation, such as a thunderstorm. After only a couple times, she associated the shirt with comfort & became much calmer. After a few times, she didn't even seem to need the shirt, but that didn't last too long. Now we just put it on her when the noise starts, & take it off whenever the stressor is finished.
931565
no, my doggie has used it for quite a while (as have my friend's dog) and the results are always good, the do not get immune; and actually the results seem better as time goes by. I think that is because we have learned to put the shirts on them at the VERY FIRST hint of a storm, and doing that early, really helps. The problem is if you wait too long to put the shirt on, if the storm is full blown, then even with the shirt, the dogs have a hard time calming down.
2069823
Thanks so much for responding. My daughter has five (5) !! dachshunds - but only one needs a "Hug" shirt because he is crippled and is extremely worrisome. I know this will help because I have one for my Golden Retriever and it works!! Thanks again.
1352584
Probably not - here are the specifics on the product: For dogs 65 to 85 pounds with 29 to 37 inch chest- The drug-free way to soothe dog anxiety- Activates pressure points- Four-way lightweight, breathable, stretch fabric provides just the right amount of pressure- Like humans, pets have pressure points that, when activated, help calm even the most anxious dogs- Calms and soothes crate, noise and separation anxiety, general nervousness, constant barking and travel anxiety and sickness- Adjustable custom fit- Acts as a cooling garment when wet- L x W x H: 5-5 x 3-25 x 9-25
1688018
I bought this collar for my 55 lb. 1 1/2 year old pit bull and there is plenty of "extra" room. So my guess is that it will fit. FYI - I bought this hoping that it would help to keep her calm when the doorbell rang or someone knocked at the door. Unfortunately it didn't seem to have any affect. It made her "sleepy" for the first day but then she was back to her "normal" self. I've kept in on her hoping it would eventually help but I truly have not noticed a difference. Having said that - many others have had really good results so I guess it depends on the dog. I bought this collar for my 55 lb. 1 1/2 year old pit bull and there is plenty of "extra" room. So my guess is that it will fit. FYI - I bought this hoping that it would help to keep her calm when the doorbell rang or someone knocked at the door. Unfortunately it didn't seem to have any affect. It made her "sleepy" for the first day but then she was back to her "normal" self. I've kept in on her hoping it would eventually help but I truly have not noticed a difference. Having said that - many others have had really good results so I guess it depends on the dog.
266162
yes, it seems to help her a little bit. She seems to be used to it and when she is really sore she always lift me her leg like to me like she want it on. I have a black lab and bought the largest size and it could be a little bigger. Also You really have to make sure you put it on snug or it will slip down.Hope this helps.
683796
It might, but I'd ask your vet first. There could be other issues going on. If it's behavioral rather than a medical problem, I think the collar is worth a try.
173475
I don't know if it helps, but my pug wears a medium with no problems. It doesn't stop him from pulling, but it does solve the pug-problem of keeping a collar on when you have no neck.
954599
Nooooooo! My dog hates hot weather as it is. I even tried soaking it in cold water and it caused her more stress. Sorry.
1237355
I currently am using it for a puppy mill rescue that has no physical issues but cannot be touched due to anxiety. After two days of her wearing it I already see a SLIGHT improvement when I approach her and also she seems to be more relaxed when resting. She usually sleeps curled up in a tight little ball and with the collar on she stretches out. When I approach her to pet her she usually looks at me like an axe murderer and pulls back, but with the collar on she just stays still and lets me pet her. So minor improvement in her anxiety level. I have had her for a year and this is the first improvement I have seen. I plan to replace it every month for at least 6 months. I currently am using it for a puppy mill rescue that has no physical issues but cannot be touched due to anxiety. After two days of her wearing it I already see a SLIGHT improvement when I approach her and also she seems to be more relaxed when resting. She usually sleeps curled up in a tight little ball and with the collar on she stretches out. When I approach her to pet her she usually looks at me like an axe murderer and pulls back, but with the collar on she just stays still and lets me pet her. So minor improvement in her anxiety level. I have had her for a year and this is the first... » Read More I currently am using it for a puppy mill rescue that has no physical issues but cannot be touched due to anxiety. After two days of her wearing it I already see a SLIGHT improvement when I approach her and also she seems to be more relaxed when resting. She usually sleeps curled up in a tight little ball and with the collar on she stretches out. When I approach her to pet her she usually looks at me like an axe murderer and pulls back, but with the collar on she just stays still and lets me pet her. So minor improvement in her anxiety level. I have had her for a year and this is the first improvement I have seen. I plan to replace it every month for at least 6 months. « Show Less
168169
There is considerable wiggle room with the thunder shirt. I would measure it snug but not restrictive. Once you get the shirt it is strechy so you can experiment with how snug to make it. It should be like a hug for your dog. Our Westie love hers especially during Florida thunder storms. It is a very good product.
228808
Have you talked with your vet? It could be skin irritation, anxiety, or something else. The thunder shirt is to calm them down. I use mine for car rides and cutting their nails. I don't know how well it would work with the above possibilities. If it's anxiety they have Prozac for cats. I use it on two of my nervous Nelly's. One's the destroyer, the other is the pee pee brat.
1478168
no it wont... i have a jack russel/pug mix and hes only 13lbs and i had to get a medium for him. it works great and i love them for my dogs.. especially when we are away for a little while i dont have to worry about them marking in the house... after a while they learn to not do it at all and then you mite not have to use it on your dog. i have to every now and then remind them if they do mark in the house that they will have to wear it... mine tend to not like to wear it so after a day or 2 of having to wear it again they stop marking... just a little reminder to them as to what happens if you do mark in the house what happens.. (have to wear the diaper)....
254154
I can say that I believe in the concept of this jacket because of how it's made. Having said that, it did not work for my dog because of the type of anxiety he was experiencing. In other words, his anxiety was too severe for this to have helped.
389939
It "may" if the excited is strictly an anxiety issue. Most of the time that is a behavior issue that needs specific training methods to improve (yes, I am a dog trainer). I do prefer the ThunderShirt style over this AKC brand style (I have tried both of them). It wraps different and is a little sturdier of a material, imo.
361784
It might. The idea of the wrap is to relieve anxiety, and the test results are pretty impressive. It helps our dog who gets frightened by gunshots and thunder. Even though the source of the anxiety is different, the goal is the same. I'd give it a try.
1707307
You know, I haven't thought to try it on my dog. She's fine with storms, but I can't bring her in the car to drop my son off to school or a friend's house. She freaks out and acts like I'm the worst mom in the world and I'm abandoning him in some strange place. Thanks for the idea. If it works for her anxiety, it should work for storm anxiety.
1351064
My dog took some getting used to it. Maybe try putting it on for short periods of time and rewarding with treats before trying to go out with it.