Talk to me about Thundershirts

I have two dogs- a collie/retriever mix who is about 6 and a pit bull/boxer mix who is about 5. We recently moved into a new apartment and our pit mix is having a little trouble. We lived in a 2-family house before, but our apartment was much larger and the other tenants were two very quiet elderly women. They very seldom left the house and about 75% of the time, you wouldn't even know they were there. Our new apartment is also in a 2-family house, but the apartment is much smaller. The other apartment is occupied by a family- 2 adults, a teenager, and 2 dogs. There's a lot more noise, people are constantly in and out of the front door, which is right down the hall from our apartment door. Ever since moving in a week ago, our pit mix has been distressed at every little noise. Any door opening, a cough, something falling upstairs, she works herself into a lather and shakes and whines uncontrollably. The worst was when they were vacuuming and moving furniture upstairs- she wedged herself in a small space between the bed and the wall and shook and cried until the noise stopped. At first I tried to comfort her, but then I googled and saw that was exactly what I shouldn't be doing. So I tried to ignore it, go about my day as if there was no noise, but it's heart breaking seeing her like this. She also has a bit of separation anxiety. She is crated during the day while my DH and I are at work, about 6 hours. She always has been and always has been fine. She goes right into her crate, settles down with a toy, and she's good for the day. Now she goes into the crate reluctantly and whines. I've stood out front trying to listen for how long it goes on- not TOO long, but long enough that the other tenants might get annoyed- plus I don't know how upset she's getting at any noises throughout the day. So far no complaints of barking, but I don't really know. The other tenants are a little... strange and stand-offish, to say the least. So, I ordered her a thundershirt. I haven't gotten it yet, just ordered it Sunday when they were vacuuming and she was breaking down, but I know next to nothing about it except that it supposedly works well for many different types of anxiety. I just want to know how to use it properly. Do I put it on her randomly? Or when I *think* there's going to be a loud noise. It's not like thunder or fireworks where I can predict it, so will it still be effective even if I put it on her after the noise begins? Should I keep the shirt on her during the day while we're at work? Any and all advice is welcome! TIA!

PS: Some of you may remember I was concerned about the two dogs fighting in the new apartment- not even close! They were delighted! They weren't together the night before so it was a happy reunion in a neutral place. It couldn't have gone any better. Aside from the anxiety, they have been ANGELS! Phew!

Talk to me about Thundershirts

My chihuahua is always less distressed when he is wearing his clothing. Its not just thundershirts, all snug fitting clothes seem to have a calming effect on him, especially when the weather is bad and super windy. Personally I would put it on and leave it on all the time while she is adjusting and just take it off to wash it or if it is too hot to wear. I don't use thundershirts so I haven't read the directions. We have only put him in his regular clothes, but he is much better when he has his hoodies on. I leave his clothes on for days at a time. I would start by leaving it on while you are around just to make sure she doesn't try to take it off. Like say over a weekend etc. Or you can try getting a snug fitting doggie t-shirt and see how she does with that since it's one plain piece of fabric and doesn't have any straps to chew off etc.

You can also look into calming supplements called Composure. My trainer suggested I try that and calming pheramone plug in diffusers for my chihuahuas anxieties. Your vet can also give you anti anxiety medication to use if it comes to that.

Message edited 3/26/2013 5:26:12 PM.

Re: Talk to me about Thundershirts

Thank you! Yeah, my dog isn't very good with clothing in general so I'll definitely have to monitor her the first few times. I don't think it'll come down to the medication as she seems to be getting used to the new place and the new sounds already. She still jumps up and whimpers a little, but no serious shaking or hiding. Then again, there hasn't been many LOUD noises. Landlord is planning on doing work this weekend so I guess that will be the test! Wish me luck! And thanks again for your response!

Talk to me about Thundershirts

Good luck!!

Re: Talk to me about Thundershirts

Thundershirt cured Ozzie of his separation anxiety.

Also, when we moved it took him a couple weeks to settle in and get used to the new sounds. He was barking A LOT and I explained to the neighbors that he would calm down, and he did. They have very sensitive ears so new sounds can be overwhelming. I think the thundershirt should help but also time will!

Re: Talk to me about Thundershirts