Guest Scouts_mom Posted June 2, 2011 Share Posted June 2, 2011 My big boy Henry is terrified of fireworks. Last Fourth of July was his first with me and it was horrible--the poor boy spent a couple days shaking and trying to find a place to hide. I hesitate to ask the vet for medicine as he would need it to be on it for several days, as people don't wait until the Fourth to let off their fireworks. I've heard that thundershirts actually do help dogs with thunder and lightning storms. Do they help with fireworks? What is your experience? A shirt may be the solution I am looking for. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
greysmom Posted June 2, 2011 Share Posted June 2, 2011 If it's going to work it will probably work for fireworks as well. Thundershirts don't work for some and work like magic for others. You can ask the vet for either xanax/alprozolam or valium. Both are fast-acting (within an hour) and don't need several weeks to begin working. They also have a wide range of dosing so you can adjust what he needs a bit as you go. Poor Henry! Give him a snuggle for us! Dorie says "Hey!" too! Quote Chris - Mom to: Felicity (DeLand), and Andi (Braska Pandora) siggy by Chris Harper, on Flickr Angels: Libby (Everlast), Dorie (Dog Gone Holly), Dude (TNJ VooDoo), Copper (Kid's Copper), Cash (GSI Payncash), Toni (LPH Cry Baby), Whiskey (KT's Phys Ed), Atom, Lilly Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OwnedBySummer Posted June 2, 2011 Share Posted June 2, 2011 I got a Thundershirt for Summer for the May 24th long weekend up here. There was both thunder and fireworks. It only worked about 50% the first wearing but that increased the 2nd and subsequent times. Here she is, while it's both raining and thundering! Not 100% comfortable but still on the main floor with us (not upstairs hiding) and not shivering. I would recommend that you try one -- all the stores here offer at least 30 days full money-back guarantee so surely your Oregon pet store would also offer a similar guarantee. Quote Lisa B. My beautiful Summer - to her forever home May 1, 2010 Summer Certified therapy dog team with St. John Ambulance Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest ctgreylover Posted June 2, 2011 Share Posted June 2, 2011 You can try benadryl as well. I think it depends on getting the dog calm before the stress starts. Put the shirt on before you hear thunder. They can sense stuff WAY before we can. Give benadryl before the fireworks. If you can zone out the poor pup before the stress factor, maybe they will stay calm. just an idea. I had one terrified and one who doesnt care about a thing.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CaliforniaGreys Posted June 2, 2011 Share Posted June 2, 2011 When I moved here to the East coast, I experienced thunder phobia for the first time with Lenny, it's really bad. And Wayne has always been noise phobic. I have learned the big difference. Tried the coats for both and didn't work for either. It didn't make sense that it would work for noise phobia(fireworks) but hoped it would help for the thunder. But as already stated, works for some and not for others, but it's worth a try Quote Missing my little Misty who took a huge piece of my heart with her on 5/2/09, and Ekko, on 6/28/12 For the sick, the lost, and the homeless Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest 4greytful Posted June 2, 2011 Share Posted June 2, 2011 We use the thunder coat along with essential oils and they work great together for storms. The coat difuses the static in the air which is what the dogs feel. The coat does not work for fireworks, but the oils do help calm a little. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest RichardUK Posted June 2, 2011 Share Posted June 2, 2011 There is no static electricity with fireworks - The thunder coats are designed to disperse static electricity - so technically it won't work. Though a dog may get some comfort just by wearing it if it worked for the dog's thunder phobia. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest d0ggiem0mma Posted June 2, 2011 Share Posted June 2, 2011 RichardUK- You must be thinking of a different product. ThunderShirts don't do anything with static. They work by applying gentle pressure over a large area of the torso. This is widely used with vets, TTouch practitioners, and even folks that work with autistic children. They work VERY well for all sorts of anxiety!!! We use them with our grey for thunderstorms and will use them for fireworks. We use one with one of our whippets for separation anxiety too. A lot of vet offices are using them for fear in the vet office and shelters are using them for anxious dogs too. I think they help a LOT. It's not a 100% cure but it's a great tool to use with other tools like meds and homeopathics. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Duke Posted June 2, 2011 Share Posted June 2, 2011 We use the thunder coat along with essential oils and they work great together for storms. The coat difuses the static in the air which is what the dogs feel. The coat does not work for fireworks, but the oils do help calm a little. curious as to what oils you use, I have tried lavender with Duke just becuase I have it on hand for myself. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wonder Posted June 2, 2011 Share Posted June 2, 2011 I bought one for Lucky who freaks out from fireworks and gun shots. The problem is, I never know when either will happen. Quote Kari and the pups.Run free sweet Hana 9/21/08-9/12/10. Missing Sparks with every breath.Passion 10/16/02-5/25/17 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BatterseaBrindl Posted June 3, 2011 Share Posted June 3, 2011 RichardUK- You must be thinking of a different product. ThunderShirts don't do anything with static. They work by applying gentle pressure over a large area of the torso. This is widely used with vets, TTouch practitioners, and even folks that work with autistic children. They work VERY well for all sorts of anxiety!!! We use them with our grey for thunderstorms and will use them for fireworks. We use one with one of our whippets for separation anxiety too. A lot of vet offices are using them for fear in the vet office and shelters are using them for anxious dogs too. I think they help a LOT. It's not a 100% cure but it's a great tool to use with other tools like meds and homeopathics. This! We have a T-SHirt for our aged GSDx and it calms her down for any sort of loud noises. Quote Nancy...Mom to Sid (Peteles Tiger), Kibo (112 Carlota Galgos) and Joshi. Missing Casey, Gomer, Mona, Penelope, BillieJean, Bandit, Nixon (Starz Sammie), Ruby (Watch Me Dash) Nigel (Nigel), and especially little Mario, waiting at the Bridge. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest RichardUK Posted June 3, 2011 Share Posted June 3, 2011 RichardUK- You must be thinking of a different product. ThunderShirts don't do anything with static. They work by applying gentle pressure over a large area of the torso. This is widely used with vets, TTouch practitioners, and even folks that work with autistic children. Maybe so - Though I notice 4greytful has the same opinion Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Bang_o_rama Posted June 4, 2011 Share Posted June 4, 2011 TTouch has been completely disproved. By a nine year old. It's pseudoscientific claptrap. This does not constitute evidence that the shirts work. ~D~ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OwnedBySummer Posted June 5, 2011 Share Posted June 5, 2011 Had another thunderstorm here today. I knew it was coming but, stupid me, I didn't get the Thundershirt on ahead of time like I'm supposed to. So boom went the thunder and Summer immediately morphed into a shivering desperate pup. Then I put the shirt on and escorted her to my bed, which seems to be her ultimate safe place. Within 5 minutes, she was on her side and resting. Awake but calm. And the shivering had stopped. Without the shirt, she would have shivered and been miserable for the entire storm. Quote Lisa B. My beautiful Summer - to her forever home May 1, 2010 Summer Certified therapy dog team with St. John Ambulance Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
krissn333 Posted June 5, 2011 Share Posted June 5, 2011 There is scientific evidence that applying pressure to certain points on the body calms the central nervous system. People with autism and Asperger's syndrome often use this technique to help them calm down after being overstimulated. It also works for babies, if you wrap them up really tight. So, I'd say give the thundershirt a try, but, as noted, it works for some, but not all. Ace doesn't mind storms at all but does not like the sound of firecrackers or anything that mimics that sound - the first summer we lived here (5 years ago now), someone in the neighborhood aimed a bottle rocket at her while she was out in the yard So, now when it becomes fireworks season, I just make sure to keep the windows closed and the A/C on (we have window units, so they make more noise than a central AC unit). I will also leave the television on or turn on the radio when I'm gone during that time of year. That amount of noise usually helps to drown out any noises she might hear outside. She doesn't become totally freaked out by fireworks noises, but, she is visibly anxious about it, so I just try to alleviate that for her Quote Kristin in Moline, IL USA with Ozzie (MRL Crusin Clem), Clarice (Clarice McBones), Latte and Sage the IGs, and the kitties: Violet and Rose Lovingly Remembered: Sutra (Fliowa Sutra) 12/02/97-10/12/10, Pinky (Pick Me) 04/20/03-11/19/12, Fritz (Fritz Fire) 02/05/01 - 05/20/13, Ace (Fantastic Ace) 02/05/01 - 07/05/13, and Carrie (Takin the Crumbs) 05/08/99 - 09/04/13. A cure for cancer can't come soon enough.-- Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Bang_o_rama Posted June 5, 2011 Share Posted June 5, 2011 Odd thing about Bang is that T-storms never bothered her a bit until last summer's VERY intense and prolonged illegal fireworks season. Now she has problems with both. ~D~ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
greyhoundgang Posted June 12, 2011 Share Posted June 12, 2011 There are natural solutions out there for thunderphobia, fireworks and other things which will cause a hound to be anxious. I've used Azmira's Fear remedy very successfully. It's only $8.95, and proceeds help hounds. Additionally, there is one in Greyhound Gang's Auction, ending Monday, 9 pm, MT. Greyhound Gang's LEARN/MEDICAL section, where there are many other helpful articles, too, has information about a variety of other ways to help dogs during fireworks and thunder time. Good suggestions below: - close windows, go into basement, have lots of inside noise (AC, TV, Radio). I had a greyhound who liked the old ceramic tub during these times. - calming oils can help some hounds too. just dab on ear tips (where there is least amt of hair so it gets in blood stream) Quote Claudia & Greyhound Gang100% Helps Hounds GIG Bound! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IndyandHollyluv Posted June 13, 2011 Share Posted June 13, 2011 My big boy Henry is terrified of fireworks. Last Fourth of July was his first with me and it was horrible--the poor boy spent a couple days shaking and trying to find a place to hide. I hesitate to ask the vet for medicine as he would need it to be on it for several days, as people don't wait until the Fourth to let off their fireworks. I've heard that thundershirts actually do help dogs with thunder and lightning storms. Do they help with fireworks? What is your experience? A shirt may be the solution I am looking for. This is such a total bummer, isn't it? I went through the very same thing with the older boy I adopted last year. Oy. I now hate fireworks - and no one in my neighborhood needs a holiday to blow off a few rounds. While my boy is okay with storms (so far), any sudden loud banging or construction noise - anything that sounds like fireworks will send him into run and hide mode. The biggest problem for me is he is a pee-er in the house. It has taken me over one year to (almost) housebreak him. All it takes is ONE freakin' firecracker pop and he WILL NOT GO OUTSIDE TO POTTY, which means he will pee in the house given the opportunity. He has come such a long way and now we're heading into the season of full throttle fireworks. I am SO dreading this. I will try some of the suggestions posted. I think what my pupper really needs is serious ear plugs. It definitely a loud noise issue. Is there such a thing as ear (noise) protection for dogs?? Good luck with Henry. I will say with my (angel) Indy, who was also extremely terrified of fireworks, on the actual holiday I crated him and covered the crate with a lightweight blanket or beach towels. One year Indy ran around looking for a place to hide and ended up hiding in the shower stall for three hours. After that I realized it would be much safer for him to be crated - and I believe it reduced his overall anxiety level. Sigh. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Duke Posted June 13, 2011 Share Posted June 13, 2011 Duke goes in the tub during thunderstorms, I let him be, if that is where he feels more safe then so be it. Not sure the shirt helped him but it was worth a try. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Timo Posted June 13, 2011 Share Posted June 13, 2011 Wow, I've never heard of a thundershirt. Timo isn't really scared of thunder, but he does get anxiety when we travel. Would anyone happen to know the right size for a 70lb greyhound boy? I looked them up on amazon, and they carry them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Duke Posted June 13, 2011 Share Posted June 13, 2011 Wow, I've never heard of a thundershirt. Timo isn't really scared of thunder, but he does get anxiety when we travel. Would anyone happen to know the right size for a 70lb greyhound boy? I looked them up on amazon, and they carry them. I ordered an XL for Duke, and he is a little over 70lbs. You can also go to thundershirts.com, they have a sizing chart there too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Timo Posted June 14, 2011 Share Posted June 14, 2011 Thanks! I found the thundershirt website. I measured timo, and he has a 29.5 in chest. So, I ordered a large. I hope it's a good fit. We're taking him in a little weekend getaway for July 4, so that will be a good test... travel and fireworks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest katethegreyt Posted June 15, 2011 Share Posted June 15, 2011 (edited) I'm considering getting one for our girl as well. She's great about everything except thunderstorms, then she turns into a shakey panty mess and makes me feel so bad for her. She's about a 30.5" chest, 26" length and 72 lbs. It looks like she's either a large or an XL according to the sizing chart. Any thoughts? I know sometimes the greyhound shapes creates sizing issues. They look pretty adjustable though. Edited June 15, 2011 by katethegreyt Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Tequila Posted June 15, 2011 Share Posted June 15, 2011 (edited) I was going to ask about sizing suggestions, too. My girl only weighs 56 pounds. I haven't measured her chest yet, but I was wondering about the difference with greyhound chests vs most other dogs chests. Will it affect the "fit" and effectiveness of the shirt? I know it must fit snugly in order to work.... Edited June 15, 2011 by Tequila Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lflaherty45 Posted June 15, 2011 Share Posted June 15, 2011 When we adopted Kidd no one knew about his storm phobia, the family who returned him forgot to mention it. Understandable since she had to return a much loved grey. We learned when the first storm went thru our area and found him hiding in the basement. Ordered the Thunder Shirt, put it on him but it helped very little. Next storm it did not help at all and had to resort to low dosage med to keep him comfortable. The T-Shirt may have helped if it had been started when he was younger but being 9 1/2 and habits and fears already set in, it doesn't help at all. So light meds and sitting on the floor with him is the only thing that gets him thru the storms, we are dreading the fireworks our neighbors set off every year. May have to take a long ride that evening! Good luck to you and hope it works for your grey. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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