ThunderShirt for Dogs Instructions

ThunderShirt for Dogs

Product Information

Specifications

• Product Name: ThunderShirt
• Function: Provides gentle, constant pressure to help calm pets dealing with anxiety
• Usage: Intended for pets experiencing stress or anxiety-inducing situations

Product Usage Instructions

Tips for Introducing the ThunderShirt to Your Pet:

1. Build Positive Associations: Introduce the ThunderShirt to your pet in a positive manner to associate it with love and comfort.
2. Place in Areas of Comfort: Keep the ThunderShirt in places where your pet already feels calm to create a relaxation association.
3. Practice Putting On: Practice putting on the ThunderShirt in a non-stressful environment to familiarize your pet with it.
4. Help Them Get Moving: Encourage movement while wearing the ThunderShirt to help pets adjust to the gentle pressure.
5. Using During Stressful Situations: Utilize the ThunderShirt during anxiety-inducing events to help calm your pet.

Expert Tip: If unsure about fitting, send a photo to service@thundershirt.com for assistance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How tight should the ThunderShirt be?

A: The ThunderShirt should be snug but not too tight, allowing your pet to move comfortably. Refer to the fitting guide for proper sizing.

Q: Can the ThunderShirt be left on my pet all day?

A: It is recommended to use the ThunderShirt as needed during stressful situations. Consult with a veterinarian for prolonged use.

Q: How do I clean the ThunderShirt?

A: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning the ThunderShirt, which is machine washable on a gentle cycle.

Introducing the ThunderShirt

Tips for Introducing the ThunderShirt to Your Pet

• If you’re a pet parent whose furbaby deals with anxiety on the regular, ThunderShirt may help. ThunderShirt’s gentle, constant pressure hugs your pet’s chest, like swaddling a baby.
• For many pets, the ThunderShirt doesn’t require any extra preparation…just put it on and watch the results.
• However, to make the introduction as smooth as possible, we’ve put together these helpful tips so they will be comfortable with the ThunderShirt when you are ready to use it in a stressful situation.

Build Positive Associations

• We recommend building positive associations with the ThunderShirt so they know it means to love and snuggle whenever they see it. This helps to keep your dog from associating the ThunderShirt with a scary event like thunderstorms or fireworks.
• Put ThunderShirt in your laundry basket for a day or two so it absorbs your scent, and smells familiar to your pet. They’ll immediately feel more comfortable with the ThunderShirt since it reminds them of you.
• Associate the ThunderShirt with treats. When you first show the ThunderShirt to your pet, use it like a “plate” to give her some of her favorite treats. Pets are more likely to love anything that brings them food!
• Repeat if your pet is still hesitant. If your pet is especially sensitive or anxious, you might repeat this introduction a few times on consecutive days before you even try putting the ThunderShirt on your pet.

ThunderShirt in Areas of Comfort

Place the ThunderShirt in Areas of Comfort

• To build an association with relaxation, place the ThunderShirt in areas where they already normally feel calm and relaxed.
• Put the ThunderShirt in their bed or crate each night before bedtime or naptime.
• Bring the ThunderShirt with you to snuggle time on the couch and provide lots of extra belly scratches. Maybe open and close the hook-and-loop fasteners so they can hear the sound.

Practice Putting the ThunderShirt

Practice Putting the ThunderShirt on in a Non-Stressful Situation

• Putting a ThunderShirt on is simple and quick to do, but it always helps to practice a few times in a comfortable, familiar setting when your pet is calm.
• This also gives your pet a chance to get used to ThunderShirt’s gentle pressure in a safe-feeling environment rather than during a stressful event.
• If possible, put the ThunderShirt on your pet when they are feeling calm. If your pet’s anxiety trigger is thunder, utilize bright sunny days to try the ThunderShirt on before storms roll in.
• If a storm happens to roll in on the first day, don’t hesitate to go ahead and try the ThunderShirt on.
• Bring back the treats once your pet is wearing the ThunderShirt to continue building positive associations with the ThunderShirt. Who doesn’t love an outfit with snacks?
• Expert tip: Not sure if you’ve got it on right? Send a photo to service@thundershirt.com for help with the fit.

Help Them Get Moving

• For some pets, the gentle hug from the ThunderShirt might be a new sensation. Some may look like they’re “frozen” or a little stuck at first (especially cats). That’s completely normal and safe.

To get your pet moving while wearing the ThunderShirt:

• Play with their favorite toys – a laser pointer, tug-of-war, tossing a ball, or anything else your cat or dog enjoys doing
• Entice them with treats from a safe distance away so they need to move to you to get the treat
• Go for a walk while your pet is wearing the ThunderShirt so they can get used to moving around in it

Using Your ThunderShirt During Stressful Situations

• If possible, put the ThunderShirt on before the stressful event. If you know storms are on their way, put the ThunderShirt on before the thunder booms. If your pet is afraid of the vet, put the ThunderShirt on before you hop in the car.
• Comfort your pet with calming words and snuggles if they’re still nervous.

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