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Mama_of_3_Kids posted 7/3/2013 22:37 PM

I know there have been posts about them before, but I've never really read one b/c my dogs have always been brave little Shih Tzu's...until now Three of the four HATE fireworks; this is the first year we've had an idiot neighbor shooting them off at all hours of the day and night (he's not so much an idiot b/c of the fireworks...it's more that he's doing it until 1130 at night AND that he is shooting them toward a GAS STATION ). One of our fur beasts won't go outside to potty, unless we carry her. Her and one of our other fufu's tried getting out of the gate two days ago b/c they were so scared One of the others is also scared (not so much that she won't go potty, but she doesn't like leaving the safety of her kennel, except to go potty). My male hound is just dumb (and maybe going deaf???) b/c they don't seem to bother him at all Anywho, I am seriously considering investing in thundervests for the the girls (or at least the two that are the most scared). My question is, do they really work?

ETA: I really *do* love my Diesel dog, but he does dumb things like running into your legs when you're standing in one spot. He's not the smartest Shih Tzu in the world

[This message edited by Mama_of_3_Kids at 10:39 PM, July 3rd (Wednesday)]

Mommato4 posted 7/3/2013 23:25 PM

They just had a review this evening on my news channel. They worked a bit on the 2 high strung dogs they used that were at a doggie daycare. They were still active, but a bit more calm than before. The daycare swore by them that it helped most of their dogs relax.

The one thing they said about them was it might take some time for them to work. If you put it on them when something is happening at the time, ie: fireworks, they can associate the vests with the noise and it not work at all. Try putting them on when (if) it's quiet around along with a treat and good affirmation.

I need them for my 2 dogs as well. My chihuahua is about ready to freak. My lab is just a goof and he's scared of most everything.

[This message edited by Mommato4 at 11:26 PM, July 3rd (Wednesday)]

purplejacket4 posted 7/3/2013 23:28 PM

I hear ya. My female lab WILL NOT go outside. I'm worried she'll get a bladder infection.

I'm drugging mine tomorrow. Yeah Ativan!

Mama_of_3_Kids posted 7/3/2013 23:29 PM

(((puppies)))

Thank you! With them being $40 a pop, I just don't want to get them and have them not work.

PJ, I wish I could do that for mine, but all I have is Benadryl and that doesn't chill them out at all.

[This message edited by Mama_of_3_Kids at 11:30 PM, July 3rd (Wednesday)]

Threnody posted 7/4/2013 09:24 AM

Rescue Remedy works very well. Most pet stores carry it, and some health food stores as well.

As for the vest, you almost have to put the vest on them the morning *of* whatever scary thing is going to be happening. They're very effective, but you need the quiet so there aren't negative associations.

There are patterns for thundershirts online, if you're a sewer. It's probably too late to do them for today, but it might be good for you later. I think they're made out of a double-knit, stretchy cotton. A Google search should give you what you need.

Mama_of_3_Kids posted 7/4/2013 09:36 AM

Okay, thanks! I will look into the Rescue Remedy. Benadryl has little to no affect on them, so I need something that will work.

lost_in_toronto posted 7/4/2013 13:29 PM

We have a Thundershirt for our crazy border collie/lab cross. She is okay with thunder and fireworks, but can be a spazz around people and her Thundershirt works amazing for her.

When I bought mine three years ago it had a money back guarantee attached so I felt safe giving it a try. We were thinking about putting her on antianxiety meds so this was a great solution for us.

purplejacket4 posted 7/4/2013 13:50 PM

You can always ask your vet for a sedative. Usually they give you a benzo or a haldol like medicine.