Why You Should Sit, Stay on ThunderShirt

Who knew dogs had it so ruff? Apparently, some 23 million of them in the U.S. are afflicted with anxiety.

That’s according to a survey sponsored by the same folks (conveniently) behind a garment that purportedly helps to alleviate Fido’s fears of storms, separation, and travel.

By applying a gentle, constant pressure around the torso, the ThunderShirt claims to provide “a dramatic calming effect” for more than 80 percent of dogs that use it.

But consumers may be barking up the wrong tree with this product. So don’t be so quick to roll over, so to speak.

For starters, despite the “scientific studies” label, ThunderShirt actually paid for the “study” (which is actually a  survey of its own customers) that cites the epidemic of anxious dogs and argues how the ThunderShirt product has engendered widespread canine catharsis.

It’s interesting to note, however, that an “environmental management” solution defined in the survey as making an attempt to avoid the sights, sounds and situations that spark your dog’s anxiety, fared almost as well as the ThunderShirt in calming a dog down during anxious times. And going that route, presumably, doesn’t cost a cent; the ThunderShirt, on the other hand, goes for $40 a pop.

Another reason you may want to sit, stay on this product lies in its initial fitting and conditioning instructions, which state that it may take three or four tries before your perturbed pup understands that this vibrating shirt is supposed to calm him down when it’s loud outside.

And then there’s this Pavlovian bit: “To further strengthen positive associations with Thunder[S]hirt, provide a treat to your dog each time right after you put it on.” Now, what dog wouldn’t cheer up after getting a treat?

For more on our coverage on pets and pet products, click here.