Gracie and I have tried the Thunder Shirt in the past. A trainer recommended it to us as a way to ease Gracie’s anxiety when riding in the car. Unfortunately, we did not see much success with it.
I took another look at it recently. I bought a larger size because I think the first one was too small. If it is not hitting in the right places, how can it work properly?
My initial approach of soaking the Thunder Shirt in DAP and slapping it on Gracie might not have been correct. According to the company who makes the shirt, slow and steady is the way to go.
I allowed Gracie to give the shirt a good sniff when I introduced her to it. I draped it over her but did not attach it. The next night, I put it in the bed with us so that it could get our scent. Yes, Rescue Daddy shook his head at that one too. Hey, I am desperate!
Over the next few days, I placed the shirt on Gracie for a few minutes here and there. I even presented her with a treat on it, as the website recommended.
When we had a little outing last weekend, I gave the Thunder Shirt a proper test. I placed the shirt on her. She shook for a bit because she knew we were going for a ride. Then, I went about my business, not grabbing the keys or doing any other “let’s go” things. She calmed and bounced around on the bed for awhile. Unfortunately, when I did grab my keys, she began shaking again.
I would love to say the Thunder Shirt did the trick after we got in the car. There is no magic cure for Gracie’s anxiety, though. As the day progressed, I noticed that the car anxiety was still there. However, she seemed to listen more than she normally does. She even lifted her head, looked around, and kept her ears up as we rode in the car. This may not sound like massive progress to you. It is for Gracie.
Was it the Thunder Shirt? Was it more exposure to car rides or the homeopathic remedy I gave her? I am not sure. I will test it more and let you know. The jury is still out.
Rescue Mommy
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