Thundershirt Review: Does It Really Calm Anxious Canines?

Combatting canine anxiety can certainly be challenging, but one of the simplest solutions is to slip your pup into a Thundershirt. This all-natural, drug-free fix helps your four-footer feel secure. 

We’ll explain what a Thundershirt is, how it works, and how to decide if it’s a good option for your dog below.

What Is a Thundershirt?

A Thundershirt is a tight-fitting top designed to help dogs displaying signs of stress and anxiety to feel more secure.

The term “Thundershirt” comes from the brand name, though it has become synonymous with the garment itself and is often used a general term for any tight-fitting body wrap for canines (this is called an eponym – it’s like how the term “Q-Tip” is used for nearly any small cotton swap). 

But today, we’re limiting our analysis to the Classic Thundershirt product to give you an honest take so you can make the best choice for your pup. 

Styles: Are There Different Kinds of Thundershirt?

The Thundershirt comes in several styles, including Classic, Sport, and Polo. Differences between the types vary from the overall color to material choice. 

For most dogs, the Classic Thundershirt will do just fine around the house. If you’re looking for something for your pup to wear on the go, the Sport version may be a better pick.

Materials: What Is the Thundershirt Made Of?

All Thundershirts are lightweight and made from breathable fabric, though there’s a material difference between the sport style and the others in the Thundershirt lineup. 

For example, the classic and polo Thundershirts are made with a mix of polyester, spandex, and rayon for a snug yet comfortable fit. By contrast, the sport style is made out of 100-percent polyester. 

Sizes: What Sizes Does the Thundershirt Come in?

All Thundershirts are available in seven sizes, ranging from XX-Small (for dogs weighing less than 7 pounds) to XX-Large (for four-footers weighing more than 110 pounds). 

Always measure your dog per the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure a proper fit.

The company has special fitting notes about male dogs, indicating that the belly straps should never cover or compress a pup’s manly bits and pieces.  

Color Options: Can You Get the Thundershirt in Different Colors?

Yes! At least, if you opt for the Sport or Polo versions.

The Classic Thundershirt is only made in Heather Gray, while the Sport Thundershirt is available in Fuschia and Platinum colors. The Polo Thundershirt comes in four looks, including Blue, Pink, Camo, and Red.

Fasteners: How Does the Thundershirt Fit on Your Dog?

The best thing about the Thundershirt is how easy it is to slip on and off. 

You don’t need to struggle with fitting your dog’s head or shoulders into holes (a win for those of us with block-headed bully breeds).

Instead, you wrap the garment around your dog’s body, securing it in place with a series of Velcro panels. There aren’t any buckles to snag or tempt roaming teefers, either.

Care Information: Is the Thundershirt Machine Washable?

Yes — all styles of Thundershirt are machine washable.

Just pop the garment into your washer on a regular cycle in the cold water setting, let the machine do its thing, and then hang up the garment to dry. 

It doesn’t get much simpler than that.

How Does the Thundershirt Alleviate Anxiety?

The Thundershirt provides a safe, compressive touch that makes many dogs feel more secure.  

By applying gentle, constant pressure around your dog’s midsection, it soothes the anxiety of many dogs, similar to the way swaddling a baby or sleeping with a weighted blanket helps nervous humans. 

However, it’s worth noting that, in infants, swaddling is thought to work in part because it helps simulate your touch. It’s unclear if the Thundershirt performs the same function for four-footers, or whether this would be beneficial, but it’s likely that your doggo will feel some calming effect from contact with his person.

Does the Thundershirt Actually Work?

In many cases, yes. The Thundershirt absolutely helps to reduce anxiety for some dogs. 

The company boasts an 80% success rate, and many reviews agree, seemingly backing up this figure. In the majority of cases, anxious dogs see some degree of calming and a reduction in things like excessive barking, but it isn’t a total fix for every dog or situation, which we’ll dive more into below.

From personal experience, these performed very well at a kennel I worked at.

Storm dogs especially seemed to settle once fitted with a Thundershirt. Several canine guests wore these to alleviate general anxiety during their stay, as kennels can be incredibly stressful to any pup.

K9 of Mine Staff Experiences

Hey there, pet parents! Ben here.

My fiancée and I tried out the Thundershirt with our sweet Pyr gal over the holiday season.

She is extremely frightened by fireworks and thunderstorms – I’m talking a 9 out of 10 on the fear scale.

She drools, pees, pants, paces, whines, cries, and basically tears apart whatever room she’s in starting the very moment she hears the first boom.

Both fireworks and thunderstorms were in ample supply at the end of December and beginning of January, so we had the chance to put the Thundershirt through its paces.

She didn’t seem minding the vest at all, as you can see.

And it may have actually helped her feel a little more secure during normal daily stuff. She and our Rottie do not get along at all, and they must be kept separated (it’s mostly the Rottie’s fault – but that’s a whole other thing).

But as you can see, she’s snoozing without a care in the world right by her “sister,” so it may have benefited her some.

That said, the Thundershirt did not seem to help ease her anxiety during fireworks or thunderstorms at all.

But that doesn’t mean it won’t work for your pooch.

Literally thousands of pet parents swear by it, and I imagine that it’s probably more likely to help those at the mild or moderate portion of the anxiety spectrum than it will dogs with severe fear.

Pros & Cons of the Thundershirt: A Pretty Awesome Product, But Nothing Is Perfect for All Situations 

As with any product, the Thundershirt has its ups and downs. These vary from minor things that may be no big deal to potential deal-breakers. We’ve wrangled them up into one place for you.

The Benefits of the Thundershirt 

The Thundershirt is undeniably a hit with many pup parents, with the top marks being:

• Drug-free relief: Not every dog needs medication, and having a chemical-free solution like the constant pressure the Thundershirt provides is a major win with many fur families.
• Machine washable: It’s hard to beat the ease of tossing the garment in the wash for cleaning. This is especially handy if your pup is mess-prone, like puppies or seniors.
• Convenience: Rather than waiting for calming medications or supplements to kick in, the garment provides near-instant relief in many cases. This is a huge bonus during those unexpected pop-up summer storms or when dealing with a neighbor’s fireworks. 
• Ease of wear: Putting on a Thundershirt is a breeze compared to over-the-head garments, which are tricky to navigate with a wiggly, stressed dog. The shirt is especially handy for older dogs who may find leg lifting or manipulation uncomfortable.
• Effectiveness: The company reports calming in more than 80 percent of cases, which is good news for those of us with worried woofers at home.
• Suitable for extended periods: Medications and management solutions aren’t always appropriate or realistic over the long term, but you could conceivably rely on a Thundershirt for your pet’s entire life.

The Drawbacks of the Thundershirt

While Thundershirts work well for many dogs, there are some definite downsides you should consider, including:

• Tricky fitting: Owners report these run small. For dogs with thicker chests like bulldogs or pitties, err on the large side when selecting a size and always refer to the product’s sizing chart to nab the perfect fit.
• Durability: Some owners found that the Thundershirt didn’t stand up to repeat washing and frequent use over time. Day-to-day wear and maintenance are certainly at play here, with other pup parents reporting zero qualms in this area.
• Not enough for severe anxiety: For dogs with severe cases of anxiety, a Thundershirt alone may not be enough to offer complete relief. In these cases, a Thundershirt may need to be combined with additional strategies.

What works for one dog may not work for another, so it’s important to assess your dog’s fear triggers and overall demeanor to ensure you get a product that works for him. 

Will the Thundershirt Help My Dog?

While there’s no clear-cut yes or no answer until you try it, the Thundershirt anxiety wrap is a great option for many pet owners and their dogs, including: 

• Those with noise phobias: Fireworks, thunder, rain, and wind are common triggers in dogs that can be soothed with compression.
• Those who hate car rides: If traveling to and from the vet (or in general) is hard for your pooch, the Thundershirt might just be the comforting touch he needs to deal with these stressful situations.
• Excessively excitable dogs: Four-footers that bounce off the walls over the slightest things can be calmed using compression therapy.
• Dogs with separation anxiety: These doggos may bark excessively or pace when left alone, but compression can give them the relief they need.
• Cases of general anxiety: For all-around anxious dogs, wearing a Thundershirt can help calm them, leading to a happier, healthier fur friend. 
• Reactive canines: Most reactive pups are suffering from a degree of anxiety that compression may help alleviate. This doesn’t mean the garment alone is a surefire fix, rather that it can be a piece to the puzzle.

While the shirt works well in many situations, it may not help in others, notably:

• Understimulated dogs: A garment isn’t the solution if your dog is hyper due to a lack of exercise. In these cases, a daily walk or run and brain games can make a world of difference.
• Severe cases of anxiety: With some dogs, anxiety reaches points that a garment alone won’t help. These poor pups may chew or paw at walls or pens until their bodies are sore or bloodied.

If your dog has anxiety issues that don’t appear due to a cause you can pinpoint (such as fireworks, vacuum cleaners, or storms), a vet appointment is necessary for a complete exam. Sometimes dogs are restless because they’re in pain, mimicking some signs of anxiety. 

And for severe cases of anxiety, you should always contact your vet. Over time, stress and anxiety can lead to health issues.

An Anxiety-Soothing Compression Garment

Thundershirt Dog Anxiety Jacket

A pet-parent favorite for nervous pups, this calming jacket can help soothe anxious canines through gentle pressure.

Buy on Amazon Buy on Chewy

Symptoms of Anxiety in Dogs: Spotting the Signs

Anxiety — whether general or acute in nature — manifests in many different ways for dogs. But a few of the most common symptoms of canine anxiety include:

• Pacing and an inability to “settle”
• Accidents in dogs who’re normally reliably housetrained
• Whining, crying, or excessively barking
• Disinterest in food
• Drooling
• Destructive behaviors (chewing on furniture, etc.)
• Self harm
• Trembling
• Unusual clinginess (not all Velcro dogs are anxious — we’re talking about sudden changes in your dog’s habits)

Additionally, dogs with anxiety can suffer from long-term problems, such as weight loss from changes in feeding habits.

Bottom Line: Is the Thundershirt Worth It?

While no product is guaranteed to work in every case, the Thundershirt is definitely worth trying for dogs with anxiety.

It’s a safe, chemical-free solution, so you don’t have to worry about drug interactions or side effects, and it’s always there, unlike meds that run out in a pinch. It also provides an extra touch of calming when your pup needs it most, like during storms or fireworks. It may also be helpful for dealing with things like travel anxiety. 

If you’re unsure whether or not compression will work for your dog, you can always try a making a DIY Thundershirt first.

***

Have you tried a Thundershirt with your dog? Has it served as the perfect solution for your pet? Did it reduce your doggo’s anxiety level? Do you have another method for treating anxiety in dogs that works great?

Let us know in the comments below!