If your companion animal seems stressed, you may want to start with a conversation with your veterinarian, because many underlying health conditions may present unusual or difficult to track symptoms that may seem like stress. Once physical health problems are ruled out, it’s time to get creative.

Thundershirts are innovative products, designed to calm a companion animals’ woes. With designs for cats and dogs, the fitted shirts apply gentle, comforting pressure. No medication and no side effects, Thundershirts have been recommended by veterinarians, trainers, and shelters – all environments quite familiar with high stress.

Our first exposure to the power of the Thundershirt was in helping a senior dog dealing with health problems toward the end of his life. All his life, this very active and physical dog played hard. But as he aged, he couldn’t blow off steam like he did when he was a younger pup. The veterinary treatments helped manage his condition, but he was definitely stressed out. Reluctant to add anxiety medication to the regimen, we turned to Thundershirt with a “why not?”attitude.  We would have done anything to bring this dear friend any comfort. And Thundershirt made all the difference in the world, helping our friend relax. What a treasure to help him feel a little bit more of his sweet self again!

Based on that, we turned to Thundershirt when stress after a move popped up for a cat, and the results were similar. The folks at CLAWtheory recommend Thundershirts without hesitation. From direct experience and observation, wearing a Thundershirt seems kind of like wearing a hug. Sound comforting? Sorry, they don’t make them for people. Whether it’s fireworks, thunderstorms, company, vet visits, or other issues causing anxiety, the Thundershirt really made a difference to the animals we love.