Nipping anxiety in the bud
If you are the hapless owner of a terrified dog or cat that is frightened of thunderstorms and firecrackers or that hyperventilates and paces nervously when left alone, you will be pleased to know there are simple and humane yet effective ways to calm her.
Currently in the market are two products that are non-invasive, all natural, drug-free and reasonably priced – one called the Thundershirt and the other the Anxiety Wrap.
The concept
According to animal behaviourist Dr. Temple Grandin, applying gentle pressure has a calming effect on the nervous system and has been a common practice used for years. The science behind this concept is that gentle pressure induces the body to release hormones like endorphins and oxytocins that have a calming effect on the nervous system.
For instance, our mothers swaddled us as babies to induce calm when we were inconsolable – swaddling helped simulate being back in our mother’s womb, which is a small, tight space that is comforting, calm and safe. People with autism also benefit when gentle pressure is applied as it produces a calming effect.
Similarly for many years now, cattle farmers applied pressure to their livestock as a way to calm them or when veterinarians needed to relax the cattle to administer vaccinations.
How it works
While the Thundershirt works by exerting gentle, constant pressure around your dog’s torso behind the front legs, the Anxiety Wrap uses acupressure and ‘maintained pressure’ by targeting acupressure points on the dog’s body including her sensitive pressure points on the back legs.
While research has shown that the Thundershirt is effective at reducing the nervousness and distress a dog experiences by 85%, a Tufts University Clinical Research Study showed the Anxiety Wrap had 89% effectiveness instead.
The best candidates
Whether you choose the Thundershirt or Anxiety Wrap, both have proven effective for dogs and cats that experience the following:
fear of loud noises like thunder and firecrackers
motion sickness i.e. uneasiness or nausea when in a moving vehicle
nervousness
separation anxiety
resistance to crate training
excessive barking
hyperactivity
leash pulling
unwanted jumping
destructive chewing
fear of other dogs
How to use
The Thundershirt is easy to put on and remove – just place the Thundershirt on your dog’s back and secure the straps at her chest and torso. Remember the fit must be snug and the adjustable Velcro helps provide a comfortable fit that is not too tight.
The Anxiety Wrap meanwhile is pulled over your pet’s head and down her shoulders then secured snugly at her waist and neck for the perfect fit. The company also markets a Face Wrap that eases the tension of dogs that bark incessantly.
What if it doesn’t work?
Although enjoying a high degree of success, not all dogs and cats can be soothed by either the Thundershirt or Anxiety Wrap. In such cases, it is best to contact a certified and professional dog trainer in your area to help your dog overcome her ‘issues’ using other humane methods.
For instance a behaviour modification plan that uses counter-conditioning and desensitisation methods will greatly help her overcome her fear, anxiety or aggression, whichever the case may be.
In the meantime though, do give the Thundershirt or Anxiety Wrap a try. Both are available online.
Dr. Susanna Brida-Hofherr is a qualified veterinarian in western medicine and surgery as well as a certified veterinary acupuncturist with Asia Paws. Her acupuncture credentials are certified by the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society (IVAS).
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