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Jul 31, 2023

Best thunder shirts and dog anxiety treatments, per experts

Submit Δ Thanks for contacting us. We've received your submission. When you’re a dog parent, there’s nothing worse than seeing your fur baby down in the dumps, uncomfortable or even worse — stress or

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When you’re a dog parent, there’s nothing worse than seeing your fur baby down in the dumps, uncomfortable or even worse — stress or anxiety-driven. Unfortunately, for many dogs, Fourth of July weekend is at the forefront of one of the most anxious times of the year due to fireworks.

While we humans are likely enjoying family barbecues, pool parties and shopping for major Fourth of July sales, according to the American Kennel Club, the patriotic holiday is the most common time for pets to go missing of any other time of the year.

“Dogs have a wider range of hearing and can detect sounds at much higher frequencies than humans. Loud noises [like fireworks and thunder] can be overwhelming and even painful for them,” Dr. Gabrielle Fadl, Director of Primary Care at Bond Vet, with nine years of experience in stress-free techniques, told the New York Post. “Additionally, dogs may not understand the source of the loud noise and perceive it as a threat or danger, triggering their fear response.”

In an effort to help your dogs stay calm ahead of the Fourth of July weekend, The Post rounded up a handful of products that may soothe your pup’s anxiety and nerves, based on Fadl’s recommendations.

Aside from ensuring your dog is properly tagged with a return address or microchip and prepping a space centralized in your home with some of their favorite toys as a distraction, there are other items like thunder shirts, weighted blankets and more that may do the trick.

For more information on how to best soothe your dog during stressful and loud moments, be sure to check out our FAQ section at the bottom of this article.

The original thunder shirt was designed to apply gentle, constant pressure to calm anxiety, fear, and over-excitement — making it ideal for fireworks and thunderstorms. This dog anxiety vest is available in sizes as small as extra-small and as large as extra extra-large.

“A snug vest that mimics swaddling and has a calming effect on pets,” Fadl said.

This special weighted blanket for dogs is great for your pet’s anxiety, noise aversion, excitability and other stress responses. It gives them a sense of security and protection and has a calming influence they’ll instantly feel. The BuddyRest blanket is made with a super soft fleece material on one side and a durable suede on the exterior and is entirely machine washable for easy maintenance. Available in sizes medium, large and extra-large.

These CBD dog treats are another option for pets that struggle with stress and anxiety around the Fourth of July and beyond. The Pet Hemp Company’s treats use 100% natural ingredients that are vegan, non-GMO and contain no gluten or dairy.

Speaking from experience, your fur baby will fall in love with this calming shag bed. It comes in a dozen different colors and sizes, plus it has more than 68,000 raving Amazon reviews. The raised rim of this bed creates a sense of security and provides head and neck support, while the super soft filling offers joint and muscle pain relief.

If you want calming dog music that you can’t find on Spotify, consider buying your pup the Pet Acoustics Pet Tunes Calming Music Dog Speaker. This gadget comes pre-loaded with canine tunes that are clinically proven and veterinarian-approved to reduce stress and calm nervous canine behaviors.

For more information on why your dog struggles with fireworks, thunder and loud noises, plus how to make them more comfortable during these times.

“Dogs can get scared over loud noises like thunder and fireworks due to a combination of factors. One reason is their heightened sensitivity to sound. Dogs have a wider range of hearing and can detect sounds at much higher frequencies than humans,” Fadl said. “Loud noises can be overwhelming and even painful for them. Additionally, dogs may not understand the source of the loud noise and perceive it as a threat or danger, triggering their fear response.”

“Dogs can hear sounds at a much greater distance and at higher frequencies than humans. On average, dogs can hear sounds at frequencies ranging from 40,000 to 60,000 Hz, while humans typically hear sounds between 20,000 and 20,000 Hz,” Fadl said. “This means dogs have a more acute sense of hearing and can detect sounds that are much softer or at higher frequencies than humans.”

“Create a calm and safe environment,” Fadl said.

“Pet anxiety is a common issue that can have various causes, including loud noises, separation anxiety, changes in routine, or past traumatic experiences,” Fadl said. “It’s essential to understand that every pet is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. Patience, consistency, and seeking professional help, if needed, are key in addressing and managing pet anxiety.”

For more content, check out the New York Post Shopping section.