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).
