Separation Anxiety - Thundershirt - YorkieTalk.com Forums

dalady25 · 04-09-2013, 03:01 AM

Hi Everyone,

Three weeks ago I adopted my precious little Yorkie, three YO, 7 lb Milo.

He has bonded beautifully with me & my husband, but doesn't want us to leave his sight at all. Yesterday, we had yard work to do, so we left him loose in the den by himself. He became very anxious within minutes. His little heart was racing like crazy & he had a look of terror on his face. Later in the day, I had him at my vet's office for a blood test. When I told the ladies working there about it, they highly recommended a "Thundershirt". Anyone out there had any experience with one of these shirts? Thanks so much for any
input on this!

Lovetodream88 · 04-09-2013, 04:57 AM

It worked great for us for thunderstorms and fireworks. If you buy it from there site you can return it if it doesn't work.

Maximo · 04-09-2013, 05:11 AM

The Thundershirt helps my Teddy during thunderstorms. If you use one, keep in mind that it is like a warm piece of clothing. Make sure Milo isn't overheated in it. If he is indoors in air conditioning, no problem.

I would also try training exercises. Establish keywords and phrases with him. Talk to him and he will pick up the words. My boys know "back in minute" and "back in a little while," and grocery store, office, outside, backyard, and so on. This gives them an idea of how long I will be gone and seems to relax them.

Start by leaving for a only a minute or two and returning. Gradually lengthen the time.

Most trainers will say not to make a fuss when you leave or return, ignoring the dog for a short period of time. This trains the dog to be less anxious about your comings and goings.

JoeyP · 04-09-2013, 09:25 AM

My Zach gets very upset and runs around barking whenever there are fireworks or thunder during a storm

I tried everything and finally bought one of these shirts

Now I have a little Yorkie running around the house where ever there is a storm or there are fireworks with a little Ruby shirt on

MandiesMom · 04-09-2013, 09:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JoeyP

My Zach gets very upset and runs around barking whenever there are fireworks or thunder during a storm

I tried everything and finally bought one of these shirts

Now I have a little Yorkie running around the house where ever there is a storm or there are fireworks with a little Ruby shirt on

LOL!

I'm sorry, I know it is not funny that poor Zach is anxious from the noises, but the way you worded that was too cute

YazminD · 04-09-2013, 11:25 AM

A few months ago, Yazmin went through a terrible time with separation anxiety once I returned to work.
I purchased a Thundeshirt from Kristin, (Maximo) and realized Yazmin had calmed down almost immediately! It's amazing the effect this shirt has on our babies.

Praying a Thundeshirt will help Milo also.

Dog Anxiety Solutions and Calming Aids

dalady25 · 04-09-2013, 11:59 AM

Hi Everyone,

Thanks so much for your answers to my post re the Thundershirt. It really helps me to get feedback from the Yorkie Talk members themselves. I think ordering Milo one of these will be the next thing on my "to do" list.

DALady 25

MandiesMom · 04-09-2013, 12:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dalady25

Hi Everyone,

Thanks so much for your answers to my post re the Thundershirt. It really helps me to get feedback from the Yorkie Talk members themselves. I think ordering Milo one of these will be the next thing on my "to do" list.

DALady 25

Let us know how it works for Milo, ok?

Oh, also, I notice you are in Alabama. I realize this is very short notice and you don't really know us all very well yet, but I did want to let you know that we are having an Alabama Yorkie Meet-up on Saturday, April 20th. We would love for you and Milo to come and meet some of the other Bama YT members and Yorkies. Hope you'll consider it

dalady25 · 04-10-2013, 02:33 AM

Hi Terri,

Thanks so much for your invitation. I do have tentative plans for the 20th, but if they don't work out, I will try to come to your meet. It sounds like it would be very interesting & lots of fun.

DALady25
Anniston, Al

MandiesMom · 04-10-2013, 04:39 AM

Great!

And, if you can't make this one, I think we are going to try to plan another one towards the end of summer - maybe down at the Gulf so that should be fun!

dalady25 · 04-10-2013, 04:48 PM

Hi Terri,

That sounds great too.

dalady25 · 04-12-2013, 02:37 AM

Good Morning Everyone,

Yesterday I had to visit the rescue-doggie daycare where I adopted Milo; told them about Milo's anxiety; asked abt the shirt. They also recommended it & actually had it for sale & in stock, so I bought it. We had bad storms yesterday but Milo was not afraid of them at all (thank heavens) & we were not separated from him yesterday, so I haven't yet had a chance to really test it. It's very seldom that we do leave him. If you get one of these, you need to fully read the instructions that come with it---very interesting. Thanks again for your input on this too!

DALady25

YazminD · 04-12-2013, 04:22 AM

Great, so happy to see that you got Milo a Thundershirt and that it worked well for him through a storm. I'm sure it was comforting to know Milo felt secure.

I'd like to pass on the advise I was given when I received Yazmin's Thundershirt. Because of the type of fabric the shirt's made of, it can be very warm to wear. To make sure Milo doesn't get overheated, it's best to wear it in the coolest area of your home. Wishing the best for Milo.

neersyorkies · 04-12-2013, 04:48 AM

I have one for my Nicky she is very afraid of Thunderstorms it worked so well that I bought one more for my Maggy May. Amazon is where I got mine from.

dalady25 · 04-12-2013, 12:05 PM

I'm sorry to have confused anyone about the Thundershirt issue. I was only saying that b/c of all the positive comments about it from the YT users & others that I went ahead & purchased it yesterday.

The rescue people had told me that Milo wasn't afraid of storms. Therefore, he did not have the shirt on during the storm. The reason I purchased it was b/c of his separation (from us) anxiety & since we have not yet been separated from him we have not had a chance to see if it works on that problem.

Also, I'll be sure to see that he doesn't get overheated when he does wear it.

04-09-2013, 03:01 AM	#1
dalady25 YT Addict Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Alabama Posts: 371	Separation Anxiety - Thundershirt Hi Everyone, Three weeks ago I adopted my precious little Yorkie, three YO, 7 lb Milo. He has bonded beautifully with me & my husband, but doesn't want us to leave his sight at all. Yesterday, we had yard work to do, so we left him loose in the den by himself. He became very anxious within minutes. His little heart was racing like crazy & he had a look of terror on his face. Later in the day, I had him at my vet's office for a blood test. When I told the ladies working there about it, they highly recommended a "Thundershirt". Anyone out there had any experience with one of these shirts? Thanks so much for any input on this!

04-09-2013, 04:57 AM	#2
Lovetodream88 Yorkie mom of 4 Donating YT Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: LaPlata, Md Posts: 23,248	It worked great for us for thunderstorms and fireworks. If you buy it from there site you can return it if it doesn't work. __________________ Taylor My babies Joey, Penny ,Ollie & Dixie Callie Mae, you will forever be in my heart!

04-09-2013, 05:11 AM	#3
Maximo ♥ Maximo and Teddy Donating Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 25,045	The Thundershirt helps my Teddy during thunderstorms. If you use one, keep in mind that it is like a warm piece of clothing. Make sure Milo isn't overheated in it. If he is indoors in air conditioning, no problem. I would also try training exercises. Establish keywords and phrases with him. Talk to him and he will pick up the words. My boys know "back in minute" and "back in a little while," and grocery store, office, outside, backyard, and so on. This gives them an idea of how long I will be gone and seems to relax them. Start by leaving for a only a minute or two and returning. Gradually lengthen the time. Most trainers will say not to make a fuss when you leave or return, ignoring the dog for a short period of time. This trains the dog to be less anxious about your comings and goings. __________________ Kristin, Max and Teddy

04-09-2013, 09:25 AM	#4
JoeyP YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Miami, FL,USA Posts: 1,005	My Zach gets very upset and runs around barking whenever there are fireworks or thunder during a storm I tried everything and finally bought one of these shirts Now I have a little Yorkie running around the house where ever there is a storm or there are fireworks with a little Ruby shirt on __________________ Mike and Zach's Dadd

04-09-2013, 11:59 AM	#7
dalady25 YT Addict Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Alabama Posts: 371	Separation Anxiety - Thundershirt Hi Everyone, Thanks so much for your answers to my post re the Thundershirt. It really helps me to get feedback from the Yorkie Talk members themselves. I think ordering Milo one of these will be the next thing on my "to do" list. DALady 25

04-09-2013, 11:25 AM	#6
YazminD My ♥, My Soul, My Love Donating Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Akron. Ohio Posts: 2,898	A few months ago, Yazmin went through a terrible time with separation anxiety once I returned to work. I purchased a Thundeshirt from Kristin, (Maximo) and realized Yazmin had calmed down almost immediately! It's amazing the effect this shirt has on our babies. Praying a Thundeshirt will help Milo also. Dog Anxiety Solutions and Calming Aids

04-10-2013, 02:33 AM	#9
dalady25 YT Addict Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Alabama Posts: 371	Yorkie Meet April 20, 2013 Hi Terri, Thanks so much for your invitation. I do have tentative plans for the 20th, but if they don't work out, I will try to come to your meet. It sounds like it would be very interesting & lots of fun. DALady25 Anniston, Al

04-10-2013, 04:39 AM	#10
MandiesMom and Shelby's too Donating Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Millbrook, AL Posts: 7,842	Great! And, if you can't make this one, I think we are going to try to plan another one towards the end of summer - maybe down at the Gulf so that should be fun! __________________ Terri, proud mom to Mandie & Shelby-Dale

04-10-2013, 04:48 PM	#11
dalady25 YT Addict Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Alabama Posts: 371	Hi Terri, That sounds great too.

04-12-2013, 02:37 AM	#12
dalady25 YT Addict Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Alabama Posts: 371	Thundershirt - Separation anxiety Good Morning Everyone, Yesterday I had to visit the rescue-doggie daycare where I adopted Milo; told them about Milo's anxiety; asked abt the shirt. They also recommended it & actually had it for sale & in stock, so I bought it. We had bad storms yesterday but Milo was not afraid of them at all (thank heavens) & we were not separated from him yesterday, so I haven't yet had a chance to really test it. It's very seldom that we do leave him. If you get one of these, you need to fully read the instructions that come with it---very interesting. Thanks again for your input on this too! DALady25

04-12-2013, 04:22 AM	#13
YazminD My ♥, My Soul, My Love Donating Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Akron. Ohio Posts: 2,898	Great, so happy to see that you got Milo a Thundershirt and that it worked well for him through a storm. I'm sure it was comforting to know Milo felt secure. I'd like to pass on the advise I was given when I received Yazmin's Thundershirt. Because of the type of fabric the shirt's made of, it can be very warm to wear. To make sure Milo doesn't get overheated, it's best to wear it in the coolest area of your home. Wishing the best for Milo.

04-12-2013, 04:48 AM	#14
neersyorkies Donating Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Waller TX Posts: 385	I have one for my Nicky she is very afraid of Thunderstorms it worked so well that I bought one more for my Maggy May. Amazon is where I got mine from. __________________ Mom to:Tina , Cody, Nicky, Joey ,Miracle , Maggy May, Maya Shay, Bonnie Ray and Susie Q Bandit the Chi. Maxeen the Cat

04-12-2013, 12:05 PM	#15
dalady25 YT Addict Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Alabama Posts: 371	Thundershirt - Separation anxiety I'm sorry to have confused anyone about the Thundershirt issue. I was only saying that b/c of all the positive comments about it from the YT users & others that I went ahead & purchased it yesterday. The rescue people had told me that Milo wasn't afraid of storms. Therefore, he did not have the shirt on during the storm. The reason I purchased it was b/c of his separation (from us) anxiety & since we have not yet been separated from him we have not had a chance to see if it works on that problem. Also, I'll be sure to see that he doesn't get overheated when he does wear it.