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PET JOURNAL
September 2011
Thunder Shirts to calm Anxiety by Vicki Rabe Harrison, Victoria’s Pet Nutrition Center Thunder Shirts for dogs are so pop- torso straps. The Velcro fasteners make ular with dog owners because they’re Thundershirt very adjustable to many easy to use and they bring immediate different body shapes. For best results, and lasting comfort to both dog and dog offer your dog a treat when introducing owner. Nobody likes to see their dog her to Thundershirt. That way she will suffering from being nervous or afraid. associate the Thundershirt with reward Thundershirt gives natural, comforting, and positivity and welcome its use. immediate relief. Over 80%* of dogs show significant improvement with COST EFFECTIVE: The ThunderThundershirt and in most cases there is shirt is reusable and washable and for no need for training. many pets eliminates costs associated with anxiety such as drug therapies or Works for: nutritional supplements. • Separation anxiety • Noise Anxiety (Fireworks, WASHABLE: Thundershirts are thunderstorms) made from a durable, washable fabric • Barking Anxiety that can be washed when necessary in • Travel Anxiety a regular cycle using regular laundry de• Anxiety from Crates tergent and warm water. Hang to dry. Thundershirt uses touch therapy similar to that used in other therapies. Its calming effects can greatly reduce issues related to walking on leash, reactivity, or just general hyperactivity and excitability. Some customers use Thundershirt before expecting guests to help the dog stay calm when visitors arrive.
Thundershirt comes in seven different sizes... XXS, XS, S, M, L, XL, and XXL. See the table below to find the right size for your dog. Like people, dogs come in many different shapes and sizes, so if your dog has unusual proportions, you may need to go up or down a size versus the “standard” measurements. But the Thundershirt is deThundershirt can also be used to signed to be very adjustable to accomcalm dogs on leashes and allow the dog modate different dog shapes and still be to be more focused on owner instruc- easy to put on. tions or commands. Very excited dogs have trouble paying attention during Size Chest Size Weight training. Thundershirt calms your dog XXS 9” - 13.5” < 12 lbs. down so he or she can physically and mentally participate in training. XS 13” - 18” 10 - 18 lbs. Does touch work? This pressure wrap technique for treating anxiety is already used in various therapies: • Touch dog trainers use pressure to address a wide variety of anxieties. • Veterinarians use pressure to relax cattle when they are administering vaccinations. • People with autism use pressure to relieve their persistent anxiety. • Children with certain behavioral problems use pressure shirts and weighted vests to relax and focus. • Parents use swaddling to calm an inconsolable newborn infant. TO USE: Thundershirt is easy to use and begins to help your dog almost immediately. Simply lay the Thundershirt vest over your dog’s back and secure with the adjustable Velcro chest and
S
16” - 23”
15 - 25 lbs.
M
18” - 26”
20 - 50 lbs.
L
24” - 32”
40 - 70 lbs.
XL
31” - 40”
60 - 110 lbs.
XXL
38” - 50”
> 110 lbs.
see
Thunder on page 18.
www.petjournalmidwest.com
CARE from page 4.
Food from page 4.
8. Windows, Doors and Mirrors. Windows and mirrors pose a danger to birds that might fly into them. Even birds with clipped wings can fly into a window, door or mirror. Of course, open windows and doors are a means for escape. Interior doors can be risky if the bird likes to sit on the top of an open door – the bird could be injured or killed if the door is closed.
I understand the temptation to stick with a food that is working, especially if you solved some health problems with that food, but there is so much evidence that eating only one kind of food will lead to eventual problems that I strongly encourage you to seek out the minimum of four to five foods. But, in doing so, do not compromise your standards about the sources and quality of food. You can find a variety in raw frozen food, freeze-dried and dehydrated foods and freeze-dried minimally processed kibble. Your confidence will grow as you see your vibrant pet respond enthusiastically to new tastes and textures.
9. Other Pets. While birds often live happily with other household pets, owners should always be careful when other pets are near the birds. The motion of birds can set off the prey instinct of cats or dogs, and an infected bite or scratch can quickly be fatal to a bird. 10. Air Quality. Birds are especially sensitive to contaminants in the air. Aerosol products of any kind should not be used around your bird. Cigarette smoking has been implicated in respiratory disease in pet birds. Carbon monoxide is also dangerous, so use a carbon monoxide detector in your home, and be careful not to run your car in an attached garage. C.A.R.E. 3053 Beechwood Ind. Ct., Ste 1 Hubertus, WI 53033 262 628-3719 cntrforavianrehab@sbcglobal.net www.centerforavianrehab.org
Cheryl Larson has been raising and training Giant Schnauzers for 22 years. Twelve of those years have been focused on feeding a raw biologically appropriate diet to her dogs and cats. Some of the courses and seminars Cheryl has taken include Positive Behavior Training, Aggressive Dog Training, Natural Nutrition for Companion Animals, and aromatherapy & Bach Flower Essentials.