If you thought that it’s just the humans that can suffer from anxiety, know that you’re wrong. Your lovely pooch can struggle with such conditions too. And even though there’re plenty of triggers that cause anxiety, storm phobia is one of the most common types that occur in dogs. In fact, it’s estimated that almost 50% of dogs suffer from this type of phobia, which can also be triggered by fireworks, home alarms, dish or machine washers and even ceiling fans.

If you noticed that your lovely canine gets nervous and starts shivering during thunders or fireworks, before you try different medications and therapies know that a lot of dog owners rely on dog thunder jackets as one of the most effective ways to calm loud noise anxieties in dogs.

There’s a reason why these thunder coats for dogs are recommended by many vets and dog owners worldwide. In fact, they’re shown to be very effective, since they work by applying pressure on your little pooch’s body which mimics the feeling of getting a tight and warm hug, just like swaddling babies works. This pressure stimulates hormones that work calming for your dog, even in the worst storms and loudest fireworks. Not only they’re great when your dog is startled and frightened of loud noises, but they’re also shown to be very effective through separation anxiety phases and for dogs upset from being far away from home while travelling.

The decision to get your furry pal a dog thunder jacket is a great idea indeed, but only if you make the right choice and pick the right size for your dog.

For this purpose, you should know that choosing a too tight one can actually worsen the condition by giving your dog trouble to breathe or walk around and make it feel even more anxious. On the other hand, choosing a too loose one will twist, rotate and won’t deliver the proper pressure and furthermore, won’t have any effect on your dog. The dog thunder jacket should be fastened to sit snugly and feel comfortable, depending on your dog’s breed and size.

If you don’t know how to determine the right size, it’s always best to measure your dog’s chest with a soft measuring tape. Simply wrap it around the widest part of your dog’s torso and record the measurement. Once you do it, make sure to check the manufacturer’s size chart for determining the optimal size.

But always be careful if your dog’s chest is "in-between" size. In this case, experts recommend choosing the smaller size so it could fit your dog snugly rather than sitting loose. Smaller sizes are also recommended for male dogs to prevent irritations caused by the end of the thunder jacket. However, once you place it, you should be able to slip your fingers under it while the straps are gently stretched without causing any uncomfortable pressure in the chest area.

You're probably familiar with the struggle of introducing new routines to your lovely puppy. To introduce the thunder jacket properly, know that it’s always best to have a gentle and friendly approach to prevent it from being the worst experience ever. So, don’t rush to "swaddle" your dog right after the trigger starts, but make sure you "practice for emergencies" first. Instead, start by letting your dog get a good sniff of it, or put it folded on the ground with a small treat on top of it, so your dog can associate it with positive things.

Once your dog gets an idea that a thunder jacket is a safe place for it, gently undo the straps and place the jacket along your dog’s back, by letting the straps hang down. Then wrap the straps against your dog’s neck towards the front of its chest, not applying any pressure or using force. Once you wrap these straps, secure the long torso flap around your dog’s ribcage, the area you measured before, and you’re finally done.

It’s always recommended to "practice" on a daily basis until your little furry friend gets used to wearing this jacket. Also, don’t rush to apply it right away when the big moment comes, but make sure to put it on before any fireworks are scheduled or when you notice an upcoming storm on the weather forecast. Once your little canine gets used to this jacket, you can leave it there as long as your dog feels comfortable wearing it. However, it’s recommended to remove it every few hours or at least twice a day to monitor if it’s making your dog feel comfortable.

But have in mind that these jackets are not recommended for elderly dogs or dogs with heart problems, so make sure you check with your veterinarian before you wrap your anxious fur pal in one of these. Also, avoid using it during the hot summer season, since it will make your dog sweat and irritate its delicate skin.

If the thunder jacket doesn’t work for your dog, it resists and escapes once you try to wrap it or your veterinarian doesn’t recommend introducing one if your dog is suffering from several conditions, there’re some other things you can do to help your lovely canine calm down and overcome the loud noise fears and anxieties.

So, start by distracting your dog by making a safe environment for it. Close the blinds and curtains, put on some light noises, create a safety cocoon or settle it in a safety crate so it feels safe and comfortable. The CBD treats for dogs are also a good idea for calming down, but only if your veterinarian approves consuming them. However, make sure you give your dog a lot of attention and cuddle with it, regardless if it’s wearing the jacket or not. If none of this helps your pooch calm down, maybe it’s best to visit your veterinarian and get a prescription for anti-anxiety meds.