(07-04-2012, 05:48 PM)TreeClimber Wrote: I have never heard of the Thundershirt or the therapy that Prodogtrainer talked about. I have seen the Tellington Touch videos. This I can understand because massage can be very soothing. I have seen Temple Grandin's box, too. I sort of understand how that gives comfort. With the Thundershirt, it almost seems like they are trying to imitated the feeling of a hug. Is that why it works?
I think if it works for your dog then do it. I don't think it would work on my Jack Russell, though. She has to wear a little jacket when it's cold. It's been a year that she's had to wear it (not every day), but she is still freaked out by it. I suspect the Thundershirt would do the same thing to her.
And this is why I have mentioned that others will need different ways of being cured from their anxiety.
My dogs hate wearing anything either. But occasionally, when I desensitize them correctly and give them treats in accordance to being rewarded for wearing something they are uncomfortable with, they eventually get accustomed to it.
(07-06-2012, 04:38 AM)laurasav Wrote: From haopee: Yes, they do have ones for cats. It's quite rare to hear about cats with separation anxiety. I guess I always have this idea that cats prefer being by themselves and only seeking attention when they feel like it.
It's true that cats are usually fine being left alone. The one cat I mentioned above that was afraid of so much, he was also horrified of me ever leaving him at home. If I had anyone watch him while we went on vacation, he would yowl and cry and work himself into a tizzy that they were witness to. He was always faithfully by the door whenever I'd come home, even after a short errand trip to a store. He was quite neurotic, poor thing. But I will always love that cat the best of any animal before or after! He was so in tune to me, like we could read each other's minds!
We went to Pet Supplies Plus yesterday to get some litter and there was a big rack of the Thundershirts displayed near the registers. Looks like they're going to be a big seller. If I had a dog, I'd get one to try it if I thought he needed it!
Poor Kitty, was he adopted? Did he have those issues when you already got him? Some can start to manifest a whole lot later in their life such as a year after their so called "Gotcha Day".
I guess the bottom line of this discussion is, it may work for some while it may not for others. What's important is that we, as pet owners, never give up in doing our best to providing our pets with a better life.
And this is why I have mentioned that others will need different ways of being cured from their anxiety.
