OK…I think it’s all right to come out from behind the bathroom door now. Whew. That’s better.
Since We’ve talked a lot about thunderstorms this week – and last night was no exception at Our house ’cause We got lots more – and since it’s summertime here where We live and with summer comes thunderstorms, I thought I’d share some stuff.
First, many of you asked about or left comments about the Thundershirt. Here’s where to learn more. Now, keep in mind I’ve never used one of these things, but I’ve used something similar. As my Dogtor said to me years ago when We first learned about the concept, if you don’t have to spend the money, don’t. And sure enough, when I was a wee pup, a peep’s friend gave Us a “onesie” to try. We slipped it on and it worked like a charm. It worked because it was small enough to make me feel snug and secure without being too tight. Thunder, fireworks, you name it. (Of course, it didn’t hurt that my peep was rubbing my back while I had my head hidden under Her arm while the storms were swirling around Us.)
I’m too big for a onsie now. Sigh. Gotta find a bigger thing to use. Maybe a really small kid’s T-shirt. Ya think?
Now, here’s another idea. Yesterday We were noticing all the bloggers who “liked” Our posts and We came across this blog. I’m thinking that aromatherapy is a good thing. Especially since some of you use essential oils in natural pest control. Nancy Tanner knows a thing or two about dogs and natural things. So, let’s give this “calm” stuff a try.
If you try it before I do, let me know what you think.
What You Learned Today:
- I’m thinking that we dogs know a lot more about thunder storms than Our peeps realize.
- Thunder, for some of us, can be scary.
- Just don’t say, “It’s OK sweetie.” whenever it storms and we pooches pile up under the bed or behind a door. If you do, we’ll think that it’s OK to be scared. NOT.
- Just be nice and normal and act like nothing’s happening.
- That’s what my peeps do and I seem to be much better these days. Still don’t like storms, but, uh, I don’t get AS wigged out as I used to.
- OH…and remember to leave the bathroom door OPEN. So I can hide behind it.
The Scottie Chronicles - Winston's World 
I have a close friend that has tried the aroma therapy for this type of behavior/fears and it didn’t do a thing. But, I think we all are different and what doesn’t work for some may work for others but know that there’s certainly no guarantee this will do a thing. : ( But… it may be worth a try.
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I think you’re right. Different strokes for different folks. And dogs. And cats. We’ll give it a go and see.
Arooo! Stuart
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Our Cocker Spaniel George has problems with T-storms – but only if they happen at night (when her removes layers of plaster from the walls). If they happen during the day he doesn’t give a hoot. Why do you think that is, Stuart?
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WOW! That’s pretty interesting. Huum….I’ll have to give this some thought.
Arooo! Stu
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The answer is easy-he’s in the union and working on graveyard shift.
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I wrap Mac up in a baby receiving blanket. Real snug around his chest and middle and front legs and then I hold him. Then we can all go to sleep. My other two Scotts could care less about storms. I wonder why some do and some don’t.
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See! That’s what I’m talking about! Snug stuff works for some doesn’t it? And I don’t know why some of us care and some of us don’t. We were out for a walk last evening, thunder started, and I high-tailed it back home. Sad.
Arooo!
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My rescue group won a whole bunch of Thundershirts in a contest, and they’ve really helped out a lot of our dogs. Not just the ones afraid of thunder storms, but ones that were timid in a lot of situations. Sometimes getting a nice comforting hug is all you need!
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OH that’s so true Casey! Thanks for popping by with this great news!
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THIS JUST IN: The folks over at Rocky Creek Scottie Adventures also say that the Thundershirt works. (They’re having difficulty commenting today.)
Arooooo! Stu Meister
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Hey Stu Meister!
Wow, they don’t bother me, but the pooch that lived here before was really scared of Tstorms. Them my crazy Dad stayed out on the deck with him during a near-tornado! After that he wasn’t scared of a regular, old, normal strength Tstorm anymore. I think he figured he lived through worse and an average storm wasn’t so bad! I don’t know that I’d recommend this as a treatment. BOL
Grr and Woof,
Sarge A Licious
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Sarge A Licious!!!! Love that nickname!!! Hey, when I was a wee pup, the peeps used to walk me around outside when the Tstorms would start, it kinda helped. I guess a tornado would REALLY WORK!!
Aroo, Stu Meister
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Was the prior pooch named Toto? That terrier did all right for himself.
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He sure did. Grabbing that hot dog off the pre-Wizard’s stick. Woo Roo!
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My sissy, Maggie was petrified of thunderstorms and fireworks but they never really bothered me. We’re not sure how Molly is going to react yet. We hope not at all!
Love ya lots,
Mitch and Molly
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We hope so too you guys. Arooo Roooo to you and Molly Mr. Mitch!
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Hey guys, go read about me part two, there is a paragragh about wearing a baby t-shirt that helped me get over the scaredy shakes, they work great, just make sure they are tight, then trim them shorter each week, it fooled me when nothing was left!
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See? Those shirts work! Thanks for sharing this.
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Stuart…what we really worry about or those darn’ twisters…Mum has special biscuts for in the closet when the alarm comes in. we all pile in and listen to the weather radio till they pass. the last one touched down 1/2 mile from us..it was loud and hurt my chest…you are smart to take cover.
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I’m sooooo glad you’re OK! Whew! Hunker down my friends!
Arooo! Stuart
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Oh Stuart, so sorry for being late to comment on this post. We absolutely LOVE thundershirts over here. Our little rescue girl “the pip” came to us so very frightened of thunder storms and fireworks and it has worked wonders. Wrapping her up tight and snug into a onesie or a fluffy towel works too, but the thundershirt slips on in a hurry and works the fastest to help calm her down. Once the thundershirt is slipped on, she gives a great big sigh and then melts into a little relaxed puddle of Cairn Terrier. Money well spent. Arrrooo to you!
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Well, this is wonderful news! Thanks so much for sharing. I was wondering how fast it worked and you gave me the answer! ‘Cause if I don’t wear it, and thunder comes out of nowhere, then, what do I do? NOW I KNOW!!!
Arooooo! Stuart
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