31/12/2024
To all the dog parents out there: When our little girl was still with us, we used the calming wrap, and it made a difference. While it may not work for every dog, it’s definitely worth giving it a try to see if it helps your furry friend during stressful times.
The wrap, often referred to as a "calming wrap" or "thunder shirt," helps dogs during fireworks by applying gentle, consistent pressure around their torso. This pressure is thought to have a calming effect, similar to how swaddling soothes infants. The wrap works on the principle of **deep pressure therapy**, which can reduce anxiety and stress in both humans and animals.
Here’s how it helps:
1. **Mimics Comforting Touch**: The gentle compression simulates the feeling of being hugged or held, which can provide a sense of security.
2. **Reduces Anxiety Symptoms**: The pressure can help lower the dog's heart rate and cortisol levels (stress hormones), making them feel more relaxed.
3. **Distracts from the Noise**: While it doesn’t block out the sound of fireworks, the wrap helps the dog focus on the calming sensation rather than the loud noises.
4. **Improves Behavior**: A less anxious dog is less likely to pace, bark, or hide, which are common reactions to fireworks.
For the best results, it’s important to introduce the wrap before a stressful event so the dog associates it with calmness rather than fear.