FAQ

The symptoms and behaviors related to anxiety or fear are as numerous and varied as sizes and shapes of dogs and cats. Some of them are obvious: shaking during a storm, hiding during fireworks, destroying the house when left alone. Some are not-at-all obvious and often misunderstood. Did you know that yawning, lip-licking and even tail-wagging are common symptoms of anxiety and fear?

Try combining ThunderEase with a ThunderShirt’s calming pressure. In the home using ThunderEase with a diffuser, simply put the ThunderShirt on your dog or cat. If away from home using ThunderEase spray, simply spray the ThunderEase on the ThunderPatch on your ThunderShirt or spray into the car or crate prior to your pet getting in. For your dog, you can also try combining with a ThunderCap for reduced visual stimuli (especially great in a car!).

If you purchased your product from another retailer:

Please return your product to the place of purchase for credit; we are unable to process returns for products not purchased directly from ThunderWorks Company. If the place of purchase is unwilling to support the refund policy, please contact us at service@thundershirt.com.

If you purchased your product directly from ThunderWorks Company:

We stand behind our product! If for any reason you decide that the product you purchased is not the right solution for your dog, you may return it within 60 days for a refund of your purchase price. If your item was damaged, or you would like to return an item from an order that contained an embroidered ThunderShirt (other than the embroidered ThunderShirt, which is final sale), please email us at service@thundershirt.com. (Please Include order#). You can also call us at 866-892-2078. Our Customer Service hours are Monday –Thursday, 8:00am-5:00pm EST and Friday, 8:00am-4:00pm EST.

You can also call us at 866-892-2078. Our Customer Service hours are Monday –Thursday, 8:00am-5:00pm EST and Friday, 8:00am-4:00pm EST. Please note EMBROIDERED and FINAL SALE items cannot be refunded or exchanged. For all other returns, you may process your return here https://returns.thundershirt.com/

Return Process:

Once we review your order history and confirm that you are still within your 60 days, if a return label has been requested it will be emailed to you. If not your item can be returned to the following address: ThunderWorks Returns, 1717 Lawson Street, Dock Door #3, Durham NC 27703. When we receive your package, a credit for the original purchase price of the product, will be issued to your original form of payment within a week. If you selected to have a return label emailed, a refund, less the return label cost, will be issued to the original form of payment. In the event that we cannot process a credit, a check will be mailed to you.

International Returns:

If your item was not purchased from ThunderWorks directly, it must be returned to the original place of purchase. If purchased from ThunderWorks, please contact us before returning your item, you can email us at service@thundershirt.com or phone us at 866-892-2078, Monday – Thursday, 8:00am-5:00pm EST and Friday, 8:00am-4:00pm EST.

Embroidered ThunderShirts:

Because embroidery is customized, we do not offer a money back guarantee, returns or exchanges on these products.

If you purchased your ThunderShirt from another retailer: You will need to exchange the ThunderShirt at the place of purchase, as they received your payment. All of our retailers are aware of, and should abide by, our 100% satisfaction guarantee. You may need contact the place of purchase directly to find out their exchange procedures.

If you purchased your ThunderShirt directly from ThunderWorks: If you believe that you may need a different size ThunderShirt for your dog, we will be happy to exchange it. Please send it back with the pack sheet or order number with a note stating the new size you'd like to exchange it for: ThunderShirt Customer Service, 1717 Lawson Street, Dock Door #3, Durham NC 27703. Return postage is not available for exchanges. The returned ThunderShirt will be put to good use!

Like swaddling an infant, ThunderShirt applies a gentle, constant pressure to your dog or cat’s torso. Research on both humans and animals suggests that this type of pressure can release a calming hormone like oxytocin or endorphins (there is a reason we love hugs!). This calming pressure is helpful for over 80% of pets.

For many types of anxiety or fear issues, no training is necessary! Just put ThunderShirt onto your dog or cat and you will likely see results with the very first usage. Check out these tips for introducing the ThunderShirt to your dog.

For some dogs, it may take multiple usages to see maximum results, so don't give up if you don't see results the first time you use it. If you feel your dog might benefit from additional training, please contact your favorite professional dog trainer.

ThunderShirt is made with durable, washable fabric. When necessary, ThunderShirt may be washed in a regular cycle using regular laundry detergent and cold water. Hang to dry. Prior to washing, make sure to connect all of the hook and loop fasteners to avoid the risk that they might grab other fabrics in the wash.

All ThunderShirts work in the same way by applying safe, gentle, constant pressure to your pet’s torso. The only difference between the styles are aesthetics and in some cases, slight variations in the flap configurations. Just choose the one you feel might look the best on your dog!

Except in extreme conditions (e.g. 90 degrees Fahrenheit in the sun), overheating is not typically a concern when using a ThunderShirt. Dogs cool themselves primarily through their mouths and paws, and a ThunderShirt is constructed of a thin, breathable fabric. As the lightning capital of the world, Florida is one of our best-selling states!

When fitting a ThunderShirt on a male dog, the straps that go around the stomach area should not cover or push on the genitals or prepuce. If the ThunderShirt rubs against the genitals or prepuce, irritation may result. If you see any indications of this, remove the ThunderShirt immediately. Try a smaller size or contact us for other suggestions.

When sized and put on properly, your dog or cat should be very comfortable wearing a ThunderShirt. Problems are very rare, but if you see any signs of skin irritation or physical discomfort, please discontinue use and contact us.

Most people say that their dogs and cats really enjoy wearing their ThunderShirts and they are safe to leave on for extended periods of time depending on the issue. But, please note! We recommend removing ThunderShirt every one to two hours the first few times to be sure everything is fitting correctly and your pet is happy. Irritation or other issues are very rare, but it’s always best to be cautious. AND, always remove the ThunderShirt at least twice a day if using for extended periods.

We stand behind our product! ThunderShirt is a terrific solution for most dogs and cats suffering from anxiety. Many owners see reductions or complete elimination of symptoms with the very first use. With others, it may take two or three usages of ThunderShirt to see results. But if for any reason ThunderShirt isn’t the right solution for your dog or cat, return it within 45 days for a full refund of your purchase price (less S&H). See below for detailed return or exchange instructions.

Most cats have never had any clothing placed on them and cats are more sensitive to tactile stimulus. When first wearing a ThunderShirt, many cats do what we call the “Freeze & Flop” – They appear to be immobilized and lay on their side. Don’t worry! They are not suffering any discomfort; many cats are actually purring while they do this. If your cat does the Freeze & Flop, simply give them some time to adjust and encourage them to move. Most cats quickly learn that they can still move freely.

Good question! With tens of millions of dogs and cats suffering from anxiety, we are striving to build awareness of this simple, safe, inexpensive solution. We attend many veterinarian continuing education events and other vet forums every year. ThunderShirts were ranked the most effective solution for anxiety by veterinarians in a 2011 survey. Thousands of veterinarians recommend ThunderShirts around the world. If you would like us to speak with your veterinarian, please contact us.

Please check out the videos on this page on how to put on a ThunderShirt®. Please note, the Polo Styles to on differently than the Classic and Sport, so make sure to watch the correct video!

ThunderEase is vegan-friendly and mimics the pheromones that dogs and cats naturally emit to help them feel safer and more calm in their environment. ThunderEase is odorless and only detected by animals – appropriate for any age. Recommended for most animal anxiety behaviors and clinically proven.

ThunderEase for dogs and multi-cat households mimics the pheromones nursing mothers naturally emit to let their newborns feel safe and comfortable in their environment. These pheromones help dogs and cats bond to each other and their mothers. For dogs, this puts an end to behaviors like destructive chewing, house soiling, and problem barking. For multi-cat households, it helps stop conflict, tension, and fighting.

ThunderEase for single cat use mimics the facial pheromones cats use to mark their territory. These pheromones help cats get to know their environment better as well as what is secure in their surroundings. This creates confidence in felines and ultimately helps them feel more stable in their home and puts an end to behaviors like scratching and spraying.

The analogs of pheromones contained in ThunderEase are the most scientifically tested and proven in the world. They are proven to be over 90% effective in reducing anxiety and fear symptoms for most pets. Some other products claim to be using pheromone technology, but are actually using simple herbal or essential oil ingredients. Some other products are based on pig pheromones that have no scientific evidence of effectiveness; pheromones are species specific, meaning a dog or cat would not notice a pig pheromone.

Anytime your dog or cat is showing signs of anxiety! ThunderEase is available in a variety of types for home and travel for your dog, cat, or multi-cat household. And combine ThunderEase’s calming pheromones and ThunderShirt's calming pressure for even better results. They’re the perfect calming companions for your perfect companion!

Nope! While the pheromones in ThunderEase for Dogs and ThunderEase for Cats is completely different, there is no issue with using both in a multi-pet household. Because the pheromones are different, you will need to purchase more than one diffuser or spray for dogs and cats, but feel free to set up both for calming for all your furry friends.

A wide variety of scientific, clinical studies published in respected journals & presented at conferences have demonstrated the efficacy of ThunderEase. Pet behavior is often complicated and all dogs and cats are unique, so results may vary. For best results, use for a full 30 days. If additional behavior modification is needed, seek advice from your veterinarian or professional trainer. ThunderEase may be used in conjunction with medications or other treatments (like ThunderShirt!).

For dogs up to 26 lbs - 1 chew; For dogs 27-50 lbs - 2 chews; For dogs 51-99 lbs - 4 chews; For dogs 100 lbs and more - 6 soft chews. Wait at least half an hour before going swimming.

For cats up to 5 lbs, one soft chew daily. Over 10 lbs, one soft chew daily per 5 lbs of body weight. Do not exceed 7 consecutive days at at time.

If your pet consumes more than the recommended amount of ThunderWunders, we recommend keeping a close eye on them for several hours. If you notice any unusual behavior or symptoms, please contact your veterinarian immediately.

Some cats are sensitive or allergic to essential oils, so we do not recommend ThunderEssence for use with cats.

With reasonable precautions… Yes! With the drops, simply put 2-3 drops on the palm of your hand, rub your hands together and then massage into your dog’s fur around the neck area. With the spray, simply apply 1 or 2 pumps of spray onto the dogs back around the shoulder blades and then massage into the fur with your hands. NEVER apply ThunderEssence near your dog's eye, nose, or mouth area.

You can also apply it to clothing like bandanas or a ThunderShirt, collars, pillows, bedding, couches, car seats, kennels, and more!

Essential oils have been broadly studied for calming effectiveness on humans and a few limited studies have indicated good results with dogs. However, with wide ranging use over many decades, the observed results reported by pet families are hard to refute!

The typical application of the drops or spray should last 4 to 8 hours.

Our ThunderEssence is now available to diffuse with our new ThunderCloud Sound Machine and Essential Oil Diffuser!

Yes! The ThunderCap has a sheer fabric panel that sits over the dog’s eyes, similar to wearing a veil, which reduces their vision by about half. This effectively reduces the stimuli received by the dog, greatly helping to calm them in situations caused by visual cues like travel anxiety or reactivity to other dogs or people.

Yes! The ThunderCap has an elastic opening to fit around the dog’s muzzle which allows them to eat and drink normally.

ThunderCap is an ideal calming and training solution for dogs that are reactive to either other pets or humans. Many dog trainers will use the ThunderCap while working with reactive dogs.

Yes! The ThunderCap reduces the detail in the dog’s vision, which helps to prevent over-stimulation and motion sickness in the car.

ThunderCap has used by vets and groomers all over the country for many years for just this purpose! Dogs who are anxious when grooming form associations with the tools used, just like they do with their food bowl or leash. By reducing the visual impact of these tools, you can take the hassle and anxiety out of grooming for both you and your pet!

ThunderLeash is a positive-based training solution. When leash pulling is a concern, ThunderLeash can be converted easily into a “no pull” harness by simply wrapping around the dog’s torso using its innovative, patented hardware design. The safety buckle adjusts to prevent any uncomfortable pressure for hard-pulling dogs. When a dog pulls, ThunderLeash snugs up on the torso, providing immediate, consistent and safe feedback to the dog. This feedback is excellent for combining with other positive-based training techniques for teaching proper leash manners.

ThunderLeash is absolutely a positive-based solution. When properly used, it does not cause any discomfort. ThunderLeash’s safety buckle ensures that ThunderLeash will only apply safe pressure to a dog’s torso. The pressure is very similar to how harnesses work with Martingale loops… When a dog pulls, the loop snugs up a little, but the range is very limited. This safe pressure provides immediate, consistent feedback to the dog whenever she pulls. Perfect for combining with other positive-based training techniques for teaching proper leash manners.

For most cases, no training is necessary. Just put the ThunderLeash onto your dog and you will likely see improvement in leash pulling. The ThunderLeash can also be used in conjunction with the ThunderShirt for added benefits. For some more severe cases, you should consult a good trainer on how to integrate the ThunderLeash into a training program.

Adjust the Slack Buckle until ThunderLeash stays loosely against your dog’s torso without tension on the leash. You should be able to easily slide two fingers between the leash and your dog’s chest when your dog is not pulling. Adjust the Safety Buckle to prevent too much pressure from being applied when the dog pulls.

ThunderLeash exceeds the industry guidelines for strength and safety for the recommended weight ranges by size. We have limited the weight range at 100 lbs for the large ThunderLeash to stay within our safety targets.

D-A-D offers all the features of a regular retractable with one key difference: Unlike other retractables, you can set the maximum retractable length anywhere from 0 to 15 feet. Within the length you choose it retracts and extends like a regular retractable. And you still can use the thumb brake when needed. But whenever your dog extends to the max you set, D-A-D autobrakes! D-A-D will always keep your dog within a safe range, even during those inevitable distractions on a walk. It’s like having 15 different retractables in one unit!

Retractable leashes are not for everyone, but when used properly and safely, they can make walks more enjoyable for all involved…dogs and humans. Dial-A-Distance is the safest retractable leash ever made!

The retractable spring in Dial-A-Distance only maintains very light tension in the leash. Most dogs barely notice it. But if you have a dog with a sensitive neck or are otherwise concerned, we absolutely support the use of a harness with any leash, whether retractable or fixed-length. All of the benefits of a Dial-A-Distance work just as well with a harness!

The retractable spring in Dial-A-Distance only maintains very light tension in the leash, and doesn’t trigger a “pull response” from the vast majority of dogs. But if you are struggling with a “puller”, we absolutely support the use of a harness with a chest D-ring with any leash, whether retractable or fixed-length. All of the benefits of a Dial-A-Distance work just as well with a harness! For PULLERS we have developed the ThunderLeash NO PULL extension that can be easily added to the D-A-D.

But if you have a dog with a sensitive neck or are struggling with a “puller”, we absolutely support the use of a harness with any leash, whether retractable or fixed-length. All of the benefits of a Dial-A-Distance work just as well with a harness! For PULLERS we have developed the ThunderLeash NO PULL extension that can be easily added to the D-A-D.

Not at all! But we recognize that for even the most attentive walker, distractions will sometimes happen. Whether an intrusive phone, a distracting thought, or even just something eye-catching you are walking past. That is the beautiful thing about Dial-A-Distance. After you set the safe range for where you are, Dial-A-Distance will ensure your dog goes no farther, even during those momentary distractions.

We currently offer our Medium/Large Dial-A-Distance for dogs up to 70 lbs. You can use it for very small dogs, but it might feel a little bulky for dogs under 10 lbs.

So easy! Simply press in the Adjustment Dial and turn to your desired length, from 0 to 15 feet. It takes just a couple of seconds. Adjustments can be made in approximately 1 foot increments.

Absolutely! For example, if you set the maximum length to 10 feet, you can still use the manual thumb break to stop extending at less than 10 ft. But at 10 feet, the autobrake will kick in. The manual thumb brake works just like on most standard retractable leashes with a temporary and locked positions.

The Medium/Large D-A-D can withstand over 275 lbs of pull-force!

The easiest, most satisfying connector you’ve ever seen! Makes a two-handed process into a simple one-handed click. Instead of the old bolt-snap, the ThunderSnap uses magnets to pull together with a Snap. No fumbling for d-rings and trying to get the bolt-snap hooked on. No accidentally hooking to the dog-tag ring. Just get the leash-end close to the cap and they pull together. And disconnecting is easier too! Just grab the release slide and pull. It pops right apart. Feels like magic.

No! The strong magnets pull the Snap together, but steel holds it together. When the magnets engage, steel ball-bearings engage with a steel retaining ring. The XL ThunderSnap can hold over 500 lbs.

Absolutely safe! Like any other leash, we recommend periodically checking the cap/snap for any debris, but otherwise, “if it clicks, it sticks!” The red “safety line” is a visual indicator of a problem. But you can also just give a light tug after connecting to confirm you are good to go.

Yes! ThunderSnap works great with any standard collar or harness, including front or rear-attaching harnesses.

So simple! Just pull on the grey-colored “Release Slide” and the ThunderSnap pops apart. It just takes two fingers and a light tug.

By eliminating the lobster claw on the ThunderSnap, the integrated ThunderCollar version is a little more compact.

For convenience, the Caps are intended to be left on your dog’s collar between uses. Whenever you are ready for walk, simply connect the leash-end to the Cap with Snap! and you are ready to go. Spare Caps let you leave caps on multiple collars or harnesses if you use more than one. Or can be used to replace a lost cap.

The ThunderCollar’s buckle is engineered to be stronger than the industry standard, and can hold up to 500 lbs!

ThunderCollar uses a new, easy to use buckle that avoids pinching your dog or fingers when closing or opening. To close, simply place the easy latch top buckle over the bottom buckle and press together. To open, simply click the side buttons and lift up.

For shorter tags, you can easily trim the ThunderCover with scissors to fit the length of your tags.

The ThunderCover is made of durable silicone, and cleans up easily with soap and water!

The ThunderCloud® is a sound machine and an essential oils diffuser. These functions are independent of each other, so you can use them separately or together. ThunderCloud®’s calming essential oils are made from all-natural ingredients and the slow-burning diffuser should last about 30 days before you need to replace the refill. The ThunderCloud® Sound Machine functions have a variety of volume levels and sound options to mask nighttime noises and help you and your pets sleep through the night.

The list of sounds can be found on your instructions from the package. An online version is provided here

Remove the protective cap from the refill bottle. Turn the Diffuser Cap to the unlock position and lift out of the ThunderCloud machine. Twist the Diffuser Cap onto the refill bottle and replace into the ThunderCloud machine. Turn the Diffuser Cap to the lock position.

We do not recommend using any other diffusing liquids in the ThunderCloud®. The ThunderCloud® is only designed to work with ThunderCloud® Refill bottles.

You can set the ThunderCloud® to a volume that is comfortable for you while masking distracting night-time noises for you and your dog.

The ThunderCloud® may be plugged into a standard 120V AC power outlet.

The ThunderCloud has two diffuser settings - high and low. Dogs' noses are much more sensitive than a human's, so even if you can't smell the essential oils, rest assured that they are diffusing throughout your room and providing calming aromatherapy for your dog.