Even the bravest dogs get scared sometimes. Just ask my pup, Gatsby. While vacuums and the vet are no match for him, his bravery wanes when thunder and fireworks rolls around. These loud booms used to send him into a barking frenzy, as he paced the house to look for the danger. However, those days are gone, all thanks to the ThunderShirt.
ThunderShirt for Dogs

Price: $45.99+ at PetSmart
Buy the Thundershirt for Dogs at PetSmart and you’ll be able to score some solid savings. Enter this PetSmart promo code at checkout and you can get $10 orders of $50 plus same-day delivery.
And if you have a RetailMeNot account (it’s free to sign up!), you can earn 6% cash back on your purchase and anytime you shop at PetSmart from now until March 31.
You can also get the ThunderShirt for dogs at Amazon for very slightly less ($39.95+) than what you’d pay at PetSmart. Although you won’t earn cash back on this purchase, you will get the brand’s famous fast and free shipping.
To see more of our editors’ absolute favorite products, check out RetailMeNot’s new Amazon storefront. In addition to our picks for pet lovers, our Amazon storefront also contains curated lists dedicated to Easter, spring cleaning, and of course, deals (up to 50% off, to be exact!).
What Is the ThunderShirt and How Does It Work?

ThunderShirt is a vet-recommended way to calm and soothe anxiety in dogs, without using medications. Much like swaddling a fussy infant or enveloping yourself in a weighted blanket, this anxiety vest for dogs applies gentle, constant pressure to the body.
Each Thundershirt is made from a lightweight, breathable material that is designed to keep your dog feeling comfortable and calm.
The company promises the result is reduced anxiety in the face of thunder, fireworks, travel, vet visits and even separation anxiety in 80% of dogs. Based on personal experience, Gatsby and I would agree with this claim.
While Gatsby still isn’t the biggest fan of thunderclaps and fireworks, he handles the noise much better with his ThunderShirt. In fact, he loves it so much that he comes running when I tell him it’s time to put on his “brave shirt.” Although some pet owners may gawk at the price, I believe it is a worthwhile purchase. Because if I’ve learned anything as a dog mom, having a calm dog is priceless.
How To Put On a ThunderShirt for Dogs

Putting a ThunderShirt on your dog is easy. The “shirt” contains a series of adjustable Velcro straps around the neck and torso, which allows you to provide a secure, customized fit for your pup in three easy steps:
- Place the Thundershirt on your dog’s back and loosely secure the neck straps.
- Wrap the torso flaps around the chest and secure them with the Velcro.
- Adjust the top flap over the back for a snug and comfortable fit.
All the Types of ThunderShirts Available

As you start shopping, you’ll notice that ThunderShirt comes in three styles. Don’t let the extra options overwhelm you though; they all work the same way. Each features the same lightweight, breathable design that is machine-washable.
- Classic is made of a blend of polyester, spandex and rayon. This option is available in Heather Grey and is what Gatsby wears.
- Sport is 100% polyester and comes in two fun colors, including Fuchsia and Platinum.
- Polo, like Classic, is a blend of polyester, spandex and rayon. It is available in four color options that include Blue, Pink, Red and Camo.
As for the ThunderShirt sizes, the brand makes options for dogs ranging from eight pounds or less to over 110 pounds. At 15 pounds, Gatsby fits perfectly in the small size.
The post From Scary Spring Showers to Summer Fireworks, My Dog and I Swear by the ThunderShirt appeared first on The Real Deal by RetailMeNot.