When the Earth Trembles!

This morning the Heavy Earthmoving Equipment and big Roller re-commenced work for the next phase of the construction of the nearby carpark.  Sure enough, Dusty sensed the earth trembling and started to stress.  I quickly got his Thundershirt and put it on firmly to comfort him (actually it is a very firm fit now because he badly needs clipping and it is surprising how much tighter the Thundershirt is now with the longer wool underneath).

Once again I was very satisfied with the results as he quickly calmed down and relaxed back into being his normal self.

The poor little fellow has been so patient over the past four days and has literally spent hours and hours on the bed beside me as I fought off some virus, so now it is my turn to give him whatever comfort I can.  Dogs are such loyal and faithful companions and sense when we are not well, so I am very appreciative of my Dog and his Thundershirt.  

Thundershirt passes Fireworks Test!

Time for an update on the results achieved using a Thundershirt to quell Dusty's anxiety, as mentioned previously in an earlier Post.  Now that the heavy earthmoving equipment has ceased working for the time being, Dusty has been calm and relaxed without having to wear his Thundershirt.  

Dusty wearing his Thundershirt to calm his anxiety

When I read that we were to have three consecutive night's of local Fireworks, I made a mental note to be prepared and put his Thundershirt on in readiness.  Friday night arrived and I forgot!  I was sitting at the computer when the first "Bangs" went off.  Dusty jumped up and was scared and frightened, so I quickly put his Thundershirt on, making sure it was fitted snuggly, and he soon calmed down then got back into his chair and went to sleep.

On the following two nights, I was prepared and got his Thundershirt on before the Fireworks commenced.  He stayed calm and didn't even take any notice of them, so I was pleased with the results and feel that the Thundershirt was a good investment.

Dog Anxiety and Fear

The use of heavy machinery including a roller and compactor during earthworks for the construction of a nearby carpark has brought fear to Dusty's previously peaceful life.  He is just so scared as my house shakes and the windows rattle, while the ground beneath it vibrates.  When he isn't trying to cling to me, he is trying to find somewhere safe to hide, including inside the wardrobe.  If I attempt to leave him home alone, he literally howls! 

Putting him on medication from the Vet was not an option that I wanted to pursue, so I searched the internet for alternatives.  The description of the Thundershirt Dog Anxiety Jacket seemed to tick all the boxes, but I was skeptical as to whether it would really work.  Luckily a friend knows someone who has had success with the Thundershirt, so I ordered that online and waited in anticipation for its arrival.

Also decided to order a soft crate/indoor kennel that he could use for a 'safe house' so he would have somewhere to hide.

By the time the Thundershirt arrived, the use of the heavy machinery had temporarily ceased, but I know there will be a lot more compaction to be done before the bitumen is laid and the job completed in about August.  I introduced Dusty to the new Thundershirt and as instructed, used it as a plate to give him one of the biscuits that came with it. Then I put it on him and it was very noticeable that he soon became much calmer.

Dusty wearing his new Thundershirt

About an hour later, one of my son's arrived and said "The dog is all drowsy", yes, he just wanted to curl up and sleep!  He slept soundly for a couple of hours and was so quiet that I even checked to see if he was still breathing. 

Then I removed his Thundershirt as I thought that was long enough for a first trial.  When another son arrived later, I put it on Dusty again and he quickly went back to sleep again.  It is good to have him calm again and the lull in the use of the heavy machinery has helped too, but the real test of the Thundershirt will come when the vibrations start again.

The soft crate/kennel arrived by parcel post and Dusty was very interested as I unpacked it -- he could barely wait for me to unzip the door so he could get inside.  Blue crates had sold out, so it had to be Red...

Dusty beside his new soft crate/indoor kennel

Dusty inside his 'safe house'

Only time will tell if these two remedies have solved the problem.  I hope so!