Caroline Hearn – MICHT. Dip ICAT Dip MLD
Sports, Remedial & Holistic Massage Therapist
Pressure vests and elasticated body wraps have been in use for many years to assist anxious and fearful dogs and to aid recovery after surgery, injury and neurological conditions.
The effects of the body wraps and the vests work in slightly different ways depending on their purpose of use and what results we are aiming for.
Pressure Vest (Thundershirt etc).
Probably the best known of all the pressure vests is the “Thundershirt” although there are many more on the market today that work on the same principal.
They are predominately used for dogs that are anxious, reactive and fearful of a known source such as thunder, fireworks, loud noises, travelling or separation anxiety.
The reasoning behind the vests is similar to the way that swaddling an infant can bring about comfort and reassurance.
Light compression activates the parasympathetic nervous system to help create a feeling of relaxation.
Once this system is stimulated, hormones such as endorphins, serotonin and dopamine are released bringing a feeling of calm, a reduction in anxiety and lowered heart rate.
It is important to buy the right size of pressure vest, for in order to be effective it will need to be a snug fit. The aim is to provide light pressure which is in constant contact with the body but not so tight that it restricts movement.
For the best results it is vital not only to prepare your dog for wearing one but also to use the vest in a positive way for a period of time before the actual stressful event takes place. Each dog is an individual, so proceed at a pace they are comfortable with.
Wearing the vest should be an enjoyable, stress free event that the dog associates with pleasant experiences. That could involve a few high value treats, light massage techniques, a feeling of security and spending quality time with their owner. Avoid activities that are too stimulating or increase adrenaline, as we are aiming to encourage a feeling of contentment and calm associated with wearing the vest.
The effects of the pressure vest accumulate over time so it is important to carry out the initial introductions when your dog is relaxed and in a state of mind that they can process it as a positive experience. It is also advisable for your dog to wear the vest from time to time to reinforce the feel-good factor when they have it on.
As with the wrap bandages, they should not be left on unattended or for long periods of time, without a break.
If you have a male dog make sure that the wide under belly strap does not cause discomfort near his genitals, as some of the fastenings do extend a long way back in the abdominal area.
Be aware that the Velcro can be noisy when you unfasten the chest and belly straps, so a noise reactive dog will need to be carefully introduced so they are not startled by it.
Body Wrap Bandages:
The use of wide, elasticated bandages such as the “Ace” bandage, can be used as a method to reassure a nervous dog or more often as a useful “tool” in the rehabilitation after surgery or where there has been long periods of immobilisation or recovery from a neurological condition.
They are also useful for preparing a dog to wear a harness or coat, touch sensitive dogs, those that pull hard when walking on a lead and for dogs that lack confidence.
The wraps are commonly used in a figure of eight configuration, making contact with the chest, crossing diagonally over the back and finishing either near the groin or incorporating the hindquarters.
They do need to be fitted correctly so not to cause harm or discomfort and one of the best guides on applying them can be found on the Tellington T-Touch website.
If they are being used for rehabilitation after surgery or illness then it is essential that your vet, physio or canine massage therapist shows you exactly how to apply them according to your individual dogs’ condition.
It is important that the bandage is elasticated, as the sensation of the pressure against the body which expands and contracts with movement, brings about a heightened sense of awareness on just how the dog is using their body.
The self-adherent bandage that you use for first aid is not suitable for this purpose as it can pull on the hairs and is not quick to remove, should your dog become distressed.
The correct use of body wraps works on the proprioceptive system. This is why they are so useful in rehabilitation and re-training of the body, for example, after a long period of compensatory movement due to pain or a previous injury.
Proprioception, meaning “one`s own” is a sense of relative position of neighbouring body parts and the strength needed for movement.
Proprioception plays a large role in co-ordination, posture and body awareness.
We receive proprioceptive input from the sensory receptors in our skin, muscles and joints. When these receptors are stimulated, through touch or pressure, the brain is provided with the information about our body positioning, movement and speed.
The wraps are often used when performing different activities such as walking and trotting over poles placed on the ground and travelling over varying terrain, this gives an awareness of the dogs limb positions, how they are placing them on the ground and the energy that is propelling them forwards.
It can also become apparent that the dog is favouring to push off more on one hind limb or much happier and free moving in one direction over the other. In these cases, it is important to take regular breaks after 5-10 minutes of work with the wraps on as muscles will become fatigued and sore when adapting to a new movement pattern.
Both the pressure vests and body wraps are a great addition to the holistic wellbeing of your dog. However, they do not replace the expertise of a qualified behaviourist or a canine therapist should your dog need additional help in certain areas.