The Thundershirt for dogs size chart is based on chest girth and weight. Sizes range from XX-Small (under 7 lbs, 9″–13″ chest) to XX-Large (over 110 lbs, 37″–50″ chest). Accurate measurement ensures a snug but comfortable fit that calms anxiety. Always measure your dog’s chest just behind the front legs.
Essential Dog Measurements
Measuring your dog correctly forms the foundation for selecting the right Thundershirt size. A properly fitted anxiety vest starts with accurate measurements of your pet’s vital dimensions.
Chest Girth Measurement Technique
The chest measurement stands as the primary factor in determining the correct Thundershirt size. To obtain an accurate chest measurement, wrap a soft measuring tape around the widest part of your dog’s chest, starting from the bottom of the rib cage. Additionally, ensure you measure behind the front legs while keeping the tape snug but not tight against your pet’s body.
Weight and Length Considerations
Beyond chest measurements, your dog’s weight plays a crucial role in size selection. The Thundershirt comes in various sizes based on weight ranges:
- XXS: Under 8 pounds
- XS: 8-14 pounds
- S: 15-25 pounds
- M: 26-40 pounds
- L: 41-64 pounds
For dogs with exceptionally deep chests or thick fur, consider going up one size. Furthermore, the XXS size accommodates dogs with chest measurements between 9-13 inches.
Required Measuring Tools
To measure your dog accurately, gather these essential tools:
- A flexible tape measure
- A ruler
- Alternatively, a piece of string that can wrap around your dog
Should you opt for the string method, first wrap it around your dog’s chest, mark the measurement point, then lay it flat against a ruler to determine the exact measurement.
Complete Thundershirt Size Chart Guide
Understanding the Thundershirt size chart ensures your dog receives optimal comfort and anxiety relief. A detailed breakdown of sizes helps match your pet with their perfect fit.
Size Ranges by Dog Weight
The Thundershirt collection offers multiple size options based on your dog’s weight:
- XXS fits dogs under 8 pounds
- XS accommodates pets between 8-14 pounds
- S suits dogs weighing 15-25 pounds
- M fits pets between 26-40 pounds
- L designed for dogs weighing 41-64 pounds
Chest Measurement Ranges
Although weight serves as a starting point, chest measurements remain essential for accurate sizing. The chest size ranges correspond as follows:
- XXS: 9-13.5 inches
- XS: 13-17 inches
- S: 17-21 inches
- M: 21-25 inches
- L: 25-30 inches
Between-Sizes Decision Guide
Choosing between sizes requires careful consideration of several factors. Generally, if your dog falls right on the edge of a weight range, sizing down offers better results. For instance, a dog weighing exactly 14 pounds might benefit more from a size XS rather than moving up to a small.
The Thundershirt comes in various styles, including:
- Classic Heather Gray
- Platinum Sport
- Fuchsia Sport
- Blue Polo
- Pink Polo
- Camo Polo
- Red Polo
Breed-Specific Thundershirt Size Guide
Selecting the right Thundershirt size becomes straightforward once you understand breed-specific requirements. Different dog breeds possess unique body shapes, affecting how anxiety vests fit them.
Small Breed Recommendations
Small breeds weighing under 8 pounds need an XXS Thundershirt, which accommodates chest measurements between 9-13.5 inches. For breeds like Chihuahuas and Yorkshire Terriers, the snug fit ensures maximum anxiety relief. Meanwhile, small breeds between 8-14 pounds fit comfortably in an XS size.
Medium Breed Guidelines
Medium-sized breeds often present unique sizing challenges. A 13-pound Shih Tzu might experience an odd fit despite falling within the XS weight range. Therefore, chest measurements become crucial for medium breeds. Dogs weighing 15-25 pounds typically wear size S, whereas those between 26-40 pounds require size M.
Large Breed Sizing Tips
Large breeds demand special attention due to their deep chests and unique body proportions. For instance, Greyhounds weighing 75 pounds with a 30.5-inch chest circumference often need size adjustments. Experience shows that:
- A 60-pound Greyhound fits snugly in a Large size
- 73-pound Greyhounds might find the Large size restrictive around the chest
- An XL provides better chest coverage for Greyhounds over 65 pounds
The Thundershirt comes in various styles across all sizes:
- Heather Gray Classic
- Platinum Sport
- Fuchsia Sport
- Blue Polo
- Pink Polo
- Camo Polo
- Red Polo
For breeds with exceptionally deep chests, consider sizing up even if weight suggests otherwise. Moreover, breeds with thick coats might benefit from a larger size to accommodate their fur. Nonetheless, always prioritize chest measurements over breed-specific weight guidelines.
Common Thundershirt Sizing Mistakes
Avoiding common mistakes ensures your Thundershirt provides optimal anxiety relief for your furry friend. Understanding these pitfalls helps you make informed decisions about sizing and fit.
Incorrect Measurement Spots
Several pet owners make measurement errors that affect the Thundershirt’s effectiveness. First, measuring around the belly instead of the chest leads to incorrect sizing. The chest strap should wrap around the widest part behind the front legs, not the belly area.
Another critical error occurs when measuring leg openings. Tight leg holes restrict movement and cause discomfort. The front strap length also causes issues – if it barely connects at the velcro points, the size might be incorrect.
The pressure distribution matters significantly. The torso area behind the front legs requires gentle pressure, yet many owners mistakenly focus on tightening the front chest area. For proper fit, you should be able to slip your fingers under the fabric without straining.
Size Selection Errors
Choosing the wrong size often stems from relying solely on weight measurements. The Sport model maintains its shape better than the classic version. Still, both versions require proper sizing initially.
Common fitting mistakes include:
- Applying excessive pressure when securing torso straps
- Overlooking chest measurements in favor of weight guidelines
- Failing to account for thick fur or unique body shapes
- Using strenuous force instead of gentle stretching
Conclusion
The size chart ranges accommodate dogs from tiny Chihuahuas to large breeds, though special attention remains necessary for deep-chested breeds or those with thick coats. Remember these key takeaways:
- Measure the widest part of your dog’s chest behind the front legs
- Consider both weight and chest measurements when selecting sizes
- Account for unique body shapes and coat thickness
- Watch for common fitting mistakes like measuring incorrect spots
- Allow comfortable movement while maintaining gentle pressure
I’ve loved dogs all my life and have cared for many different breeds over the years. Here, I share simple tips, stories, and helpful advice for all dog lovers. Whether you’re a new pet parent or a lifelong dog fan, you’ll find something useful and fun on my site.
