I can't really tell if the Thundershirt actually helps Jackson or not. I have not seen a huge difference with the few things I've tried it with, though fireworks have not been one yet. One night we had really bad thunder and he started shaking... put the thundershirt on him and he did stop shaking, but I think the stopping of the shaking was more from the thunder not being as loud more so than the shirt comforting him. Light thunder and storms don't typically bother him thankfully.
But we are going away on Saturday for Fourth of July weekend and on Saturday night there will be fireworks. Last year he flipped out but I had been outside with him when they started, so this year I'll be prepared and be in the hotel when they begin and turn up the tv real loud. I'll also have the Thundershirt. I am just not sure it really makes a big difference in his anxiety behaviors. I've tried it for 3 different things so far. He still goes under the bed when he's scared with or without Thundershirt.
My aunt/uncle's Lab was absolutely horrified by fireworks... she actually took off on the 4th, ran herself so fast, she had a heart attack and died.
I am looking into a calming natural aid for the weekend. I've seen different travel-type things, etc, supposed to ease anxiety, loud noises, etc. Rescue Remedy being one I've seen. I've seen a lot of stuff like this-
Amazon