Many people consider using a spray, plug or necklace of pheromones (DAP) to treat anxiety and your dog's stress However, and despite the fact that their effectiveness has been scientifically proven, the use of pheromones cannot help all dogs equally and is not a substitute for an ethological treatment.
In this article on our site we will try to resolve the most frequent doubts that arise among owners about its use in females, males or puppies. Read on and find out all about Pheromones for dogs with anxiety, are they effective?
Appeasement pheromones, what exactly are they?
The appeasement pheromones, known in English as dog appeasing pheromone (DAP) are a mixture of stress and fatty acids released by sebaceous glands of bitches in the lactation period. They are generally secreted between 3 and 5 days after parturition and are detected through the vomeronasal organ (Jacobson's organ) in adults and pups.
The purpose of secreting these pheromones is primarily soothing, however it also helps to establish a bondbetween the parent and her litter. Commercial appeasement pheromones are a synthetic copy of the original pheromone.
The initial experiment with these pheromones from the Adaptil company began with puppies between 6 and 12 weeks, which significantly reduced their anxiety levels and appeared more relaxed. Use in young and adult dogs remained effective in facilitating intraspecific relationships (of members of the same species) as well as promoting relaxation and well-being.
When is it advisable to use pheromones?
Appeasement pheromones are a help, although not for all, the stressful situations that a dog can suffer. They are a complementary treatment and recommended in the following cases:
- Stress
- The anxiety
- The fears
- Phobias
- Separation-Related Disorders
- Aggressiveness
However, in order for a dog to stop experiencing the behavior problems mentioned above, it is essential to undergo behavior modification therapy which, together with these synthetic substances, improve the dog's prognosis. For this, it is best to go to an ethologist, dog educator or trainer who works positively.
Its use is recommended mainly for its ease of application and the absence of known side effects. According to Patrick Pgeat, specialist in veterinary medicine and ethology, creator of the Adaptil product, it is "an alternative support therapy as well as a preventive treatment in various behavioral disorders". He recommends its use in newly adopted puppies, in the dog's socialization stage, to improve training and as a way to directly improve animal welfare.
Which is more recommended, the spray, the collar or the plug?
Currently only two companies offer this research-backed synthetic pheromone, which are: Adaptil and Zylkene. However, there are other brands on the market that could offer the same therapeutic support.
Any of the three packages is equally effective, but perhaps the plug is more recommended for dogs that need to improve their well-being at home, for disorders related to separation, for example. The use of the spray could be more recommended to reinforce well-being in specific situations and the collar would be for general use.
In any case we recommend consult your veterinarian, ethologist or canine trainer with any questions that may arise about the use of any of these products and we remind once again that it is not a therapy, but rather the support or prevention of a behavioral treatment.
