What is Adaptil For Dogs?
Adaptil for dogs mimics the appeasing pheromones produced by a dog’s mother to calm her puppies and give them a sense of reassurance and belonging.
This pheromone basically tells your dog, puppy or adult, that everything is alright. The pheromones are specific to dogs and will not have any effect on cats or humans.
When to use Adaptil
Adaptil for dogs can be used to help a puppy or a dog of any age adapt to a new home. It can help with destructive behavior, whimpering, crying at night, soiling in the house and symptoms related to separation anxiety and anxiety in general.
In fact, many veterinarians use Adaptil in hospitals to calm pets while being hospitalized. Changes are often seen in a week. However, there are multiple factors and all dogs are different but it generally takes a month to see results.
You can plug in the diffuser in the room where your dog spends most of its time and replace it every 4 weeks and use the collar when going out on walks, during training or on car rides.
The collar is stewed in pheromones that can relax your dog. It can also help with socialization by calming your pet.
When going on trips, you can apply the spray to a blanket to give your dog some extra comfort.
Be aware that Adaptil for dogs isn’t magic. It will not fix any underlying issues. For example, your dog may be crying or whimpering due to an illness or injury. Speak to your vet. Your vet may locate the problem and prescribe medication instead. Try to identify the source of your dog’s anxiety first.
Pheromones work but sometimes it’s not enough. Your dog may require behavior modification techniques in cases of severe anxiety, aggression, or OCD behaviors in which Adaptil may help.
How to use Adaptil
It comes as a plug-in diffuser, collar, spray and wet wipes. Each of them have their own use depending on the situation.
- The Diffuser can be used to help a dog adjust to a new environment such as a new house or the arrival of a newborn. Must be used 24 hours before any changes are made. Must be used for a minimum of 1 month. For separation anxiety and loneliness, put a diffuser in the room where your dog spends most of its time. For stressful situations such as fireworks, thunder, parties, or social events, begin to use 24 hours prior.
- The Adaptil Collar for dogs can be used for puppy training and socialization. It can also be used as a stress reliever. Use as soon as you get the puppy and continue for the first year of your dog’s life. For crating and boarding, use continuously.
- The Adaptil Spray for dogs can be used for travel or transportation. Re-apply every 4-5 hours. For grooming, spray 8-10 pumps on a bandana before and after grooming.
If there is no reason to use the diffuser or collar, you can remove it especially in peaceful environments to prevent your dog from getting desensitized to it.
For puppies getting used to their new home, it has to be used for a full year. If it’s not needed, don’t use it.
Discover 15 natural ways to calm your dog
Is Adaptil Safe for Dogs?
It is always a smart idea to do some research before trying a new product. On Amazon, it rates 4 stars out of 5 and many users swear by it. The vast majority of pet owners that use Adaptil say it is safe but there are some serious complaints.
One user commented that the top portion of the diffuser turned brown and smells burnt.
Check out Adaptil for dogs reviews here for a better overview.
One user commented that their dog experienced diarrhea and gas.
The user unplugged the diffuser to find out if it was the cause and if the diarrhea stopped. After 3 weeks he plugged the diffuser back in and the diarrhea started again with 3 other users having the same experience.
A television advert was banned due to lack of evidence.
The takeaway is that Adaptil for dogs has its uses, especially in severe cases of anxiety and aggression which may require behavior modification. Try the product to see if it works. Observe your dog’s demeanor and keep an eye out for any physical reactions for the next few days. Remember that all dogs are different and each dog may react differently.
If your pet begins to show symptoms then stop using the product for a few days to see if it goes away. If the symptoms return after trying the product again, then it’s safe to say that Adaptil isn’t for your dog. Speak to your vet to get an opinion.
If its anxiety relief that you’re after, there are many alternatives that you can try. Simple things like calming foods, exercise, homeopathy and even psychoacoustic music designed to calm cats and dogs that you can get from iCalmPet.com. I really like their products. You can listen here for samples to see for yourself.
You can also try Cannabis oil to give your dog natural relief from anxiety together with all the amazing health benefits that come with it.
Click here to discover 15 natural ways to calm your dog
Photo Credit: Maggie Peters Flickr via Wunderstock (license)