What is an Adaptil Collar?
An Adaptil collar is a dog calming product that helps relieve stress and provides comfort. It works by releasing synthetic dog appeasing pheromones, which mimic the pheromones produced by a nursing mother dog to comfort and reassure her puppies. According to the manufacturer Ceva Animal Health, Adaptil collars help dogs in stressful situations like:
- Being left alone
- Loud noises like thunder, fireworks, or construction
- Travel
- Visits to the vet
- New environments
- New people or animals in the home
The pheromones are contained in a small vial attached to the collar. They diffuse out continuously providing a calming effect wherever your dog goes. Adaptil collars can be worn indoors and outdoors and the effects last about 4 weeks on average.
According to ADAPTIL, studies show Adaptil products can help improve behavior problems in around 90% of cases when used alongside behavior modification training.
Benefits of Adaptil Collars
Adaptil collars provide a number of benefits for dogs by releasing synthetic dog appeasing pheromones. These pheromones mimic the ones mother dogs produce to calm and soothe their puppies (1). The main benefit of Adaptil collars is that they help reduce stress in dogs. Specifically, Adaptil collars can help dogs stay calm during stressful events like:
- Thunderstorms – The loud noises and flashes of light during storms can frighten dogs. Adaptil collars help keep dogs relaxed and less anxious during storms (2).
- Fireworks – Similar to thunderstorms, the bright flashes and loud bangs of fireworks are distressing for many dogs. Adaptil collars help minimize a dog’s anxiety caused by fireworks (2).
- Travel – Whether traveling by car or plane, travel can be unsettling for dogs. Adaptil collars aid in calming dogs’ nerves when traveling to new places (2).
- Separation – Being left alone can spur anxious behaviors in dogs like barking, howling or destroying furniture. Adaptil collars help ease separation anxiety in dogs when their owner is away (3).
By releasing comforting pheromones, Adaptil collars help create a sense of calm and security for dogs during stressful situations when they need it most.
How Do Adaptil Collars Work?
Adaptil collars contain synthetic analogues of dog appeasing pheromones, which mimic natural pheromones produced by nursing mothers to calm and reassure their puppies. Pheromones are chemical signals that trigger social responses in members of the same species. Dogs have a special sensory organ called the vomeronasal organ that detects pheromones.
When a dog detects the pheromones from an Adaptil collar, it triggers a natural reassuring and calming response. The pheromones help relieve anxiety, fear, and stress in dogs in stressful situations like being alone, loud noises, traveling, or staying in new places. Research shows that over 80% of dogs responded positively to Adaptil collars by exhibiting more relaxed behaviors.1
The pheromones from the collar are released in the air around the dog and absorbed through the vomeronasal organ when the dog sniffs the air or licks its nose. This activates neural receptors that send calming signals to the dog’s brain. The effects are similar to when puppies are soothed by the presence of their mother. Adaptil collars provide constant comfort and reassurance to help dogs stay calm and relaxed.
When to Use an Adaptil Collar
Adaptil collars can be very helpful during stressful or anxiety-provoking situations for dogs. Some common times to use an Adaptil collar include:
- During thunderstorms – The loud noises of thunderstorms can create anxiety in many dogs. Putting on an Adaptil collar before and during storms can help relax your dog.
- Vet visits – Visits to the veterinarian often produce anxiety because of unfamiliar smells and procedures. An Adaptil collar can help make vet visits less stressful.
- Grooming – Being handled and restrained during grooming can cause nervousness. An Adaptil collar may help your dog feel more relaxed during grooming sessions.
- Boarding – Being away from home in an unfamiliar place is very distressing for many dogs. Using an Adaptil collar while your dog is boarded can ease separation anxiety.
- Travel – Car rides and travel away from home are unsettling for many dogs. Putting on an Adaptil collar while traveling can help reduce motion sickness and anxiety.
- Separation – Being left alone at home often leads to separation anxiety in dogs. Adaptil collars can help ease a dog’s stress during times apart.
- Rehoming – Changing homes and families is incredibly stressful for dogs. An Adaptil collar can help ease the transition and anxiety of rehoming.
In general, Adaptil collars can be used in any situation that normally produces stress, nervousness, or anxiety in your dog. The pheromones help provide comfort and reassurance during unsettling times. Always monitor your dog’s response to determine if and when an Adaptil collar could be helpful.
Choosing the Right Adaptil Collar
The most important thing when selecting an Adaptil collar is to make sure you get the right size for your dog. Adaptil collars come in different sizes based on your dog’s neck measurement:
- The small size is for dogs with necks up to 14.7 inches, generally for dogs under 35 lbs.
- The medium/large size is for neck measurements up to 25 inches, for dogs over 35 lbs.
To determine the right size collar for your dog:
- Use a soft measuring tape to measure around your dog’s neck where a collar normally sits.
- Make sure you get an accurate and snug (but not too tight) measurement.
- Refer to the size chart for the Adaptil product you choose to pick the appropriate collar size.
- If your dog’s neck measurement falls between sizes, opt for the larger size.
Getting the properly fitted Adaptil collar maximizes contact with your dog’s skin for optimal effectiveness. An ill-fitting collar may move around too much or not provide full coverage. Take a moment to measure correctly so the Adaptil collar can work its best calming magic on your pup!
Putting On the Adaptil Collar
Putting the Adaptil collar on properly is important for allowing your dog to benefit from its calming effects. Follow these steps when putting the Adaptil collar on your dog:
Make sure the collar is the right size for your dog. It should fit snugly but still allow room for two fingers between the collar and your dog’s neck. This ensures it’s not too tight but also won’t slip off.
Unfasten the collar and wrap it around your dog’s neck. The Adaptil diffuser should sit at the top of your dog’s neck, just behind the ears.
Buckle the collar leaving two fingers’ width between the collar and neck. You should be able to slip two fingers under the collar comfortably. Avoid leaving too much space as the collar could slip off.
Check that you can slide the collar over your dog’s head. If not, loosen it a bit more. It’s important that the Adaptil collar can be removed easily.
Give your dog treats and praise for calmly allowing you to handle its neck and put on the collar. This creates a positive association with wearing the Adaptil collar.
Your dog should now be ready to start benefiting from the calming pheromones released by the Adaptil collar. Monitor your dog’s comfort level and adjust sizing as needed.
How Long Does the Adaptil Collar Last?
The Adaptil collar provides constant calming support for approximately 4-6 weeks, according to the manufacturer Ceva Animal Health. The active ingredient in Adaptil mimics natural pheromones from a nursing mother dog, providing a sense of comfort and reassuring familiarity for stressed or anxious dogs.
Studies show that Adaptil collars are effective for the full 4-6 weeks when worn continuously, with the calming pheromones released at a stable rate over time. The exact duration can vary slightly between individual dogs based on factors like breed, age, and activity level.
It’s crucial to replace the Adaptil collar once its effectiveness starts wearing off, usually around the 4 week mark. Letting the collar go too long without replacement can diminish results. Check with your vet on the ideal duration based on your dog’s unique needs.
For full duration of efficacy, make sure to follow proper use guidelines – keeping the collar snug but not tight on your dog’s neck and not removing it frequently. Adaptil collars provide 24/7 calming when worn properly. Replacing them monthly ensures your dog benefits from steady pheromone release.
Replacing the Adaptil Collar:
One Adaptil collar will last around 30 days, or approximately 4 weeks. However, to ensure continual effects, Adaptil recommends replacing the collar every 4-6 weeks as directed by this Adaptil FAQ.
Adaptil collars contain pheromones that help provide calming effects for dogs. These pheromones dissipate over time and need to be replenished by attaching a fresh new collar. Replacing the collar every 4-6 weeks helps maintain continual levels of pheromones and ongoing calming effects for your dog.
When attaching a new Adaptil collar, be sure to remove and discard the old collar properly. Attach the fresh collar according to the same putting on instructions, ensuring proper tightness and fit so the collar stays in place. Stick to the recommended 4-6 week replacement schedule for best results.
Storing Unused Adaptil Collars
When an Adaptil collar has been open and in use, it will be effective for about 4-6 weeks. However, unused, unopened Adaptil collars can be stored for future use. Proper storage is important to preserve the effectiveness of the pheromones in the collar.
To store unused Adaptil collars:
- Keep the collars in their original sealed packaging until ready to use.
- Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat. Avoid storing in places that may get hot like a garage or car.
- Do not freeze the collars.
- Check the expiry date on the packaging and do not use after this date.
- Once opened, collars should be used within 6 months.
Following these simple storage instructions will maintain the integrity of the pheromones in the Adaptil collar until you are ready to use it to help calm your dog.
Additional Tips for Success
While Adaptil collars can provide calming benefits on their own, you’ll get the best results when using them as part of a broader training program. Here are some additional tips:
Focus on positive reinforcement training. Reward your dog with treats and praise when they demonstrate calm behavior. This will reinforce the relaxing effects of the Adaptil collar.
Stick to a regular schedule. Dogs thrive on routine. Feed them, walk them, and play with them at consistent times each day.
Provide plenty of exercise. A tired dog is a calm dog. Make sure your dog gets adequate physical and mental stimulation.
Consider a calming bed or toys. Pair the collar with other calming products like beds infused with Adaptil’s pheromones.
Use during challenging times. Traveling, loud noises, and new experiences can all trigger anxiety. Having your dog wear the collar during these events can help.
Be patient. It may take a few weeks for your dog to fully adjust to the calming effects of the collar as you train them.
The Adaptil collar is not a magic fix on its own. Use it as one part of a comprehensive training plan to help your dog stay relaxed and content.