What is ADAPTIL?
ADAPTIL is a pheromone product designed to help relieve stress and anxiety in dogs. It contains a synthetic version of the Dog Appeasing Pheromone, which mother dogs naturally produce to calm and reassure their puppies. The pheromone has a calming effect and helps dogs feel more relaxed in stressful situations like being home alone, thunderstorms, traveling, or adapting to new environments.
ADAPTIL is available in various formulations including a collar, plug-in diffuser, and spray. The pheromone is odorless to humans but when detected by dogs, it triggers receptors in their brains to produce a feeling of comfort and security. Research shows ADAPTIL can significantly reduce or eliminate stress-related behaviors in dogs.
The active ingredient in ADAPTIL is a synthetic analog of natural dog appeasing pheromone. It mimics the pheromone secreted by a mother dog to reassure and comfort her puppies. ADAPTIL products contain this synthetic pheromone to help provide the same calming and reassuring effect for dogs.
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How ADAPTIL Works
ADAPTIL is a synthetic pheromone that mimics the pheromones produced by lactating female dogs to comfort and reassure their puppies. Pheromones are chemicals that trigger social responses and influence behavior in members of the same species. The pheromones in ADAPTIL are identical to the Dog Appeasing Pheromone (DAP) that mother dogs naturally produce.
When a dog detects the pheromones in ADAPTIL, it activates receptors in the dog’s brain that have a calming and comforting effect. ADAPTIL has been shown to help relieve anxiety, stress, and fear in dogs in challenging situations like being home alone, boarding, vet visits, grooming, thunderstorms, and introducing new pets or people into the home. The pheromones provide reassurance to the dog and signal safety and security.
ADAPTIL is available in various forms including a collar, spray, and diffuser. This allows the pheromones to be continually released and inhaled by the dog to provide ongoing calming effects. Studies have found ADAPTIL reduces crying, urination, destruction, hiding, and clinginess in dogs resulting from anxiety. It helps create a state of comfort and relaxation rather than excitement or apprehension.
By mimicking natural dog pheromones, ADAPTIL can safely deliver the feelings of reassurance associated with a mother’s presence and touch to help dogs remain calm and content. Source
Proper Dosage of ADAPTIL
ADAPTIL products provide synthetic analogues of the appeasing pheromones mother dogs produce to make their pups feel safe and secure. It’s important to follow the recommended dosage amounts to achieve the desired calming effects and avoid overdosing.
For the ADAPTIL collar, one collar is used regardless of the dog’s size and worn continuously for 1-2 months before replacing. For the ADAPTIL spray, the recommendation is 8-10 pumps sprayed 15 minutes before a stress-inducing situation. The area should be well ventilated after spraying. For the ADAPTIL tablet, dosage is by weight – one tablet for dogs 20-30 kg, two tablets for dogs over 30 kg. The tablets should be given 2 hours before the stressful event.
While ADAPTIL products have no known serious side effects, using more than the recommended amount provides no additional benefits and should be avoided. Overdosing on ADAPTIL would expose the dog to an excessive amount of appeasing pheromones which can potentially lead to immune system and organ issues. Always consult your veterinarian if unsure of the proper dosage for your dog.
Signs of ADAPTIL Overdose
Although overdosing on ADAPTIL is rare, it is important to be aware of the potential signs and symptoms. When used as directed, ADAPTIL may cause mild side effects like sleepiness or lack of appetite. However, dogs given too much ADAPTIL can experience more concerning symptoms.
According to research, the most common signs of ADAPTIL overdose include:1
- Lethargy or extreme tiredness
- Sedation or inability to wake up
- Slow heart rate
- Sleepiness or drowsiness
- Loss of appetite
- Vomiting or diarrhea
These symptoms occur because too much ADAPTIL overwhelms the dog’s system. The synthetic pheromones overstimulate receptors in the dog’s brain, causing depression of the central nervous system. This leads to the lethargy, fatigue, and slowed heart rate. An overdose can also irritate the digestive tract, resulting in vomiting or diarrhea.
Owners should monitor their dog closely when starting ADAPTIL. Contact your veterinarian if you notice any concerning symptoms that seem worse than the expected mild side effects. Rapid treatment for overdose is important to ensure the dog’s safety.
Dangers of ADAPTIL Overdose
An overdose of ADAPTIL can lead to toxicity and pose health risks for dogs.
According to Watch Out for This Medication, It’s Too Easy to Overdose, overdosing on pheromone medications like ADAPTIL can cause side effects like vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy. Pheromones like those in ADAPTIL work by mimicking natural calming signals in dogs. When too much is administered, it can overwhelm the dog’s system and cause an adverse reaction.
The exact toxicity threshold for ADAPTIL overdoses is not known, but studies have shown even modest overdoses can induce symptoms like hyperactivity, panting, whining, and agitation in dogs (Pheromones (Dogs, Cats)). More significant overdoses that greatly exceed the recommended dosage can potentially lead to tremors, seizures, and respiratory distress.
While the risks of a fatal overdose are low, especially with prompt veterinary treatment, it’s important for owners to be aware of the dangers and carefully follow dosage guidelines when administering ADAPTIL or similar pheromone products to their dogs.
Treating an ADAPTIL Overdose
If you suspect your dog has overdosed on ADAPTIL, it is crucial to contact your veterinarian immediately. ADAPTIL overdoses can cause serious health issues, so getting prompt veterinary care increases the chances of a full recovery.
When you take your dog into the veterinary clinic, the vet will likely induce vomiting to expel any ADAPTIL still in your dog’s stomach. They may also administer activated charcoal to absorb any remaining ADAPTIL in the digestive tract (https://triangleanimalclinic.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/adaptil-feliway-pheromones-1.pdf).
Your vet will monitor your dog closely, watching for signs of respiratory failure or organ damage. They may utilize intravenous fluids, anti-seizure medications, or other treatments to manage any complications from the ADAPTIL overdose and stabilize your dog.
In severe cases, hospitalization in a veterinary ICU may be necessary so your dog can receive round-the-clock supportive care. With aggressive treatment from veterinary professionals, dogs have a good chance of making a full recovery after an ADAPTIL overdose.
Preventing ADAPTIL Overdoses
Proper dosing of ADAPTIL is crucial to prevent overdose in dogs. Always carefully follow the dosage instructions provided by your veterinarian or on the ADAPTIL product packaging (Pheromones (Dogs, Cats)). Do not exceed the recommended dosage for your dog’s weight. It’s important to use an accurate weight scale to determine your dog’s weight before administering ADAPTIL.
Monitor your dog closely after administering ADAPTIL, especially when first starting treatment or adjusting dosages. Look for any signs of lethargy, lack of coordination, vomiting, diarrhea or other concerning symptoms that could indicate overdose. If you notice anything abnormal, contact your veterinarian right away.
Keep all ADAPTIL products safely out of reach of children and pets. Make sure your dog cannot access or chew on ADAPTIL collars, plug-ins or sprays, which could lead to overdose. Providing proper supervision is key to preventing accidental overdoses.
Consult with your veterinarian if you have any concerns about proper ADAPTIL dosing for your dog. Careful usage and monitoring can help avoid potentially dangerous overdoses.
Other Pheromone Overdoses
Overdosing on other dog pheromones can result in similar symptoms as an ADAPTIL overdose. Pheromones like DAP (Dog Appeasing Pheromone), Feliway (for cats), and Comfort Zone (for cats) work in the same way as ADAPTIL by mimicking natural pheromones.
An overdose of these synthetic pheromones can potentially cause anxiety, restlessness, panting, shaking, and other signs of stress in pets. The main similarity is that all these pheromone products are meant to have calming effects, so taking too much can overstimulate the pet.
However, there are some differences between pheromone types. For example, ADAPTIL is specifically for dogs, while Feliway and Comfort Zone are formulated for cats. The pheromones in each product are tailored to the intended species. Overdosing would generally only occur if too much of one specific product is used.
Additionally, the concentration and delivery method differs between pheromone products, which affects the potential for overdose. Diffusers generally pose a lower risk than sprays applied directly on the pet’s coat. With proper dosage and application, pheromone products are very safe, but overdoing any synthetic pheromone can cause unintended effects.
When to Use ADAPTIL
ADAPTIL is recommended for helping dogs deal with stressful situations or changes in their environment where they may exhibit anxious behaviors. It should not be used as a standalone treatment but can be a helpful supplement when used under the guidance of a veterinarian. Some common recommended use cases for ADAPTIL include:
New environments – ADAPTIL can help a dog adjust to a new home, boarding facility, shelter environment, or other new surroundings.
Travel – Using ADAPTIL during car travel may help anxious dogs stay calm.
Loud noises – Fireworks, thunderstorms, construction sounds and other loud noises can cause stress. ADAPTIL may help dogs cope.
Vet visits – The unfamiliar smells and sounds of a veterinary clinic can be frightening for dogs. Applying ADAPTIL prior to vet visits can promote relaxation.
Grooming – Being handled, blown dry, or getting nails trimmed can make grooming stressful. ADAPTIL may help dogs handle grooming better.
Meeting new people/animals – Introducing a new baby, pet, or having visitors can be unsettling. ADAPTIL can reduce excitability and fear.
Separation anxiety – Dogs with separation anxiety may benefit from using ADAPTIL when left alone.
Always consult your veterinarian before using ADAPTIL to determine if it may help your dog in a specific situation. Follow dosage instructions carefully and monitor your dog’s response. While generally safe when used as directed, your vet can best advise you on using ADAPTIL with your dog.
Alternatives to ADAPTIL
While ADAPTIL can be an effective calming aid for anxious dogs, some pet owners may want to consider alternative options. Here are some other common calming products and techniques to try:
Other Pheromone Products
Similar to ADAPTIL, there are other synthetic pheromone products like Feliway for cats and Comfort Zone for dogs. These can come in diffusers, sprays, or collars. Some find these work better for their pet’s specific needs. However, ADAPTIL is the original patented pheromone formula with the most research behind it.
Natural Supplements
Products like Zylkene contain calming compounds to reduce stress. These over-the-counter capsules or chews can be more affordable than pheromones. However, pet owners should consult a vet, as supplements can interact with medications.
Prescription Medication
For severe anxiety, a vet may prescribe dog-safe anti-anxiety medication like fluoxetine or clomipramine. These are very effective but should be used cautiously under veterinary supervision. Medication side effects are also a downside.
Training and Behavior Modification
Working with a professional trainer or behaviorist allows customized training to address the root cause of a dog’s anxiety. This takes more time and effort for the owner but can provide lasting benefits beyond temporary anxiety relief.
Ultimately there are many approaches to try before or instead of ADAPTIL. Consulting your veterinarian will help determine the best solution for your dog’s needs.