What is Adaptil?
Adaptil is a synthetic version of the dog appeasing pheromone, which is designed to help comfort and calm dogs in stressful situations (1). It mimics the natural pheromones that mother dogs produce and works by signaling safety and wellbeing to a dog’s brain.
The active ingredient in Adaptil is a synthesized analog of naturally occurring dog pheromones. When dogs sense the pheromone, it has an immediate calming and soothing effect. Adaptil helps reduce stress-related behaviors like barking, urination, and destruction in the home (1).
Adaptil works through the Jacobson’s organ, which picks up pheromones. The pheromones are then processed by the dog’s limbic system to produce a calming neurological response. Adaptil helps normalize dog behavior by signaling comfort and security to their brains.
(1) https://www.adaptil.com/us
Benefits of Using Adaptil
Numerous studies show that Adaptil provides a wide range of benefits for dogs including:
Reducing stress and fear – Research shows that Adaptil helps to significantly reduce signs of stress and fear in puppies, adult dogs, and senior dogs. Adaptil mimics the pheromones of a nursing mother dog, creating a comforting, soothing effect.
Alleviating noise sensitivity – Dogs with noise sensitivity or noise phobias can greatly benefit from Adaptil. A study found over 80% success in reducing noise fear responses in thunderstorm-phobic dogs using the Adaptil collar.
Easing travel anxiety – Adaptil collars and diffusers can help dogs who get anxious in the car or have travel sickness. The pheromones provide relaxation during travel and visits to new places.
Aiding training – The calming effects of Adaptil enable improved focus and learning during training. Adaptil makes training easier for fearful or anxious puppies and dogs.
Helping with separation issues – By reducing stress, Adaptil can ease separation anxiety when a dog is left home alone or separated from their owner.
Methods of Using Adaptil
There are three main methods for using the synthetic dog appeasing pheromone Adaptil: spray, collar, and plug-in diffuser. The Adaptil spray can be applied directly to surfaces like dog beds, carrier crates, and car interiors. According to the Adaptil website, the spray lasts around 4-5 hours after application (1). The Adaptil collar releases pheromones when in contact with the dog’s skin to provide constant comfort. Studies show the collar is effective for a month (2). The Adaptil diffuser plugs into an outlet to disperse calming pheromones into the air throughout an entire room, and each diffuser lasts about 4 weeks.
The method chosen depends on the dog’s needs and situation. The spray works well for travel or short-term stressors, while the collar and diffuser provide ongoing pheromone exposure in the home. Talk to your veterinarian about which Adaptil method may be most beneficial for your dog.
1. https://www.adaptil.co.uk/pages/faq
2. https://www.ceva.co.za/Products/Companion-Animals/Dogs-ADAPTIL-R-FAQ-s
Using Adaptil Collars
Adaptil collars work by continuously diffusing dog-appeasing pheromones around the dog’s neck area. The pheromones are released from a tube inside the durable nylon collar and provide constant comfort and calming signals to the dog. According to studies, the pheromones can help relieve stress in puppies and adult dogs in challenging situations (1).
The Adaptil collar contains enough pheromone formula to remain effective for about 4-6 weeks when worn continuously (2). The collars are designed to be lightweight and comfortable for the dog to wear. Once the diffusion tube is depleted, the collar can simply be replaced with a new one.
Owners should check the collar regularly to ensure proper tightness and monitor for any irritation on the dog’s neck. Otherwise, the collars provide an easy, hands-free way to provide constant calming pheromone support wherever the dog goes.
Sources:
(1) https://www.adaptil.com/us/Products/ADAPTIL-Calm-On-the-go-Collar
(2) https://www.amazon.com/ADAPTIL-Calming-Collar-Constant-Anywhere/dp/B000HPVH6O
Tips for Using Adaptil Collars
Proper fitting and placement of the Adaptil collar is important for it to be effective. According to Adaptil, you should check the fit regularly to ensure it is not too tight or loose. You should be able to fit one or two fingers comfortably underneath the collar without it being constrictive.
The collar should be worn snugly around your dog’s neck to ensure proper contact with the skin. As mentioned on the Adaptil FAQ page, your dog’s body heat activates the pheromones when the collar is touching the skin.
It’s also important to store unused Adaptil collars correctly, as noted in this Adaptil blog post. Unused collars should be kept in the sealed bag and refrigerated to maintain freshness. Do not freeze or expose to direct sunlight. Following proper storage procedures will help keep the pheromones active.
Studies on Adaptil Collars
Several studies have examined the efficacy of Adaptil collars in reducing stress and anxiety in dogs. One study published in Applied Animal Behaviour Science looked at the effects of Adaptil collars in reducing sound-induced fear and anxiety (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4602264/). The researchers found the Adaptil collar resulted in a significant reduction in clinical signs of anxiety during noise exposure compared to a placebo collar.
Another study published in Veterinary Evidence evaluated whether Adaptil collars can reduce stress in shelter dogs (https://veterinaryevidence.org/index.php/ve/article/download/421/674?inline=1). The results were mixed, with one study showing reduced vocalization in shelter dogs wearing Adaptil collars, while two other studies showed no significant difference compared to placebo. More research may be needed to fully evaluate efficacy in shelter settings.
Overall, the initial studies on Adaptil collars suggest they may help reduce signs of stress and anxiety in response to loud noises or other stressors. However, more research is still needed to fully demonstrate their efficacy across different scenarios.
Benefits of the Collar Method
Using an Adaptil collar provides a convenient leave-on option for administering the pheromone. Owners simply need to attach the collar and it will continuously release the calming pheromone near the dog’s nose where it can be inhaled (1). This provides constant support without the need for reapplication.
The collar is also a highly portable format, making it ideal for travel or visits. Owners can take the calming benefits of Adaptil with them wherever they go with their dog, helping provide consistency in calming during transitions to new environments. Studies show the pheromone collar can reduce stress behaviors in puppies during travel and help make dogs feel more comfortable when staying in places like boarding kennels or the veterinary clinic (2).
Overall, the leave-on collar provides a low-maintenance way to administer Adaptil’s calming pheromone benefits in any situation or location.
Sources:
(1) https://www.adaptil.com/us/Products/ADAPTIL-Calm-On-the-go-Collar
(2) https://blog.adaptil.com/ca_en/the-benefits-of-adaptil-calming-pheromone-dog-collars
Potential Downsides of the Collar
While adaptil collars have many benefits, there are some potential downsides to consider before using them. The most obvious is the cost of having to replace the collar monthly (Walkervillevet1, 2022). The pheromones start dissipating within about 30 days, so a new collar will need to be purchased if you want continued benefits. This can add up over time. Another downside is that some owners feel a diffuser may be better suited for home use (Entirelypets, 2022), as the diffuser fills the entire living space continuously with calming pheromones. The collar only benefits the dog when worn.
While the collar is convenient for on-the-go anxiety relief, some owners prefer the constant dispersion of a diffuser at home where most of the stress triggers exist. The diffuser may provide more complete relaxation. However, the collar can certainly still be beneficial when paired with a diffuser.
Who Should Use Adaptil Collars
Adaptil collars can be very beneficial for certain dogs that tend to experience higher levels of anxiety or stress. Dogs that may benefit from using an Adaptil collar include:
- Dogs that exhibit signs of separation anxiety when left alone
- Dogs that are fearful of loud noises like thunder, fireworks, or construction sounds
- Dogs that get anxious in stressful situations like car travel, going to the vet or groomer, or boarding
- Dogs that have trouble settling down and relaxing
- Puppies that are adjusting to a new home or environment
- Older dogs experiencing cognitive dysfunction or confusion
The pheromones released by the Adaptil collar can help provide comfort and reassurance for dogs in stressful circumstances. The collar allows the pheromones to work continuously, helping keep dogs calm whenever they are wearing it. Studies have shown Adaptil collars to be effective at reducing signs of stress and anxiety in dogs in a variety of situations (source).
While Adaptil collars are very safe, it’s always best to consult your veterinarian before trying any new products, especially if your dog has severe anxiety issues. But for many dogs experiencing mild to moderate stress or anxiety, Adaptil collars can be an easy and convenient option to help them stay calm and relaxed.
Conclusion
Adaptil collars can be a beneficial option for dog owners looking for a way to comfort and calm their anxious pups. The pheromone released by the collar mimics natural chemicals from nursing mom dogs that provide a soothing effect. Studies have shown Adaptil collars can help reduce stress behaviors like barking, chewing, and inappropriate urination in the home. The convenience of the collar method allows the pheromones to work whenever your dog wears it. While the collar may not be right for all dogs, it’s a drug-free solution that can be effective for mild to moderate anxiety and fear issues. For many pet parents, Adaptil collars are an easy way to help dogs feel more relaxed without any side effects. Just make sure to monitor your dog’s behavior and switch collar types if any skin irritation occurs.