What is Adaptil?
Adaptil is a synthetic copy of the natural appeasing pheromone produced by lactating female dogs, meant to provide comfort and reassurance. It is available in three forms: collars, plug-in diffusers, and sprays.
The pheromone is designed to reduce anxiety and stress in dogs of all ages and help them feel safe and secure. It can be used in a variety of unsettling situations, like introducing a new dog or baby into the home, boarding or traveling, loud noises like thunderstorms or fireworks, or separation anxiety when left home alone.
The pheromone mimics the one mother dogs produce to reassure and soothe their puppies. By releasing the same pheromone, Adaptil helps trigger calming responses and provides a sense of comfort and stability for dogs.
Numerous studies and pet owners have found Adaptil effective for alleviating anxiety and helping dogs settle down to sleep when used consistently. It does not sedate but rather reduces excitability and restlessness.
How Adaptil Works
Adaptil is a synthetic version of a dog appeasing pheromone. Appeasing pheromones are natural chemicals produced by new mothers to help soothe and calm their puppies. Adaptil works by mimicking this natural pheromone to have a calming and soothing effect on dogs.
According to the Adaptil website, Adaptil is “based on a pheromone released by the mammary glands of the nursing female dog during the first 2 days following birth. This pheromone triggers a reassuring and calming response in puppies.” By releasing synthetic dog appeasing pheromones into the environment, Adaptil can help provide comfort and reduce stress in dogs of all ages.
Multiple studies have shown that Adaptil helps improve dog behavior in stressful situations by activating receptors in the dog’s brain that promote calmness and relaxation. Adaptil is available in various products like collars, plug-in diffusers, and sprays to make it easy to administer the calming pheromone in different environments.
Studies on Adaptil and Sleep
There have been a few studies that have looked at the effects of Adaptil on sleep in dogs. One study published in the journal Applied Animal Behaviour Science in 2010 examined the effects of a DAP diffuser on separation-related behaviors in hospitalized dogs. The study found that over 70% of the dogs exposed to DAP had reduced occurrences of disturbance behavior at night when their owners were absent, suggesting DAP may help some dogs relax and sleep better when alone [1].
Another study published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association in 2008 investigated the use of DAP collars on anxious dogs. While the primary focus was anxiety symptoms, the researchers did note that the DAP collar helped some of the dogs settle down and sleep better at night [2].
While the evidence is limited, these studies suggest Adaptil may have the potential to improve sleep quality and duration in some dogs by reducing nighttime restlessness and anxiety. However, more research is still needed to fully confirm these effects.
Anecdotal Evidence
There are many anecdotal reviews of pet owners using Adaptil for their dogs’ sleep issues. On Amazon, there are over 1,300 reviews for the Adaptil Calm Home Diffuser. Many owners report noticing positive effects on their dogs’ sleep after using the diffuser. For example, one owner said their dog “stopped barking as much or lunging at cars on walks” and was “calmer and happier” when using the diffuser.
However, not all reviews are positive. Some owners feel the diffuser did not help their dogs sleep and was a waste of money. One owner said it made their dog’s separation anxiety worse. Others said they saw no change in their dogs’ sleep patterns after trying the diffuser. As with any product, results seem to vary between individual dogs. Overall, user reviews suggest Adaptil may help some dogs sleep better, but it does not work for every dog. Carefully monitoring your own dog’s response is important.
Optimal Use for Sleep
There are several best practices for using Adaptil to help your dog sleep better:
Timing: Experts recommend using Adaptil in the evening and nighttime hours when you want your dog to sleep. Apply the Adaptil diffuser or spray about 30 minutes before bedtime. This allows the pheromones to start taking effect when your dog needs it most for sleep.
Placement: For the Adaptil diffuser, place it near your dog’s sleeping area or bed. For the spray, apply it directly onto bedding, dog beds, crates, and carriers. Avoid spraying it right on your dog.
Duration: Use the Adaptil continuously at night. For the diffuser, keep it plugged in at all times. For the spray, reapply nightly before bed. Consistency is key so the pheromones have a chance to fully impact your dog’s sleep.
Dosage: Always follow the package directions for proper dosage. Using too much Adaptil will not provide additional benefits.
For best results, use Adaptil nightly as part of your dog’s regular sleep routine. Be patient, as it may take days or weeks for the pheromones to fully take effect and improve sleep. If sleep problems persist, talk to your veterinarian.
Other Tips for Better Sleep
While Adaptil can be an effective way to help dogs sleep, it works best when combined with other methods for improving sleep. Here are some additional tips for helping your dog sleep better:
Exercise – Make sure your dog gets adequate exercise and activity during the day. Tired dogs will have an easier time falling and staying asleep at night. Try to take your dog on a long walk or have a vigorous play session sometime in the afternoon or early evening.
Diet – Avoid feeding your dog right before bed, as a full stomach could make it hard for them to get comfortable and relax. Also be mindful of any foods that contain stimulants like sugar or caffeine.
Light Exposure – Exposure to natural daylight during the day, and darkness at night helps regulate circadian rhythms. Close curtains and blinds at night to make the environment dark and quiet.
Comfortable Bedding – Provide a comfortable dog bed in a quiet area of your home. You can spray bedding lightly with Adaptil for added calming effects.
Soothing Noises – Some dogs find white noise or soft music helps lull them to sleep. You can also try adaptil calming music.
Routine – Stick to a consistent bedtime routine so your dog knows what to expect. This can include things like going outside, brushing teeth, and having a chew toy or puzzle feeder with treats right before bed.
Adaptil works best when combined with lifestyle approaches like these that make the environment and daily schedule more conducive to sleeping through the night. Be sure to also rule out any underlying medical issues that could be disrupting sleep. Check with your veterinarian if your dog continues to have sleep issues despite trying Adaptil and good sleep hygiene practices.
When to Seek Veterinary Advice
If your dog’s sleep problems persist even after trying Adaptil, it’s a good idea to make an appointment with your veterinarian. While Adaptil is quite effective for many dogs, an underlying medical condition could be causing sleep issues that require medical treatment.
Some examples of medical conditions that can disrupt sleep include: canine cognitive dysfunction, painful joints, anxiety, hypothyroidism, and more. A vet will be able to make sure your dog’s sleep troubles aren’t caused by an underlying health problem.
It’s a good idea to take your dog to the vet if sleep problems have persisted for over a week or two despite using Adaptil. The sooner any potential medical conditions can be diagnosed and treated, the sooner your dog will be able to get back to sleeping peacefully.
Adaptil Alternatives
There are some alternatives to Adaptil that can also help calm anxious dogs and potentially aid sleep:
Other calming supplements like melatonin or medications prescribed by a veterinarian can help reduce anxiety. Melatonin is a natural hormone that regulates sleep, so giving dogs a melatonin supplement 1-2 hours before bedtime may help them fall asleep faster and stay asleep.
Natural remedies like CBD oil made from hemp may also have calming effects on dogs. CBD interacts with receptors in the brain that influence things like anxiety. Results vary from dog to dog, so consult a veterinarian before trying CBD oil. Start with a low dose and monitor the dog’s reaction.
Products like calming collars, sprays, and diffusers can provide soothing pheromones without using Adaptil. These products contain different pheromone formulations than Adaptil but work in similar ways. The calming pheromones they emit may reduce stress and help dogs relax and sleep.
Adaptil Safety
According to its manufacturer, Adaptil is generally safe for use in dogs when used as directed. However, as with any medication or supplement, there is potential for side effects or risks. Adaptil is approved for use by the FDA and other international regulatory agencies. Some key points on Adaptil’s safety include:
Potential Side Effects or Risks:
– Very rare cases of lethargy or gastrointestinal upset have been reported.
– No major safety concerns have been identified when used as directed in healthy dogs.
– Puppies, pregnant or nursing dogs should only use under veterinary supervision.
– Some animals may be sensitive or allergic to components of the diffuser.
Approval and Regulations:
– Adaptil is approved for use by the FDA and meets US pesticide regulations.
– The diffuser formulation is approved by the EPA and USDA.
– Adaptil complies with EU regulations on safety and manufacturing practices.
– Independent studies have found Adaptil to be safe for recommended dosages.
While quite safe for most dogs, it’s a good idea to monitor your dog closely when first using Adaptil or any new supplement or medication. Consult your veterinarian if you have any concerns. But overall, regulatory agencies have deemed Adaptil as very low risk when used properly.
The Bottom Line
Overall, the evidence suggests that Adaptil can help some dogs sleep better, but it may not work for every dog. Studies show Adaptil helps increase sleep time and reduce night waking in some puppies and adult dogs (Walkerville Vet). However, the effects seem to be mild and results can vary between individual dogs. Anecdotal reports from owners are mixed, with some seeing significant improvements in their dog’s sleep while others notice little to no effect.
Dogs that tend to have more anxiety, restlessness or react strongly to environmental stresses may benefit the most from trying Adaptil for sleep. Puppies and younger dogs also seem more responsive based on studies. For dogs that don’t respond to Adaptil alone, combining it with other calming techniques and veterinarian advice may help produce better sleep outcomes.