My view: the results could have been different if dogs who suffer from separation anxiety were used instead. However, separation anxiety is usually severe by the time a vet is consulted, so I am not surprised that a mild treatment like DAP had no measurable effect. Of course, it is harmless to try as long as it’s not used instead of a more effective remedy. Adaptil For Barking

About: This long-lasting calming colla r from CPFK is another great option. And because it may help soothe Spot for up to 60 days, it’s a bit more cost-effective and convenient than some other options. This adjustable 25-inch collar should fit most furry friends and dispenses pheromones along with chamomile and lavender scents. My view: although the study has some statistical problems 2, it seems likely that the effect is real. Just a warning though: barking is a complex problem, and Adaptil would probably only help in those dogs where it is caused by anxiety. Adaptil For Firework & Thunder Phobia Levine, E. D., Ramos, D., & Mills, D. S. (2007). A prospective study of two self-help CD based desensitization and counter-conditioning programmes with the use of Dog Appeasing Pheromone for the treatment of firework fears in dogs (Canis familiaris). Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 105(4), 311-329 There is only minimal evidence that Adaptil helps dogs with sound‐induced fear and anxiety. Two very problematic studies (discarded 5,8) are often quoted but neither are placebo-controlled, and both use other treatments simultaneously. Having an anxious furry friend can be challenging for pet parents. Thankfully, there are several tools that can be used to help ease canine anxiety.So far, pheromones have proven to be the most effective method to deal with anxiety in dogs. DAP has been shown to be effective in tons of different stressful situations, like: For this reason, I have discarded 8 studies ( listed below) that all found benefit without comparison to placebo. These are often the same studies being quoted at you to say Adaptil works. You might be surprised by what’s left. Adaptil For Separation Anxiety ALSO READ: 4 Factors That Cause Anxiety in Dogs (According to Research) How Pheromone Collars Reduce Fear and Anxiety in Dogs Gandia Estellés, M., & Mills, D. S. (2006). Signs of travel‐related problems in dogs and their response to treatment with dog appeasing pheromone. Veterinary Record, 159(5), 143-148 Kim, Y. M., Kang, B. T., Gu, S. H., Yoo, J. H., Park, C., Jung, D. I., …& Park, H. M. (2006). Comparison of Acupuncture with Dog-Appeasing Pheromone (DAP) Application in separation anxiety of hospitalized dogs. Experimental Neurobiology, 15(2), 81-87

Pheromones are chemical substances produced and released into the environment by animals that affect the behavior and physiology of other animals. DAP, in particular, is an artificially developed pheromone created to mimic the pheromone mother dogs secrete when lactating that creates a sense of well being in puppies.

Unlike aromatherapy collars, pheromone calming collars have been studied — and these studies have yielded pretty promising results. While more research is still needed, these collars have been shown to reduce fear triggered by sound, help with socialization, and reduce separation anxiety. Combination Collars One study fitted Adaptil collars to puppies attending puppy preschool classes. At various points during the classes, treated puppies showed lower fear, lower excitability and higher learning. In addition, dogs in the DAP groups had a higher degree of socialisation at followup phone calls, compared with dogs in the placebo group. Taylor, K., & Mills, D. S. (2007). A placebo-controlled study to investigate the effect of Dog Appeasing Pheromone and other environmental and management factors on the reports of disturbance and house soiling during the night in recently adopted puppies (Canis familiaris). Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 105(4), 358-368 Adaptil Calming Collar [Best Overall Calming Collar]: This calming collar is one of the best-rated options around, and it boasts both a strong pheromone concentration and lightweight design. Pheromone-releasing collars emit synthetic pheromones that mimic the hormones produced by mamma doggos. We know for sure that pheromones can influence behavior, and several models of this type of collar have been on the market for a while.

A recently performed study shows that dog appeasing pheromone (DAP) collars reduce measured scores of fear and anxiety in dogs. The researchers also found that these collars increased dogs’ use of “hide boxes” in response to recordings of thunder. These findings support the use of DAP collars in the prevention and management of noise-related fear and anxiety. My view: as all of the placebo dogs and then all of the treatment dogs were assessed together, I would not be surprised if the researchers were able to tell which dogs were being treated with DAP and which were not. This is called a detection bias. I will say that intentions were good, and the researchers are well-respected in the field.

The second study 3 pre-fitted Adaptil collars to puppies prior to sale from pet shops. A striking effect was observed where all 32 treated puppies settled within three days. Two thirds of the 34 puppies receiving placebo were either still disturbing their owners in two weeks or only stopped when being allowed into the owner’s bedroom or to sleep with another dog. Tod, E., Brander, D., & Waran, N. (2005). Efficacy of dog appeasing pheromone in reducing stress and fear related behaviour in shelter dogs. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 93(3-4), 295-308 Siracusa, C., Manteca, X., Cuenca, R., del Mar Alcalá, M., Alba, A., Lavín, S., & Pastor, J. (2010). Effect of a synthetic appeasing pheromone on behavioral, neuroendocrine, immune, and acute-phase perioperative stress responses in dogs. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 237(6), 673-681 Thundershirts and Other Tight-Fitting Garments: Many owners have found that tight-fitting garments like the Thundershirt are incredibly helpful for treating anxiety. Some owners allow their pets to wear calming collars all the time, while others only do so before or during stressful occasions.

I think I might now try Adaptil for barking for a short time. She’s a very territorial Australian Silky Terrier, as they all are as a breed, and she barks a lot, persistently and for a sustained period of time at almost any living thing she sees out of the window even when we are home and nearby, and I worry about complaints from neighbours. I’ll monitor her behaviour to see if it has any effect. Placebo control experiments are considered the gold standard for testing the effectiveness of a new drug or therapeutic method in dogs. In a placebo-controlled study, one group receives the treatment to be evaluated (in this case, the DAP collar) and the other group receives a placebo (regular collar).Longevity: You might find yourself using calming collars on a regular basis depending on your dog’s needs. The best calming collars last for about two months, but many last just one month. Sheppard, G., & Mills, D. S. (2003). Evaluation of dog‐appeasing pheromone as a potential treatment for dogs fearful of fireworks. Veterinary Record, 152(14), 432-436 As we mentioned above, there is some empirical evidence that calming collars can effectively reduce anxiety in doggos. We’ve already shared a few such studies, but here are a few more for your consideration: Calming collars are a popular approach among many owners seeking to soothe Spot’s frazzled nerves. But they aren’t the only game in town — there are actually a few other approaches, treatments, and strategies you may want to try: