Do Dog Calming Collars Work and What Are the Best Options

Dog calming collars have been gaining popularity as a non-pharmacological solution to help anxious dogs. These collars emit a calming pheromone that mimics the scent mother dogs produce to calm their puppies.

Research suggests that dog calming collars can be effective in reducing anxiety in dogs, with some studies showing a significant decrease in stress levels. The calming pheromone, known as Dog Appeasing Pheromone (DAP), is a synthetic version of the natural pheromone that mother dogs produce.

Some dog owners have reported positive results with dog calming collars, citing reduced barking, panting, and destructive behavior in their dogs. However, it's essential to note that these collars may not work for every dog.

The best dog calming collars are often those that combine multiple calming techniques, such as pheromones and calming music. These collars can provide a more comprehensive approach to calming anxious dogs.

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Pheromones are odorless, invisible, chemical signals emitted by dogs when they feel certain emotions.

Dogs have powerful receptors that allow them to detect pheromones from other dogs, and even from humans. This is why they often seem to know how we're feeling.

These chemical signals convey information and trigger various emotional and behavioral responses in other dogs, influencing aspects of canine behavior like bonding and territorial marking.

Canines have a unique ability to detect human pheromones, which is why they often sense our emotions so accurately.

Dogs release different kinds of pheromones in response to various circumstances, such as nearby danger or readiness to mate.

Calming collars for dogs work by releasing synthetic pheromones into the environment, mimicking the reassuring presence of a lactating mom.

These pheromones, known as Dog Appeasing Pheromones (DAP), remind dogs of their mother's comforting presence and can reduce anxiety and trigger a sense of comfort.

By emitting these pheromones, calming collars provide a constant reminder of safety and nurturing, helping dogs feel more at ease in stressful situations.

The synthetic pheromones released by calming collars are designed to mimic the natural pheromones that dogs' mothers produce to calm their pups.

By wearing a calming collar, your dog can benefit from the same reassuring presence that they would experience with their mother.

For another approach, see: What Scents Are Calming to Dogs?

Pheromone products are a type of calming aid for dogs that mimic the natural pheromones produced by your dog. They're extremely low-risk and safe for use around other pets and family members.

Pheromone products are species-specific, so they won't affect other species or people. This makes them a great option for households with multiple pets or young children.

There are various forms of pheromone products available, including plug-in diffusers, treated collars, and spray bottles. These products can be used in different ways to promote your dog's well-being.

Here are some common types of pheromone products:

Calming pheromone sprays offer a versatile solution for on-the-spot relief. They can be applied directly to your dog's bedding, favorite resting spot, or in their crate for travel.

Pheromone products can be used in conjunction with other calming aids, such as ThunderEase Calming Collars. These collars are activated by your dog's body heat and release calming pheromones to help reduce stress and anxiety.

For another approach, see: Should I Take My Dog's Collar off at Night?

Adaptil is a brand of dog calming collars that use synthetic pheromones to help reduce anxiety and stress in dogs. These collars have been studied in various contexts, including barking, firework and thunder phobia, and puppies crying at night.

One study found that Adaptil collars reduced the intensity of barking in dogs exposed to a person walking by or a friendly person. The average loudness of barking was reduced compared to placebo, but peak loudness remained unchanged.

For puppies crying at night, two studies found positive effects of Adaptil collars. In one study, purebred puppies that received Adaptil collars cried for a median of three nights, compared to nine nights for those in the placebo group. In another study, all 32 puppies that received Adaptil collars settled within three days, while two thirds of the 34 puppies in the placebo group continued to disturb their owners.

A potential conflict of interest exists in the pet shop studies, as the owner of the company that produces Adaptil was a coauthor. However, the study design appears sound, and the results are hard to ignore.

Related reading: Do Shock Collars Work for Barking

Adaptil collars may be particularly effective for Gundog breeds, such as Labrador Retrievers, Weimaraners, and Spaniels, as well as pet shop puppies. These dogs may experience higher levels of anxiety due to factors such as translocations, lack of a home environment, and time spent in a shop.

Here's a summary of the Adaptil products that have been studied:

Adaptil collars, diffusers, and sprays are designed to mimic the calming pheromones that mother dogs produce to calm their puppies.

Some users have reported positive results with Adaptil collars, such as a decrease in barking and anxiety in dogs.

However, a review of Adaptil for anxious dogs notes that there is only minimal evidence that Adaptil helps dogs with sound-induced fear and anxiety.

A study on Adaptil for firework and thunder phobia found that a DAP collar reduced global measures of anxiety and active signs of anxiety in normal dogs exposed to thunder sounds.

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But the study's experimental schedule may have introduced a detection bias, making it difficult to determine the effectiveness of the treatment.

Pheromone products can be used to help dogs with stress and anxiety, and are commonly used for dogs experiencing separation anxiety, behavioral challenges, and noise phobias.

Some common indicators of stress and anxiety in dogs include panting, pacing, and destructive behavior.

Here are some ways to use pheromone products for dogs:

The ThunderEase Calming Collar is a simple yet effective solution for dogs experiencing stress and anxiety. It's activated by your dog's body heat and releases calming pheromones.

The collar is designed to be worn in conjunction with a normal collar and should be kept on your dog at all times, except when bathed or exposed to significant amounts of water. Most pet parents will begin to see results within 7 days and one collar lasts up to 30 days, so you should replace it every 4 weeks for maximum calm.

You'll want to tighten the collar snugly so it fits against your dog's body, but leave it loose enough so you can slide one to two fingers underneath. The collar will stop diffusing if wet, but will begin working again once it's dry.

ThunderEase Calming Collar is a great option for dogs who experience stress during travel, vet visits, or thunderstorms. It can be used in conjunction with the ThunderShirt for extra calming and is also helpful for dogs with separation stress or fear of sudden or loud noises.

Valerian is a plant that may help pets sleep through the night and may ease anxiety.

One study found that pet parents reported valerian in a diffuser reduced the intensity of anxiety-related behaviors, but not the frequency.

It may take several weeks before pet parents can see any therapeutic effect from using valerian products.

Explore further: Do Dog Anxiety Vest Work

Alpha-Casozepine is a lactose-free derivative of a protein in cows' milk that helps reduce anxiety in dogs by acting on GABA, the main inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain.

It has been shown to potentially reduce anxiety and fear of strangers in dogs.

Some research studies suggest that Alpha-Casozepine can be an effective natural calming option for dogs.

Alpha-Casozepine is found in Zylkene, a product that comes in capsules that can be given whole or opened and mixed with your dog's food.

For puppies, a stuffed toy with a heartbeat and heat pack can provide calming effects when the pet is left alone.

L-Tryptophan is an amino acid that plays a key role in the formation of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that regulates emotions, mood, aggression, and anxiety.

Serotonin is closely linked to fear in dogs, with studies suggesting an association between L-tryptophan metabolism and canine fear responses.

Some veterinary calming diets contain L-tryptophan, which may help dogs cope with stress.

One such diet, which also includes alpha-casozepine, has been shown to help dogs better manage stress.

Valerian is a plant that may help pets sleep through the night and may ease anxiety.

One study found that pet parents reported a reduction in the intensity of anxiety-related behaviors when using a valerian-containing product.

It may take several weeks before pet parents can see any therapeutic effect from valerian.

The Pet Remedy diffuser, which contains valerian, was reported to reduce the intensity, but not the frequency, of anxiety-related behaviors by pet parents.

Dogs can emit appeasing hormones that help calm other dogs, and synthetic versions of these pheromones can be used to create a soothing effect for dogs.

For pet shop puppies, Adaptil collars have shown a striking effect in reducing crying and anxiety, with 32 treated puppies settling within three days.

However, it's essential to consider that some studies may have a potential conflict of interest, and pet shop puppies may experience higher levels of anxiety due to translocations and lack of a home environment.

Pheromones can be used to help dogs adjust to challenging situations, such as introducing a new addition to the family, moving, traveling, or visiting the vet.

Consistency is key when using pheromone products, as regular exposure reinforces the sense of security and well-being you're hoping to provide.

Great for reducing: travel/vet stress, uneasiness in a new home or environment, fear of loud noises like thunder/fireworks, general fearfulness, stress when boarding/kenneling, and separation stress.

If your dog suffers from severe anxiety or stress that doesn't respond to pheromones and other alternative methods, consider speaking to your veterinarian about anti-anxiety medications.

Some calming products, like ThunderEase, mimic the calming pheromone that a mother dog emits while nursing her puppies, helping your dog to feel calmer and more comfortable in stressful situations.

While some dogs may get relief from dog appeasing pheromones, others may not see much effect, so it's essential to combine pheromones with other approaches like positive reinforcement, situational avoidance, regular exercise, and mental stimulation for increased effectiveness.

Pheromone products are not a one-size-fits-all solution, and it's crucial to work with your veterinarian to determine the best approach for your dog's specific needs.

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