Stress Free At Home—Use of Pheromones
Our pets bring immense joy and companionship into our lives; however, just like us, they can experience stress and anxiety that profoundly affects their well-being. From loud noises such as thunderstorms or fireworks to changes in their environment or routine, various factors can trigger stress in our beloved cats and dogs.
In times of stress or anxiety, pets may exhibit behaviours such as pacing, hiding, excessive vocalisation or destructive behaviour. This is where pheromone products such as Adaptil for dogs and Feliway for cats can make a significant difference.
What Are Pheromones?
Pheromones are natural chemical substances produced by animals, including mammals, insects and even some plants. These chemical signals play a vital role in communication and behaviour within species. Unlike hormones, which are secreted internally and affect the individual's own body, pheromones are released externally and influence the behaviour of other members of the same species.
In the animal kingdom, pheromones serve various functions, including marking territories, attracting mates, signalling danger and establishing social hierarchies. They are detected by specialised sensory organs, such as the vomeronasal organ in mammals, which then relay information to the brain, triggering specific behavioural responses.
When it comes to pets, pheromones play a crucial role in maintaining social bonds, reducing stress, and promoting overall well-being. For example, mother dogs release calming pheromones to reassure and comfort their puppies, while cats use facial pheromones to mark their territory and create a sense of familiarity in their environment.
How Pheromones Alleviate Stress and Anxiety in Pets
By mimicking the natural pheromones produced by animals, synthetic pheromone products create a sense of security and reassurance in pets. When dogs or cats detect these familiar pheromones in their environment, it triggers a calming response, helping to reduce stress and anxiety-related behaviours.
Adaptil for Dogs
Adaptil is a scientifically proven pheromone product designed specifically for dogs to help manage stress and anxiety. Developed by veterinary experts, Adaptil harnesses the power of a synthetic version of the canine appeasing pheromone (CAP), which is naturally released by mother dogs to comfort and reassure their puppies.
Adaptil works by replicating the comforting pheromones that mother dogs emit during lactation, creating a sense of security and well-being in dogs of all ages. When dogs are exposed to Adaptil, whether through a diffuser, spray or collar, they perceive the familiar pheromone scent, triggering a calming response in their brain. This helps to alleviate stress and anxiety-related behaviours, such as excessive barking, whining, trembling or destructive chewing.
By providing a constant source of calming pheromones in the environment, Adaptil can help dogs feel more relaxed and confident, enabling them to cope better with stressful stimuli.
Tips for Effective Use
Place Adaptil diffusers in areas where your dog spends the most time, such as the living room or bedroom, to create a calming environment.
Use Adaptil sprays on bedding, crates or in the car before travelling to help reduce stress and anxiety.
Consider using Adaptil collars for dogs who experience ongoing anxiety or during specific events such as fireworks or vet visits.
Be consistent with Adaptil usage, especially during times of heightened stress or change, to maximise its effectiveness in helping your dog feel calm and secure.
Feliway for Cats
Feliway is a trusted pheromone product specifically designed to address stress and anxiety in cats. Developed by veterinary experts, Feliway utilises a synthetic version of the feline facial pheromone, which cats naturally produce when they rub their face against objects in their environment. This pheromone is a familiar scent that cats associate with comfort and security, helping to create a calming atmosphere in the home.
Issues Feliway Can Address
Feliway is incredibly versatile and can help address a wide range of behavioural issues in cats, including:
Urine Marking: Cats may mark their territory with urine, especially in multi-cat households or when they feel stressed. Feliway can help reduce the frequency of urine marking by creating a reassuring environment where cats feel less compelled to engage in territorial behaviours.
Scratching: Cats scratch to mark their territory, stretch their muscles and maintain their claws. However, excessive scratching can be destructive and may indicate underlying stress. Feliway can help deter cats from scratching furniture or other undesirable surfaces by promoting a sense of calm and contentment.
Multi-cat Tension: Introducing a new cat into a household or managing relationships between multiple cats can be challenging. Feliway can help reduce tension and conflict between cats by fostering a harmonious environment where they feel safe and secure.
Choosing the Right Pheromone Product for Your Pet
Pheromone products are available in various forms, including diffusers, sprays and collars. Each type offers unique benefits and may be more suitable for certain situations:
Diffusers: Ideal for creating a calming atmosphere in the home and providing continuous relief from stress and anxiety. They are particularly effective for addressing ongoing issues or for multi-pet households.
Sprays: Convenient for targeted use in specific areas, such as bedding, crates or carriers. They are useful for travel, vet visits or temporary stressful situations.
Collars: Designed to provide constant exposure to pheromones, making them suitable for pets that are frequently exposed to stressors or for outdoor adventures.
Consider your pet's daily routine, habits and living environment when choosing a pheromone product. Indoor pets may benefit from diffusers or sprays to create a calming environment within the home, while outdoor pets may benefit from pheromone collars during outdoor excursions. For households with multiple pets, diffusers or sprays can help reduce tension and promote harmony among pets.
If you're unsure which pheromone product is best for your pet or if your pet has underlying health concerns, consult with our veterinarians. We can provide personalised recommendations based on your pet's individual needs and medical history.
By considering your pet's stress triggers, lifestyle and individual preferences, you can select the right pheromone product to help your best friend feel calm, confident and content in their environment. If you have any questions please call and speak to one of our experienced team members.
