
Using Dog Appeasing Pheromones (D.A.P) to help with your dog’s anxiety
All lactating female dogs release appeasing pheromones, the function of which is to reassure the offspring. Research has shown that these reassuring properties persist even into the adult stage.
Possible causes of anxiety in dogs
Children/strangers - Some dogs become anxious about strangers, dogs that are not used to children or other visitors may act shy, go into hiding, or even become aggressive.
Loud noises/ thunder storms - Noise phobia may be traced to a particular bad experience of a noise which causes increased anxiety.
Lack of exercise - exercise helps to tire the dog, both mentally and physically, and make them less responsive to fearful things. In addition, exercise has the effect of increasing natural serotonin levels, which can act as a sedative.
Separation anxiety - A dog with separation anxiety becomes abnormally anxious when separated from his owner. Separation anxiety can result in problematic behaviours such as whining, pacing, salivation, barking, howling, scratching, chewing, digging, urinating or defecating.
Moving home/adjusting to a new environment can be particularly stressful for dogs due to the change in environment.
Visiting the vet, hospitalization – is a stressful experience as it is often associated with fear, pain and unfamiliar people and surroundings.
Travelling – can be stressful to dogs due to the confinement and unfamiliar surroundings, the small space and having no access to food and water can heighten this.
What is D.A.P
Dog Appeasing Pheromone (D.A.P) helps dogs overcome fears and stress, and eases the fear of travel. It mimics the natural pheromone produced by lactating females, which promote a sense of well-being and reassurance. Pheromones are species-specific and have no effect on cats. D.A.P is also odorless to humans.
D.A.P. Spray and diffuser contain an analogue of the natural canine appeasing pheromone. The Spray helps comfort puppies and adult dogs in situations they may find worrying or which make them apprehensive (visitors, strangers, vet visits, firework seasons, novel and unpredictable situations).The Diffuser is particularly effective in helping to establish the puppy in a new environment.
How does it work
D.A.P. creates an atmosphere of well-being, calming pheromones communicate a reassuring message to your dog or puppy, reducing or eliminating chewing or other damaging behaviors caused by separation anxiety, thunderstorms, new visitors or other nervous situations. D.A.P. mimics the pheromone the mother dog produces as she is nursing her pups, when your puppy or dog senses this pheromone, even later in life, he is brought back to his peaceful nursing days.
How can it be administered
The D.A.P Diffuser should be plugged into the room used most by the dog, 1 diffuser lasts approximately 4 weeks and refills are available. Please note that more than 1 diffuser may be required for larger rooms.
The D.A.P Spray should be sprayed 15 minutes prior to expected effects and before the dog is introduced into the environment (car/kennel). Effects should last approximately 1 to 2 hours, although each dog will respond differently. D.A.P. Spray can be sprayed directly on bedding, inside cages, indoor kennels or in the car.
The D.A.P. Collar will help control or prevent fear related signs in puppies and adult dogs and can be used for events happening both inside and outside the home. The collar should be fastened around the dogs neck and adjusted, with the excess portion removed. The collar should be worn by the dog at all times, the effects of the collar last up to 4 weeks.
Combining the D.A.P Collar, D.A.P spray and D.A.P. diffuser may provide optimal results for dogs showing indoor and outdoor fears.