Does your dog suffer from anxiety? Are they afraid of loud noises from fireworks or thunderstorms? Do they cry or display destructive behaviors when they are left home alone? If this sounds like your pup, a pheromone spray for dogs may help to ease some of their anxiety.
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Related: Noise Cancelling Earmuffs For Dogs, Best Calming Treats For Dogs With Anxiety
What Are Pheromones?
Pheromones are odorless chemicals released by members of the same species to signal “everything is ok”.
A nursing mother will release Dog Appeasing Pheromone (DAP) to signal to her puppies that they are safe and belong with her.
Pheromones are species specific, therefore, only dogs can sense pheromones released by dogs.
What Is A Pheromone Spray For Dogs?
A pheromone spray for dogs uses synthetic or man made chemicals to mimic the dog appeasing pheromone released by nursing mothers.
Why Should I Use A Pheromone Spray For Dogs?
If your dog suffers from anxiety, a pheromone spray can help calm them and feel more at ease with the situation that is causing them their anxiety. Examples include:
- Moving to a new home.
- Thunderstorms.
- Fireworks.
- Riding in the car.
- Going to veterinarian appointments.
- Difficulty getting used to a new baby or pet in the house.
- Separation anxiety.
- Travel.
How Do You Use Pheromone Spray For Dogs?
When using pheromone spray for dogs, it is best to follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Typically, you’ll want to spray an area or blanket 15 minutes before exposing your dog to it. This allows the pheromone time to disperse.
Once sprayed, the pheromones will last approximately 4-5 hours.
Areas you can spray to ease your dog include:
- Cars.
- Crates.
- Blankets.
- Toys.
- Bandanas.
- Collars.
Are There Side Effects To Pheromones For Dogs?
There are no known side effects to using pheromones to help calm your dog. Pheromones are not ingested or absorbed by the body in any way. It is the scent that has its effect on your dog.
Do Dog Pheromone Sprays Work?
The efficacy of pheromone sprays depends on your dog and their situation.
If your dog has mild anxiety, the spray may be enough to help calm them.
If your pup experiences moderate to high anxiety, spray alone may not be enough. They may need a combination of medication, behavior modification, and/or the spray.
It is best to speak with your veterinarian if your dog experiences high anxiety due to various situations to determine the best treatment for them.
How Long Does It Take For Dog Pheromones To Work?
As stated above, when using a pheromone spray for dogs, wait at least 15 minutes for the pheromones to disperse.
How Long Do Dog Pheromones Last?
When using a spray, the pheromones will last 4-5 hours.
Do Dogs Like The Smell Of Pheromones?
Dogs interpret the pheromones as a sign of calmness and reassurance that “everything is alright”.
What’s The Best Dog Calming Spray?
There are several pheromone sprays for dogs available. They are designed to mimic the pheromones released by a nursing dog to her puppies.
Some calming sprays use a combination of calming scents, such as lavender and chamomile, rather than actual pheromones.
You may have to try different types to find one that best suits your dog.
If you are using a spray that contains lavender and chamomile, you may want to spot spray an area to be sure it doesn’t affect any fabric you will be spraying it on. There will also be the possibility that you or your dog may have an allergic reaction to the scent, if you or your pup are sensitive.
Pros:
- Only spray when needed.
- Easy to travel with it.
- No side effects.
Cons:
- Need to wait 15 minutes after you spray for it to be effective.
- Dogs can be sensitive to the smell if it contains ingredients other than pheromones.
- Lasts only a few hours.
Best Pheromone Spray For Dogs
These are some of the best selling pheromone sprays for dogs. Some use synthetic pheromones, some use lavender and chamomile, and others use a combination of essential oils to help ease your dog’s anxiety. True pheromone sprays will only use pheromones to send calming messages.
Adaptil Spray
This spray uses calming pheromones to relieve anxiety.
- Each spray lasts 4-5 hours.
- Spray and let sit for 15 minutes before exposing your dog to the area.
- Uses 8 sprays per application.
- Sends “calming messages” to your dog.
- Made in France.
ThunderEase Dog Calming Pheromone Spray
This spray uses Adaptil combined with alcohol to spread pheromones.
- Can be used to spray objects or areas.
- From the makers of Thundershirt.
- May also be sprayed onto a Thundershirt.
- Contains alcohol.
- Spray and let sit for 15 minutes before letting your dog be around the area.
- Powered by Adaptil.
Check Price At: Amazon, Chewy, Petco
Sentry Calming Spray For Dogs
This spray uses lavender and chamomile to calm your dog and allows for your dog to immediately go into the area it is sprayed instead of waiting 15 minutes.
- Helps calm in stressful situations.
- One spray helps calm anxious dogs.
- Can be sprayed immediately before bringing your dog into the area.
- Uses fragrances of Lavender and Chamomile.
Check Price At: Amazon, Chewy, Petco
NaturVet Quiet Moments Calming Room Spray
This spray has “simulated canine hormones “ in the form of a combination of various essential oils.
- Spray 5 minutes before your dog enters the area.
- Should be sprayed once per day.
- Effective for 8-10 hours.
- For dogs 3 months and over.
- Has simulated canine pheromones.
- Contains:
- Valerian Root Extract.
- Chamomile Extract.
- Rosemary Extract.
- Clove Oil.
Check Price At: Amazon, Chewy, Petco
VetClassics Safety Zone Calming Spray
This spray also contains “simulated canine hormones “ from a combination of essential oils.
- Offers calming support.
- Spray 5 minutes before your dog enters the area.
- Should be sprayed once a day.
- Has simulated canine pheromones.
- Contains:
- Valerian Root Extract.
- Chamomile Extract.
- Rosemary Oil.
- Clove Oil.
- For dogs 12 weeks and older.
- Made in the USA with globally sourced ingredients.
Check Price At: Chewy
Our dogs can experience fear and anxiety at any time. A loud noise or a scary situation like going to the veterinarian can trigger anxiety for your pup. Pheromone spray for dogs can help to ease fear and anxiety your dog may feel towards certain situations.
Please check out our other posts on Health, Indoor, Outdoor, and Travel accessories for your dog, as well as Reviews of various products and travel destinations.