Dog Appeasing Pheromones

For dogs that suffer the misery of phobias, or panic attacks, there is a fascinating, revolutionary new development. Pheromone therapy has been found to be very successful in the fight against stress and phobias experienced by many dogs.

Pheromones are natural chemicals that occur within animals, and are responsible for affecting behaviour. They are taken in through the dog's nasal passage and have an effect on the part of the brain, which is linked to the dog's emotions.

Scientists have found that bitches produce a calming pheromone from 3-5 days after giving birth. These pheromones give the puppies a message of constant reassurance and safety. This pheromone has recently been developed into a synthetic form that can be used as a plug in diffuser for use in the dog's home.

For the first time we are able to recognise and understand how we can produce natural calm for our dogs in times of stress and anxiety. By identifying the calming pheromone and replicating the feeling of well being passed on from a mother to her puppies, we can help more dogs overcome their fears.

Many veterinary professionals, who are also dog owners, have tried this treatment out on their own animals, and found it made a great difference in treating noise phobias.

One Border collie owner discovered the benefits of the DAP Diffuser. Her dog was showing symptoms of phobia, by trying to dig her way out of rooms, shaking, panting and salivating, as soon as she heard distant sounds of fireworks. The DAP unit was plugged in two weeks before the firework season, and there was an immediate difference. The dog was panting and shaking less, the salivation stopped completely, and she became less sensitive to the noises. She was even able to go out on walks.

TV vet Fiona Green has also used the DAP with her clients' dogs to excellent effect. One owner reported that the change in her dog was amazing, "she was so chilled out"

A study, soon to be published, reveals that 30 dogs, who showed signs of fear, in response to the sight and sound of fireworks, were exposed to continuous use of the dog appeasing pheromones. All experienced a reduction in the severity of their symptoms. Used for at least two weeks in advance of the main fireworks events, the DAP was able to lower the dogs' anxiety levels significantly.

One owner with six dogs was suffering from continuous reactive barking. One dog would set all the others off. When she plugged in the DAP she had almost immediate results in much lessened barking, and more relaxed dogs. She can tell when the pheromones are running out, as the dogs become "barky" again. She now always keeps a refill on hand, for a peaceful life.

Another owner reported that her dog slept all through a thunder storm when the DAP was used. She said that this was the first time that this had ever happened.

The dog appeasing pheromone is certainly an exciting new development that can be used to great effect, to combat stress problems that have troubled dogs and their owners for many years. It is set to be an effective treatment for many emotional strains that our dogs face in their lives.

If you are still having difficulties, you may need expert help from a behaviourist, who can provide you with more detailed advice and guidance.

Please ring us if you have any questions, or see our website www.k9centre.co.uk

Carol Martin (AACC)
Edmiston House
Nethermill
DUMFRIES
DG1 3NG
Tel: 01387 860322

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