The positive effects of Adaptil on puppies cannot be overstated. Adaptil is a drug-free, clinically proven solution from Ceva Animal Health and the creators of DAP (Dog Appeasing Pheromone) that helps reduce the signs of stress and anxiety in puppies. It comes in the form of a collar, spray, or diffuser which helps spread the calming pheromone throughout the puppy’s environment. Common signs of anxiety in puppies can include destructive behaviors such as chewing, whining, barking, and house soiling. Adaptil is designed to reduce these behaviors and help puppies cope with their new environment and challenging situations. In this blog post, we will explore the question of whether Adaptil works for puppies and the benefits of using this product.
Adaptil For Firework & Thunder Phobia
There is scant evidence that Adaptil relieves dogs’ anxiety and fear caused by noise. There are two very troubling studies (discarded 5, 8) that are frequently cited, but neither is a placebo-controlled study, and both use other treatments concurrently.
A more effective study exposed healthy dogs to thunder sounds at 83 years old. 9 dB (thunder itself can be up to 130dB). They discovered that a DAP collar increased use of a den and decreased overall anxiety measures and active anxiety signs. However, have a look at their experimental schedule.
| Study day | Placebo group | DAP group |
| 0 | Baseline thunderstorm (test 0) | |
| 1 | Analysis of baseline thunder test and group assignment | |
| 5 | Collar placement | |
| 6 | Thunderstorm test 1 | |
| 7 | Thunderstorm test 2 | |
| 8 | Full cleaning and eight-hour aeration | |
| 8 | Collar placement | |
| 9 | Thunderstorm test 1 | |
| 10 | Thunderstorm test 2 |
My opinion: Considering that all of the control dogs and then all of the treatment dogs were evaluated concurrently, I wouldn’t be shocked if the researchers were able to determine which dogs were receiving DAP treatment and which ones weren’t. This is called a detection bias. I’ll say that the researchers have respect in the industry and had good intentions.
Additionally, I believe that the effect would not have been observed if dogs with noise phobias had been used (which is not possible for welfare reasons). Find out how to treat dogs who are afraid of fireworks and thunder here.
Adaptil For Puppies Crying At Night
Adaptil collars have been found to benefit newly adopted puppies in two studies. Only Gundogs (primarily Labrador retrievers, Weimeraners, and Spaniels) were found to benefit from collars when they were fitted to purebred puppies in the first 12 studies. Gundogs in the placebo group cried for an average of nine nights compared to three for those receiving Adaptil.
In the second study3, puppies were fitted with Adaptil collars before being purchased from pet stores. The striking result was that all 32 treated puppies found homes within three days. When given permission to enter the owner’s bedroom or sleep with another dog, two thirds of the 34 puppies who received the placebo either continued to bother their owners after two weeks or only stopped.
Although the effect was not as pronounced, the same authors published a later study of the same puppies4 that revealed fewer signs of avoidance and unease when facing unfamiliar people and new environments.
More information about these studies can be found in our article on putting puppies to sleep at night.
In my opinion, the fact that “the owner of the company that produces the commercially available canine and feline pheromones was a coauthor”2 in the two pet shop studies raises a potential conflict of interest. Though the study’s design seems sound and the findings are difficult to ignore, I do believe that this is something that merits consideration.
The purebred study is in partial agreement. Because pet shop puppies are known to experience higher levels of anxiety, this may be the cause of the smaller effect. They speculate that this might be caused by an increase in translocations, a lack of a home environment, and an average stay in the shop of two to three weeks.
Based on these findings, I advise using Adaptil collars on all pet store puppies, Gundog breeds, and any puppies who have trouble settling.
In one study, puppies enrolled in puppy preschool classes were given Adaptil collars. The trained puppies displayed less fear, less excitement, and more learning throughout the lessons. Additionally, compared to dogs in the placebo group, dogs in the DAP groups had a higher level of socialization during follow-up phone calls.
In my opinion, the results were insufficient to warrant the use of collars in classroom settings. However, they are strongly advised for anxious, hyperactive, or fearful puppies.
There is no solid proof that DAP helps dogs who experience car anxiety. As always, there’s no harm in giving it a shot, but you might also want to think about some of these alternatives.
Lastly, two other specialist uses are worth mentioning. It has been demonstrated that adaptil diffusers improve mothering behavior in breeding dogs with young puppies8,9. Adaptil as a diffuser5. Additionally, there was a correlation between 7 or spray10 and fewer anxiety symptoms in hospitalized dogs.
It may appear harsh that so many studies were left out of this review of Adaptil. However, we must rigorously apply the evidence in such a crucial welfare issue. When much more effective treatments are available, I see far too many dogs in which Adaptil has been used for wildly inappropriate reasons and for far too long.
The Adaptil company is sitting on a gold mine, and in my opinion, if there were actual therapeutic benefits for the dubious problems, the research would have been published by now. And if it hasn’t, well it’s time. It’s a great treatment as long as we stick to its advantages and maintain objectivity regarding what it is unlikely to accomplish successfully, at least on its own.
Next week: Feline Pheromones in the spotlight
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FAQ
Is ADAPTIL safe for puppies?
Can I use ADAPTIL® with a young puppy? Yes. There is no minimum age for using ADAPTIL®. Puppies can detect pheromones in their surroundings and react accordingly.
Does ADAPTIL collar work for puppies?
Pheromone collars called “Adaptil” can help dogs and puppies feel less stressed and anxious. The heat from a dog’s body frequently activates them, and the majority last for up to 30 days before needing to be replaced.
Does ADAPTIL work immediately?
Once put on, the collar will immediately begin to work and last for 30 days. Until your puppy is 6 months old, it is advised to replace the collar every 4 weeks to ensure continuous support for them during their socialization period. Use an ADAPTIL Calm Home Diffuser if you’re adopting an older dog.
How long does it take for ADAPTIL to kick in?
I can expect to see results within seven days, according to the clinical trials. Use the ADAPTIL Calm Home Diffuser consistently for at least 30 days. You might need to implement behavioral or environmental changes, depending on the circumstance.