Pheromone Scents : Calming Products for Anxious Dogs and Puppy Introduction. Anyone have experiance with Pheromone products?

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Recently I have received a lot of emails and have heard others mention that they are using natural pheromone scents in dogs with anxious behaviors.  Here is just a little information, some references AND would love some feedback from those of you who have tried these products.   

What are pheromone scents?
Pheromones released by the mother during lactation give puppies a sense of well-being and reassurance, known as appeasing pheromones.  Also known as appeasing hormones.

How are they being used:
Pheromone Scents are being used to help with some behavior problems such as noise phobias, separation anxiety, territorial behaviors, new people or pets, car travel anxiety, and anytime there are "unpredictable" events.
Pheromone products claim to be natural and a Drug Free alternative for panic attacks in dogs.
 ( please read about the particular product you buy  )

Products

• DAP® Dog Appeasing Pheromone from Ceva Sante Animale
• Comfort Zone® from Veterinary Product Labs

(any other products out there I have not found--please list )

DAP diffusers --The plug-in DAP diffuser releases apaisine continuously. Each plug-in diffuser is believed to have the capability to infuse apaisine into a 650-square-foot area and can even last to as long as 4 weeks

DAP Collar
Plastic collars are worn by the dog and last up to  4 weeks

Pheromone Sprays

Pheromone Plug Ins

A few Helpful  links--and there are many more!

http://vetmedicine.about.com/od/behaviortraining/gr/DAP-Dog-Collar.htm

What are pheromones and how do they work in animals    ( a good explanation here )

http://dogappeasingpheromone.com/

http://www.naturalpets.com/feliwayanddap1.html

[F, Calla & Luca]

GMTA

[Lauria Orr]

What is GMTA?

[F, Calla & Luca]

Great minds think alike ; )

[Lauria Orr]

LOL! Got it!

[Kyoko]

:-O !!!

[Lauria Orr]

Thank you, Joanne, for posting this! Great idea. So far I have used the spray , and have also gotten the plug-in diffuser and collar. My sister told me about the collar, as the behaviorist recommended that for her dog. Her dog is a Havanese and is darling, but very anxious. He was vomiting when riding in the car and when guests would come over. He is doing so much better. He also has a Thundershirt. I don't think he vomits at all now from anxiety. Melody does not get car sick, but she trembles when in public and gets anxious about the crate. I think the Thundershirt works well for her on it's own, but the combination is better. As I mentioned, the D.A.P. products are spendy at the vet's, and I found them much more reasonably priced on eBay.

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Laurie, thanks for the feedback. Sounds like those of you who have tried these products like them and they provide some relief for the anxious dogs. Of course, no cures, but at least it gives them some peace :)

[Lauria Orr]

Exactly! I do think Melody could have had more socilaization as a little puppy. We got her at 5 months and although she is just the sweetest, most adorable dog, she was shy right off the bat. We are getting her brother, who was born Aug. 23rd, and he will arrive around Thanksgiving. He is starting today in a "live in" training that will last about 5 weeks, with lots of socialization with kids, strangers, etc...Apparently, the new puppy, "Morgan" is quite outgoing, so we are hoping this helps Melody with her anxiety. The breeder wrote me today and said she was pretty sure this would help a lot, and that she is going to miss Morgan. She said he is the cutest Doodle she has ever had, and that his personality is as great as his good looks. I am hopeful, and excited. He has the white coloring with black ears, a black circle around his left eye, and tail, and 2 large chocolate-black spots on his back. I love your pups' coloring! So adorable. Starlit's dual colors are beautiful.

[Kyoko]

Oh! I would love to hear how it works out with new puppy!

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Kyoko,
One of the links posted in this discussion ( don't remember which one ) explained how this works with bringing home a new puppy. It is a scent the puppy is used to and seems to calm the fears and separation the puppy feels. Beautiful way to help the puppy transition I think

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Spud is very outgoing, extremely social, and no fears. A more confident dog I think will help a lot.

Congratulations on your new puppy. Sounds adorable.

[Kyoko]

I wonder if the collar will work if Charlie wore it just to the Rally and agility trials, so she won't be worried about the other dogs and possibly can focus just on me....