Dog-Appeasing Pheromones for Electrical Outlets

[Laurie, Wally & Charlotte]

Hi Everyone,

Wally is going to be a big brother in less than a week, and we couldn't be more excited!  My question relates primarily to easing the puppy's transition to our family. 

My brother called the other day, after having lunch with a friend of his who works as a veterinary-product salesperson.  When my brother told his friend that we are getting a puppy, his buddy recommended a product that you plug into a wall outlet, which gives off "Dog-Appeasing Pheromones" (D.A.P.).  

According to information that I found on the web, the diffuser contains pheromones that are similar to those given off by the puppy's mother.  These pheromones help stop or prevent fear and stress-related behavior in puppies by "enhancing attachment and providing reassurance."  The theory is that these same pheromones help puppies adapt to new environments. 

 

I'm interested in knowing if anyone has used this type of product, and if so, did you find it beneficial?  Was it helpful for the puppy's transition, and how did it affect your older dog?  

 

Thanks in advance for your input.

 

Laurie

 

 

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Personally, I highly don't recommend this product.  There are several discussions in the anxiety group on using Pheromone products and diffusers in the Anxiety Group. Here is one of several.

http://www.doodlekisses.com/group/mentalhealth/forum/topics/pheromo...

Noted in one of the past discussions:

..... One of the articles Joanne listed mentioned that this could be a problem with volatile fatty acids. "Precautions and Side Effects
* Fatty acids vaporizing can be quite risky. For example, palmitic acid can irritate the eyes, skin, and the respiratory mucosa. 9-Octadecenoic acid (Z), commonly known as oleic acid is considered as a mutagen, tumorigen, and primary irritant, as stated by NIOSH."

Scented products, the last I checked are not monitored by the FDA.  That is a big draw back for me. Meaning, they can put anything in the product and spray it continuously in and around your home.  Diffusers, personally give me a serious headache, make my eyes feel crossed, and many times I just get nauseated.

I believe a much better product is a stuffed dog with the sound of a heartbeat.  Possibly someone can tell you about this product that has gone home with it when getting their puppy. I've heard great reviews. Here is a link to the Snuggle Puppy

Also, many breeders give you a blanket that the mother and the pups have slept on.  This would be a great natural scented item to keep in your puppy's crate.

 

p.s. Congratulations on your new puppy!!!!!  

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Most articles I found while searching are positive--but that is in regards to behavior modification.

Here is one article that states there may be a potential problem with a certain brand. This product is banned in Michigan.

Feliway Products and Testing

Feliway solution and the Feliway diffuser device have been tested and listed by Underwriters Laboratories (UL). The contents are not considered toxic in the amounts contained in the spray or the diffuser.

The Material Safety Data on this product shows that the pheromone chemical itself is not dangerous, but the ethyl alcohol ingredient, when misused--ingested, inhaled, put in the eyes or poured onto the skin--can be irritating, painful or possibly toxic. There may be some dangers if the Feliway solution is ingested, and your pet may experience diarrhea or gastrointestinal distress You should contact your veterinarian, but do not induce vomiting.

Because a product regulating agency in Michigan believes Feliway contains a pesticide, it cannot be sold in Michigan

Read more: Feliway Dangers | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/list_5860033_feliway-dangers.html#ixzz221uWXtYF

The only other reason I saw not to use the product could be for asthma sufferers or those with breathing problems--do not use in the same room.

So again I say, wrap your arms around that puppy all that  you can, get a snuggle puppy with a  heartbeat, and see if the breeder will give you something that smells like mom.

[Adina P]

No experience with DAP, but I don't imagine it is necessary. Pups tend to do just fine joining new families as is. I just don't think you are at risk of problems without it. And unless puppy has serious temperament issues will adjust regardless of any special pheremones, etc.

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

I don't have any experience with the product but would be hesitant to use it. Remember everyone in the household will be breathing it in-not just the puppy.  Tara did fine with a few items with her canine family's scent on them during her first days with us. I also found that playing Mozart music had a calming affect on her and I always left it playing for her when I had to leave her home alone.

[Cheryl and Finnegan]

I wish I had known about the Snuggle Puppy as a new mom, but I found that bringing home a soft toy that had been with mom and the other pups was comforting and classical music (especially a CD called Meditations by Bach) was amazingly calming.  I still leave classical music on when Finn is home alone or play it on car trips.  Works like a charm. Personally I wouldn't vaporize chemicals.  Joanne, your post is really interesting...

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Most puppies settle in quite nicely with traditional methods - attention, nap-time, a toy, crate, and perhaps a piece of cloth with mama scent.

[Laurie, Wally & Charlotte]

Thanks for everyone's responses.  I know that we're going to be fine, and that our family and home will have a calming influence on the puppy's transition.  I was curious about these products, as I had never heard of them before.  

[F, Calla & Luca]

I suspect they are mostly hype and would not use them.