Pleased with ADAPTIL Collar

[Cheryl and Finnegan]

After Finn exhibited signs of severe stress on a recent weekend away (and I declined the vet's suggestion to put him on prozac since he seemed to return to normal once at home), the vet suggested I try the Adaptil collar. He said he had seen great results with some dogs but not others. Since I was having house guests over the holidays (which can also stress my silly boy) I figured we'd try it. The collar emits a pheromone similar to a lactating mother dog.  It's suggested for new puppies and older dogs with separation anxiety, thunderstorm anxiety, or generalized anxiety.  I was pretty skeptical, but figured I was only wasting $20.  Well, I have to say, I was surprised.  My velcro dog was completely happy and relaxed with our house guests from the moment they arrived.  Several times, I noticed my shadow was gone, and I found him happily playing with his toys in another room (that has never happened) or curled up on my DIL's lap watching tv.  This may not sound like much, but it's huge. Despite my warnings, my son came into my bedroom after I had gone to bed - and Finn, laying at the foot of the bed just wagged his tail -- no barking.  Overall, he seemed more relaxed.  My only complaint is that the collar says it lasts 30 days but after 2 1/2 weeks it seems to be wearing off.  This may be because the collar got wet during 10 days of rain when I forgot to take it off. Just thought I'd share. Has anyone else used the Adaptil calming collar?   

[Jessica, Loki and Moose]

I haven't tried this but my velcro dog, Loki, can get extremely anxious during storms and usually goes and lays down in the bath tub- I figure whatever works. But this sounds great! Is it something that I could put on him just when bad weather is around? Thank you so much for sharing this!

[Cheryl and Finnegan]

Changing my response.  I could see the effects within the first 30 minutes.  But the instructions say results are best when the collar is left on the dog continuously and for at least 30 days.  It looks like a flea collar and is not harmful to humans so I have both collars on him. Once the collar package is open, the info says it only has a 30 day life whether on the dog or off.

[Jessica, Loki and Moose]

Thank you so much! I will have to look into that to see if it could work for Loki!

[Andrea, Belle and Honey]

Thanks for the information Cheryl.  I wonder if it would help alleviate anxiety-related motion sickness if Belle wore it in the car? I would prefer that to giving her Cerenia. Going to do some research.  Glad Finn had a good holiday.

[Cheryl and Finnegan]

He did, thanks Andrea. They do include travel anxiety as one of the uses. 

[Sue, Murphy and Bella ()*o*()]

This would be fantastic for Bella for our 2 hour trips to the cabin instead of drugs. Problem is we would only need it once a week at most during the summer. But still better than drugs that don't always work anyway. I will have to look into this.  

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

I wonder if you could store it in a sealed baggie when not on the dog?

[Cheryl and Finnegan]

Good question. I don't know the answer but seems like it might help extend the life.

[Sue, Murphy and Bella ()*o*()]

Andrea, does Cerenia work well? Do you get it from the vet? It's about $10-15 a pill isn't it? A collar would be cheaper and easier to use.

[Andrea, Belle and Honey]

Sorry for the delay in responding Sue.  The Cerenia works well, but it needs to be given hours before travel, so I only use it for planned, longer trips.  I hate to use meds unless absolutely necessary though.  I checked the Adaptil website, and discovered that there is a spray form for use on travel mats, blankets, etc.  I am going to try that.  The strict warnings about allowing 30 minutes to pass before putting the dog in the sprayed car (to let the alcohol dissipate!?) are a little offputting, but I still think it is worth a try, because Belle vomits so frequently in the car, even when I haven't fed her for hours.  I have to carry her into the car because she just doesn't want to have anything to do with it, even for the short trip to the farm for day care, which she adores once she gets there.  As I'm sure you know, it is awful to see her so stressed.  I'll let you know how it turns out.

[Linda, Charlie Brown and Beau]

Cheryl ~ I am glad you found something that seems to be working for Finnegan.  It is so sad to see them get stressed out.

[Cheryl and Finnegan]

It breaks your heart. Thanks Linda.