Dog and Cat Pheromones
DAP and Feliway: Pheromones Which Calm Dogs and Cats
A pheromone is a chemical which is produced by a species and which causes a behavioral response in individuals of the same species. Dog appeasing pheromone (or DAP) and Feliway are examples of dog and cat pheromones, respectively.
What is Dog Appeasing Pheromone and DAP?
Dog appeasing pheromone is a synthetically produced pheromone which simulates the chemicals released by a lactating dog. DAP is the commonly used abbreviation for the pheromone.
Dog appeasing pheromone or DAP is produced by the lactating dog approximately three to five days after she gives birth and it acts to provide her puppies with reassurance and comfort.
Dog appeasing pheromone or DAP appears to be effective in calming adult dogs also. It is marketed to be used in conditions such as:
- canine separation anxiety
- destructive behavior
- vocalization (howling, crying, whining, barking, etc)
- house soiling
- excessive licking
- phobias (fear of thunderstorms, fireworks, etc)
According to Dr. Patrick Pageat of Ceva Sante Animale, dog appeasing pheromone significantly reduced both destructive behavior and vocalization in dogs when used in a clinical trial.
Dog appeasing hormone can also be used to calm dogs when they are placed in stressful situations, such as:
- having visitors or strangers enter the home
- visiting the veterinarian or groomer
- situations which may be unusual or unpredictable (natural disasters, family emergencies, etc)
Dog appeasing pheromone or DAP is recommended to be used when introducing a new puppy into the home as well.
Dog appeasing pheromone or DAP is sold as a diffuser which can be plugged into an electrical outlet. As such, it is easy to use. The diffuser will deliver the pheromone into the air of the environment 24 hours a day, providing continuing relief for the stressed dog.
Dog appeasing pheromone is also marketed as a collar which the dog wears on the neck. As with the diffuser, the collar continually releases the pheromone into the air. The collar has the additional advantage of being portable and able to travel with the dog when he leaves the home.
A spray form of dog appeasing hormone or DAP is available as well.
Dog appeasing pheromone is also widely recommended by veterinary behavioral experts such as Dr. Jacqueline C. Neilson, a diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Behaviors (personal communication).
What is Feliway?
Feliway is a feline facial pheromone. Cats use this pheromone to mark objects in their environment. If you have even seen a cat approach you and rub his cheek against your leg, that cat is marking you with his facial pheromones. Cats use this marking pheromone to indicate that they feel that the environment is safe for them.
Feliway is used to indicate to the cat that they are safe in the environment and is recommended to be used when:
- cats are urine marking
- cats are scratching vertical surfaces
- cats are part of a multi-cat household
- cats have had a disruption in their home, such as remodeling, renovating, a new baby, a new pet, a new family member, etc
- cats or kittens are adjusting to a new home
- cats are being transported to a veterinarian, groomer, boarding facility or other location
- cats are boarded in a cattery
- cats are frightened of fireworks and other loud noises.
Feliway is available as a diffuser which is plugged into an electrical outlet, much like the DAP diffuser. Feliway is also available in a spray.
DAP Calms Your Dog
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Feliway Calms Your Cat
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