What are dog calming pheromones and how do they work?

Updated 28/11/2023

Pheromones are the natural chemical signals emitted by living beings (including you!), communicating non-verbal messages like “get off my turf” and “danger!” to others of the same species. There’s a whole host of messages pheromones can be used to communicate, but today we’re looking at dog calming pheromones in particular. We start by defining dog calming pheromones and how they work before discovering how dog pheromones can be used to calm down anxious pups. 

What are dog calming pheromones?

As far as we know, pooch pals can’t just have a chat with their buddies about what’s going on with them. So rather than vocalizing their thoughts, our four-legged friends use odorless chemical signals known as dog pheromones to communicate a wide range of messages to other pooch pals, from marking territory and attracting mates to comforting newborn puppies. Known as Dog Appeasing Pheromone (DAP), this can be replicated synthetically to treat four-legged friends of all ages with anxiety. 

How dog calming pheromones work

If you’re a dog sitter or a pet parent, you might be thinking “If dog pheromones are a thing, then why haven’t I smelt them before?”. Fido might be your fur baby, but pheromones can only be detected by those of the same species (that being said, we’re sure you’ll agree that dogs can pick up on human emotions, but they’re just extra special like that). Synthetic dog calm pheromones work by mimicking the smell of a mother dog’s natural chemical signals, which are used to reassure their young pups and make them feel all safe and cozy. Studies show that they can effectively treat separation anxiety and reduce stress triggered by loud noises such as fireworks, helping to relax and reassure furry friends in times of need. 

Benefits of using pheromones for dog anxiety 

Dog calming pheromones do exactly what it says on the tin, and they can be used alongside a number of other ways to calm an anxious dog. They can be used to treat a wide range of anxiety-related behavior, and are proven to have the following benefits:

• Reducing anxiety and stress 
• Calming aggressive behavior
• Promoting relaxation
• Helping with separation anxiety

How to use dog calming pheromones

Calming down an anxious dog isn’t always easy, and pet parents will need to use a combination of tools and techniques. Along with positive reinforcement, crate training, and sufficient mental and physical stimulation, pheromones for dogs can be used to create a calming environment for your pup. There are a number of different ways dog calming pheromones can be used:

Dog calming pheromone diffuser

Plug-in diffusers are often used to treat pooch pals suffering from separation anxiety as well as a range of other forms of anxiety. The constant emission of dog appeasing pheromones inside the home replicates that warm, fuzzy feeling of being snuggled up next to their fur moms and siblings. Don’t worry, only your four-legged friend will be able to smell this diffuser!

Dog calming spray 

Sprays are used to target a specific area to turn it from a scary unknown into a soothing homely environment for your furry friend. They work wonders when pups are introduced to new spaces, moving home, or staying with friends or dog sitters. One spritz on a new bed or inside their travel crate can make the area seem much more appealing. 

Dog calming pheromone collar 

DAP collars can be used to calm pups down while on the go, with the potential to reduce anxiety driven behaviors and boost their confidence when out and about. The great thing about pheromone collars is that they go wherever your pooch goes, be it the living room, the local park, or the vet! 

Top dog calming pheromones products

These dog calming pheromone diffusers, sprays, and collars all come highly recommended by vets and thousands of happy customers. 

Adaptil Calm Home Diffuser

This number one bestseller provides a calming home environment for fur babies that suffer from separation anxiety and find it stressful being home alone. Humans won’t be able to smell anything, but for pooch pals, the comforting aroma smells just like their mother’s natural nursing pheromones. 

ThunderEase Calming Diffuser Kit

Powered by Adaptil, this pheromone diffuser is clinically proven to reduce anxiety and unwanted behavior in over 90% of dogs. Whether your furry friend gets triggered by thunder and fireworks or unknown visitors, the smell of pheromones is carried throughout the home to calm them down. 

Adaptil Travel Spray

If your pooch pal is an anxious traveler or finds it hard to relax while on the road, a spritz of this calming pheromone spray can make the journey a whole lot easier for everyone. Simply spray onto bedding or the carrier crate (but never directly onto your pup) 15 minutes before you set off to provide your pooch with a sense of comfort throughout the journey. 

Adaptil Calming Collar 

Loud noises and being home alone can be scary stuff, so this calming collar sends comforting messages to your pooch pal no matter where they go. Activated by your fur baby’s body heat, simply pop the collar around your furry friend’s neck and away they go!

Unfortunately, there is no magic medicine that can rid pups of anxiety. Along with other relaxation methods, dog calming pheromones require a little trial and error, and what works for another pooch pal may not be right for your pup. As always, if you’re worried about your pooch pal’s anxiety, it’s worth speaking to the vet or a qualified behaviorist to see if they can help you get to the route of the problem before trying out any new techniques.

Meet our veterinary expert, Holly

This article has been checked by veterinarian Holly Anne Hills BVM BVS BVMedSci. After graduating from the University of Nottingham, Holly spent two years working as a farm animal vet. She then spent some time traveling and volunteering in India, working at neutering clinics and with injured street dogs. Holly now works in small animal practice, and balances this with writing, volunteering with the comms team at Vet Sustain, and she is also a marine mammal medic!