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Adaptil
(UH-dapp-till)
Synthetic pheromone derived from the maternal appeasing pheromone that mother dogs produce when nursing their puppies. It is naturally calming, relaxing, and enhances learning.
Pheromones are species-specific chemicals used to communicate with members of the same species. They do not have a scent, but instead act upon the vomeronasal organ (Jacob’s organ).
Adaptil is available in multiple forms. Some may be more beneficial than others given the unique situation of the patient.
Collar – Pheromone is impregnated in the plastic and is activated by the wearer’s body heat. It should be snug, but loose enough to fit 1-2 fingers between the neck and collar. Can take 1-3 days to fully activate and lasts 30 days. Do not get wet.
Spray – The spray can be used to prepare the dog for introduction to the environment and help produce a level of relaxation. It is best sprayed onto the surface 10-15 minutes prior to exposure, and it lasts about 4-6 hours. Can use on visitors, beds, inside cars, on bandanas, etc.
Diffuser – Electrical plug in that consistently releases pheromone into the environment. Covers about 700 sqft. Change the cartridge every 30 days and the entire unit every 6 months. Best used near crates, in bedrooms, or other locations where the dog should remain calm.
All three formulas can be used simultaneously. You cannot overdose on pheromones.
Feliway
(FEE-luh-way)
Feline specific pheromones that can be used to promote relaxation and calmness amongst cats and during stressful events.
Classic - This is the first Feliway product that was on the market and contains synthetic feline facial pheromone (FFP). This pheromone is deposited on objects when cats rub their faces on (or "bunt") objects and individuals. It helps reduce stress by making the environment "feel" and "smell" familiar. Comes in a diffuser or spray.
Multicat - This product contains synthetic maternal pheromones that mother cats product when nursing their kittens. It is naturally calming, relaxing, and enhances learning. This formulation was developed to help improve social conflict between multiple cats living in the same household, but can improve relaxation in any cat. Comes in a diffuser.
Optimum - The most recent product in the Feliway line, Optimum contains both the Classic pheromone and Multicat pheromone.
Anxitane
(ÆNK-sih-tane)
This is an over-the-counter product with the active ingredient, L-Theanine. L-Theanine is an amino acid found in green tea. It has calming properties by interacting with serotonin and dopamine.
There are many calming products that contain L-Theanine, but many of them have concentrations too low to be properly effective. Most dogs need 5-10 mg/kg once or twice daily.
Anxitane is a flavored tablet enjoyed by both dogs and cats.
Sizes:
Small/Medium (50mg) - Dogs & cats <22lbs
Large dog (100mg - Dogs >22lbs
Zylkene
(ZEEL-keen)
The active ingredient of this product is alpha-casozepine (Æll-fuh kuh-ZOH-zuh-peen), the chemical in cows’ milk that promotes relaxation and sleep. This compound increases levels of GABA in the brain and binds to the same receptors as Xanax and Valium. Free of lactose and preservatives.
This product can be used daily or episodically, depending on the needs of the patient. Good for both dogs and cats.
Be sure to open the capsule and sprinkle the powder onto food rather than administering the capsule whole.
Sizes:
75mg - up to 22lbs
225mg - 22-45lbs
450mg - 33-132lbs
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