DAP (Dog Appeasing Pheromone) - Usage & Saving Money

This is a range of products which calm anxious dogs by delivering a scent into the air. It cannot be detected by humans, but it seems to have a unique effect on dogs. It is available in three forms:

• Impregnated into a collar for the dog to wear (one collar lasts about 1 month)
• As a plug-in diffuser to release the compound into the air within a building (lasts about 1 month before needing a refill)
• As a spray to be applied to surfaces such as bedding, or in kennels or travel crates.

How does it work?

Pheromones are found very widely in the natural world and can have a profound effect on animal behaviour. Dogs with their sensitive noses are known to respond to them, and DAP uses this effect in a useful way. DAP products contain a compound manufactured to mimic a natural pheromone produced by bitches while feeding their puppies. In puppies it works to reassure them as they explore the world around them. It has been found that DAP works on both young and adult dogs, helping to comfort and reassure them in stressful or fearful situations.

What is it used for?

DAP is able to relieve stress or fear felt by dogs in challenging situations. In young dogs it helps when they are introduced to a new home, or to new challenges in the outside world (meeting other dogs, traffic, strangers etc). Some adult dogs become over-attached to their owners, and are excessively stressed when then have to be left alone. They can show a variety of unwanted behaviours, such as barking/whining, destructive chewing or scratching, or toileting (messing) inappropriately. Scientific research has shown that DAP can help these problems^*.

* The Veterinary Record 156:533 (2005)

Are there any side effects?

DAP is not a drug and it does seem to be extremely safe to use. It is not however a magic solution to every problem encountered in worried or stressed dogs. Sometimes it appears to have very little effect, on other occasions it works very well. Probably it always makes some difference, but this is likely to be greatest if other methods are used at the same time to help the dog in question with its individual problems. There are a variety of techniques used to help dogs which are “stressed”. These are often not obvious to the layman, and so specialist advice should be sought if progress is not being made.

Where to buy DAP

Most vets will be able to sell it, but they might be expensive. Good pet retailers will stock it, but the most convenient and economical place to buy it is likely to be an internet supplier such as VioVet.co.uk.