DAP dog pheromone vapouriser

In mammals, all nursing females release substances called appeasing pheromones, the function of which is to reassure their offspring. Remember that for any newborn animal, the safest place is snuggled up to mum. This is mother-nature’s way of ensuring that offspring are attracted to the safest place!

Canine appeasing pheromones are secreted by the bitch 3 to 5 days after birth. The substance is produced by the sebaceous (sweat) glands between the teats. This substance enhances the attachment between puppy and its mother, and provides reassurance and comfort.

Research has shown that the reassuring properties of canine appeasing pheromone persist even into adulthood. They appear to affect both emotional state and social interaction throughout the dog’s life.

D.A.P vapourisers release appeasing pheronone into your home on a sustained basis, helping to calm your dog. This can be used to good effect to reduce the anxiety-provoking effects of fireworks.

A vapouriser comes with one canister of active ingredient, lasting one month. Refills are available.

In order to maximise your chances of success, we recommend using a DAP vapouriser from mid-October through to January, in conjunction with our Firework Sounds CD.


D A P spray

DAP is now available in a spray form, this can be used for events
both inside and outside the home, such as travelling in the car, visiting the vet or novel and unpredictable situations.

The spray is used approx 15 minutes before the effects are required, and the effects should last around one to two hours, although each animal will respond differently. It an be sprayed directly onto bedding, inside cages, or in the car. Alternatively, spray it onto a neckerchief and tie this around your dog's neck.

Bonfire night advice for pet owners
Long term there is only one logical route for pet owners to take : a desensitisation programme, preferably assisted by pheromonatherapy. In the short term, here are some tips to help your pet.

• Don't punish the dog when it is scared: it only confirms that there is something of which to be afraid.





• Don't fuss or try to reassure the dog when it is scared, as this rewards the anxious behaviour.





• Do ignore any fearful behaviour that occurs for no good reason.





• Do feed the dog a good meal rich in carbohydrate, with added vitamin B6, mid- to late afternoon (but do not to try this if the dog is prone to diarrhoea when it is scared, or at other times). If necessary, don't feed the dog at any other time in the day to ensure a good appetite.





• Do make sure the dog is kept in a safe and secure environment at all times, so that it doesn't bolt and escape if a sudden noise occurs.





• Do try to move the dog at sundown into a blacked-out room that contains toys and familiar objects (and preferably things for the owner to do as well, so the dog is not abandoned in the room). Blacking-out the room removes the potentially additional problem of flashing lights, which often precede the noise.





• Do put some music on. It doesn't have to be excessively loud, as long as there is a constant distracting beat to the music.





• Do ignore the noises themselves and try to engage the pet in some form of active game.





• If you know of a dog that is not scared by the noises and which gets on with the problem dog, keeping the two together during the evenings may help. Playing with the non-fearful dog may help to reassure the fearful dog that all is not so bad after all.





• Do consider making earplugs by taking a piece of cotton wool, dampening it and squeezing out any excess water. Roll it into a long thin cylinder and twist it into the dog's ear so as to pack the canal. Care must be taken that the cylinder is not so thin that it goes too deep into the ear canal or so fat that it cant be secured. The plug should be secure and firm but not so tight that it irritates the dog. Remember to remove it later that day and don't reuse earplugs from one day to the next.





• Do remember that drugs may be useful to calm some dogs, but they need to be given so they take effect before any noise starts or panic sets in.





• Don't just ignore the noise phobia problem just because it only happens once or twice a year. Instigate a desensitisation programme once the season is over - and don't wait until the bangs start next year before you do something about it!

These tips were formulated by and printed with the kind permission of Daniel Mills BVSc MRCVS, Principal Lecturer in Behavioural Studies and Animal Welfare University of Lincoln