How Long Does ADAPTIL Take To Work? What Signs to Look Out For

For 10,000 years, dogs and humans have built a unique relationship, adapting to live together more and more closely, with dogs becoming widely known as ‘man’s best friend’! But sometimes modern life presents situations that dogs can find difficult to adapt to. In the wild, puppies and adult dogs often lived in groups and exchanged natural messages released into the air - pheromones. As they’re no longer living in a pack, they are lacking an essential reassuring element, an appeasing pheromone that they received in groups. 

Mother dogs communicate with their puppies using natural “comforting messages” released from the mammary zone. These odourless "comforting messages“ are scientifically called Dog Appeasing Pheromones, and are only perceived by dogs. And when puppies leave their mothers, they may be confused by a lack of this reassuring feeling.

ADAPTIL products provide your dog with the appeasing pheromone, which contributes to their well-being and helps them adapt to stressful situations. ADAPTIL has been developed to help puppies, and dogs of all ages, find that reassuring feeling again, to adapt to the many different situations that a modern human world throws at them.

Here’s where, and how, ADAPTIL can help…

SITUATIONS ADAPTIL CAN HELP WITH!

Car Trips

Some dogs love a car trip as they might associate it with going for a long walk. However, some pooches might associate it with something less appealing, like a trip to the vet. Look out for the following signs which indicate that your dog may have car anxiety:

• Reluctance to get in the car
• Drooling or even vomiting
• Whining or shaking
• Soiling in the car

Using ADAPTIL Transport Spray, sprayed into the car or into the dog’s carrier 15 minutes before you plan to travel, will provide comforting messages for your dog and help to ease their anxiety, reducing signs such as trembling, panting and restlessness during travel.  However, be sure never to spray it directly onto your pooch, or when they are in the car.

Loud Noises

Most dogs do not like loud noises, especially around firework celebrations or thunderstorms, and even traffic or circulation noises. Their hearing is super-sensitive, and they will hear things from miles away that you may not be aware of. Watch out for these signs:

• Pacing around the house
• Running away and trying to hide
• Being destructive
• Trembling and excessive urinating - even in the house
• Barking or whining

If you are aware of upcoming fireworks events or if thunderstorms are forecast, make sure you plan ahead by blocking out the sound if possible - closing windows and curtains, playing loud music etc. Create a cozy den with lots of comfy bedding that might mute the noises, stay nearby so that they can come closer for reassurance if they need it.

Using an ADAPTIL Calm Home Diffuser in the room is an excellent solution to help your dog stay calm and adapt to new situations, particularly if there are loud noises. Plug the diffuser into a socket and let it work continuously - many dog owners see positive results within 7 days but remember to replace it after a month to ensure continuous support!

Arriving into a new family

Some dogs or puppies can adjust very quickly into new surroundings and accept new experiences with excitement. But some may take a while to settle in and, if they are puppies, may miss their canine mummy and siblings.  

Signs of stress or anxiety may show themselves in the form of:

• Being unable to relax
• Wandering aimlessly around the house
• Panting, whining or crying

Making your new dog feel at home can take time and patience but if you prepare well for their arrival, you can ease them into their new surroundings more quickly.  For example, provide the same food they are already used to, make them a nice comfy bed which contains a blanket which smells of their canine mummy, and establish a daily routine for feeding, walks, play and sleep - these steps will all help them to adjust.

If you are welcoming a new puppy into your home, ADAPTIL Junior  will help your puppy feel the same comfort and security with your family as it did with their mother.  The collar will start to work immediately once fitted and will last 30 days. It is recommended to replace the collar every 4 weeks, to ensure continuous support to your puppy during their socialization period, until they’re 6 months old.

If you are adopting an older dog, try using an ADAPTIL Calm Home Diffuser. Once plugged into the area where your dog will spend most time, it will be fully effective within 24 hours, creating a reassuring environment in your home. Continuous use provides constant comfort for your dog. And when you’re out and about, consider using ADAPTIL Calm On-The-Go Collar to provide them with a feeling of security, for example when they come across new situations on a walk.

Being Home Alone

Some dogs accept being home alone as part of their daily routine and will welcome you home with open paws when you return. However, some dogs may find it hard not to have your company in the house, particularly as we look to return to everyday life after pandemic lockdowns.

Signs that dogs don’t like being home alone and have separation anxiety are:

• Being destructive
• Howling or barking
• Scratching at a door
• Toileting indoors

When you know you will be leaving the home for long periods of time, make sure you plan ahead by gradually introducing your dog to having ‘alone time’ by leaving them for short periods of time to start with - and in the room/area where they will be spending their time.  You can use a stair gate to block off an area while you are still at home, and perhaps play music in their room to keep them company. Lengthen the period of time you leave them gradually, and enlist the help of ADAPTIL Calm Home Diffuser which will provide constant comfort when you are not there.  

You will start to see results within the first 7 days, but remember that all dogs are unique, and it may take more time to be effective on some dogs, more than others. Start using ADAPTIL Calm Home Diffuser in good time before you leave your dog alone to ensure the best effect.

Visitors to the home

Dogs are generally very friendly and welcoming - but some may find visitors to your home overwhelming - or they may get over excited and be difficult to control. Signs that your dog may need help are:

• Excessive barking at the visitor
• Signs of aggression like growling or lip curling
• Stiff body posture
• Ears pinned back

If not addressed, these signs could worsen, and can be troubling for you and your visitors. It’s important that your dog is trained to accept visitors and that they are not a threat.  

Regular use of an ADAPTIL in parallel with training and regular socialization will soon help your dog to accept and enjoy visits by strangers. However, if your dog continues to be unsociable, consider having them checked out by a vet or take advice from a behaviourist to help control the situation.

How long does ADAPTIL Take to work?

ADAPTIL Calm releases “comforting messages” to help dogs feel reassured and relaxed in all challenging situations. Most dogs will benefit from the permanent use of an ADAPTIL Calm Home Diffuser to create a continuous reassuring environment in your home. Many dog owners start to see that their dog is calmer within about 7 days of first use.

Be sure to check out our ADAPTIL product pages for detailed information on how each product can help you and your dog cope with situations they may find stressful. ADAPTIL emulates a mother dog’s appeasing pheromones, which humans cannot produce; they are safe for your dog, they are scientifically proven, and are widely supported and endorsed by vets.