Pheromones (Dogs, Cats)
“This page provides important general information for pet owners whose animals have been prescribed Pheromones (Dogs, Cats) in Perth during a consultation by Dr Noor.”
Pheromones (Dogs, Cats) for pets
(fer-i-mones)
Description:
This is a pheromone-based product used to help change behavior.
Other Names for this Medication:
- Feliway®
- Adaptil®
- D.A.P.®
- Comfort Zone®
Common Dosage Forms:
- For animals:
- it may come as a plug-in diffuser, a spray, or a collar.
- For people:
- there are no forms for human use.
This handout does not include every piece of information that exists about this product. It is meant to help with common questions, but it does not replace advice from a professional. If you still have questions or want more details, contact your veterinarian or your pharmacist.
Key Information
- Used to help with behavior problems linked to stress and anxiety.
- Given to dogs and cats using sprays, plug-in diffusers, or collars.
- It appears to be safe, and no side effects are known.
- If you keep birds or have a fish tank in your home, speak with your veterinarian before you use the plug-in diffusers.
How is this medication useful?
Pheromones (Dogs, Cats) are used to help guide or change an animal’s behavior.
For cats, veterinarians may recommend pheromones for problems such as:
- peeing to mark territory
- scratching upright surfaces
- avoiding contact with people or other animals
- eating less
- stress-related situations
- fighting or threatening behavior between cats
For dogs, veterinarians may recommend pheromones for actions linked to fear or stress. Examples include:
- stress during car travel
- stress during vet visits
- distress when left alone
- damaging items
- barking too much
- peeing or pooping in the house
- repeated licking
They may also be used for strong fears (phobias) or to help a dog settle in when the surroundings or situation is new.
Training and behavior-change work, and/or other medicines, may also be needed. You and your veterinarian can talk about why this option fits your animal.
What should I tell my veterinarian to see if this medication can be safely given?
Many different factors can change how well this product works for your pet. It is important to review the following with your veterinarian so you can decide together on the best plan.
- Tell your veterinarian and pharmacist about everything your pet is taking, including vitamins, supplements, and herbal products. Also share how much you give and how often you give it.
- Tell your veterinarian about any health problems your pet has now, or has had before.
- Tell your veterinarian and pharmacist if your pet has ever had unwanted reactions to medicines in the past. Examples include:
- allergic reactions
- not wanting to eat
- loose stool (diarrhea)
- itching
- hair loss
- If your pet has been treated before for the same problem, explain what was used and whether it helped or did not help.
- If your pet is pregnant or nursing, discuss with your veterinarian what risks may come with using this product.
How long until I will know if this medication is working, and how long will the effects of this medication last?
You may notice your pet seems better within 1 to 2 hours. After that, the signs you are seeing should start to improve.
The effect does not last long. It stops working within 24 hours.
When should this medication not be used or be used very carefully?
When used the way it is recommended, pheromones are considered safe.
This drug should be used WITH CAUTION in animals with:
- Aggression-related behaviors.
- Undesired behaviors that are not stress-related.
What are the side effects of this medication?
When used as directed, side effects are not expected.
If my animal gets too much of this medication (an overdose), what should I do?
This product is not expected to cause trouble, but problems are still possible.
If your pet has eaten the product, or if you saw or strongly suspect too much was used, and your pet is showing side effects, contact your veterinarian or an animal poison control center right away for guidance.
How should this medication be given?
To get the intended effect, use this product exactly the way your veterinarian instructed.
It is also smart to read the prescription label each time so you confirm you are using the product the correct way.
Diffusers: One refill bottle usually works for about 4 weeks and is meant for an area of about 500–650 square feet. Plug the diffuser into an outlet in the room your pet uses the most. Do not place it where it is covered, and do not put it behind or under furniture. After it is plugged in, do not handle it with wet hands and do not touch it with metal objects. During use and right after use, do not touch the diffuser with bare hands. It may take up to 72 hours for the room to become fully filled with the product, so you may not see results right away. (Label information: Feliway® Diffuser, Adaptil® Diffuser – VPL)
Spray for cats: Do not spray the cat directly. Hold the bottle so the spray lands about 4 inches from the place you are treating, and aim about 8 inches above the floor. Use 8–10 pumps, 1–2 times each day, for 30 days. Spray around the places where urine marking happens and around noticeable items such as:
- furniture
- window frames
- door frames
After the first treatment period, you may need to spray again every 2–3 days to maintain the effect. If you see your cat rubbing its face on a certain spot (leaving its own facial scent), you do not need to keep treating that specific spot. For travel, spray the inside of the carrier before you place your cat inside it. (Label information: Feliway® Spray – Ceva)
Spray for dogs: Do not spray the dog directly. Spray your dog’s crate or carrier before your dog goes in. You may also spray:
- inside a car
- in kennels
- in crates
- in carriers
- onto a bandana worn around the neck
Use the spray about 20 minutes before travel or before a stressful event you expect. If travel is long, spray those areas again every 4–5 hours. When going into a new place or room, spray the area two times per day. (Label information: Adaptil® Spray – Ceva)
Collar for dogs: Put the collar on so it fits closely around your dog’s neck, following the package directions. The collar may stay on all the time. Take it off for bathing or grooming. For ongoing support, change the collar every 4 weeks.
What should I do if I miss giving a dose of this medication?
- If you forget a scheduled spray time, apply the spray when you remember.
- If it is almost time for the next planned spray, apply the spray and do not make up the missed one. Then return to the usual schedule.
How should I store this medication?
- Follow the storage directions on the package label. Most often, this means keeping it at normal room temperature.
- Keep all medicines where children and animals cannot reach them.
- Do not combine it with other ingredients or materials.
Can handling this medication be hazardous to me, my family, or other animals?
No special handling steps are needed unless you have an allergy to it.
- After you handle any medicine, wash your hands.
- If you have birds or an aquarium in your home, talk with your veterinarian before using the plug-in diffusers.
How should I dispose of this medication if I don’t use it all?
- Do not pour this product into a toilet or down a sink.
- If your area has a community medicine “take-back” option, use that.
- If there is no take-back option, mix the product with used coffee grounds or cat litter so it is unpleasant to children and animals and not easy for people to recognize.
- Put the mixture into a sealable plastic bag so it will not leak.
- Then place it in your household trash.
- Do not keep leftover product to use later, and do not give it to anyone else.
What other information is important for this medication?
- As with other behavior treatments, pheromones often work best when they are used along with behavior-change training. You may need to consider working with a veterinary behaviorist. You and your veterinarian can talk about the best plan to improve the unwanted behavior.
- Talk with your veterinarian about whether a medical problem could be causing the behavior. One example is a urinary tract infection that could lead to accidents in the home.
- Some animal competitions may not allow the use of pheromones. Check the rules before you enter your animal in a competition while this product is being used.
- If you have more questions about this product, contact your veterinarian or pharmacist.
“Disclaimer: The information on this page is provided as general educational material only. Every animal’s health situation is unique, and treatment decisions must be based on a full veterinary assessment. Always follow the specific instructions given during your consultation, and contact the prescribing veterinarian if you have any concerns.”