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Dogs - ADAPTIL® - FAQ's
What pheromone is in Adaptil® and is this safe to humans?
The pheromones released from Adaptil® are nature identical to the canine “appeasing” pheromones secreted by bitches from 3-5 days after the puppy’s birth. As pheromones are species-specific, canine pheromones will have no affect on humans. The actual concentration of pheromone in the air at any one time is tiny.
Is the Adaptil® diffuser as effective in adult dogs as it is in puppies?
Research has clearly shown that the reassuring properties of canine appeasing pheromone persist into adulthood.
Will the Adaptil.® diffuser have any effect on other pets?
Pheromones are species-specific and no effect on other pets is to be expected.
Is the Adaptil® device safe?
The Adaptil® diffuser device is made in the EC to comply with British Standard BS 60335. The device is widely used across Europe for plug-in air fresheners, mosquito coils, etc.
Should you use the device if you suffer from asthma?
In addition to the pheromone content, Adaptil® contains a paraffin-type mineral oil of a kind common to other air freshener devices. If you consider yourself to be particularly sensitive, or have had problems when using similar devices in the past, then we advise you to use the device only after consulting with your GP.
Do I need to change the refill even though the liquid has not completely run out?
Some devices will run for a little longer than the 4 weeks due to differences in location, air turnover, etc so you may get slightly more than 4 weeks. The device will never empty completely as the last few millilitres of liquid are not sufficiently in contact with the wick. We advise that you replace the vial after 6 weeks even if some liquid remains.
The level of liquid appears not to be going down?
Slight variations will occur depending on air turnover. Check that the wick is not broken (should extend from the bottom of the liquid to a level flush with the top of the heated ceramic plate). Check the device is turned on all the time. Finally, try the device in a different electrical socket.
Can I use the Adaptil® diffuser in the same room as a plug in air freshener?
Yes
The diffuser smells of burning - is it safe?
The Adaptil® diffuser device is made in the EC to comply with British Standard BS 60335. The device is widely used across Europe for plug-in air fresheners, mosquito coils, etc. New diffusers may smell slightly when switched on, just as an electrical heater might when dust has collected on it. Diffusers in a very dusty environment may smell more persistently. Be sure that a dog or cat has not urinated or sprayed onto the device.
My dog is destructive within the house - will the Adaptil® diffuser help?
If your vet or behaviourist believes this behaviour is related to fear or stress there is a good chance Adaptil® will help especially if used in conjunction with behavioural modification therapy. In trials destructive behaviour was reduced by 85 %. NOTE – destructive dogs may focus their destructive behaviour towards electrical items within the home - be sure to place the diffuser well out of the dogs reach.
My dog eats electrical devices, where should I plug the diffuser?
You should ensure that the device is plugged in where the dog will not be able to reach it.
My dog has eaten the diffuser/swallowed the liquid - what should I do?
The ingestion of the oil within the vial might give rise to diarrhoea as mineral oils are sometimes administered for their laxative properties. If you suspect your dog has eaten part of the device please consult your vet.
Why should I not plug the diffuser in under furniture?
Oil vapour (carrying the pheromones) will rise in a column of warm air above the device. If this rising air is blocked (e.g. under a shelf, table, cabinet. etc.) the oil may re-condense and leave a visible mark. Circulation of pheromone will be impaired.
Should I switch the diffuser off at night?
No - the diffuser should be left on continuously day and night
For how long should I use Adaptil® ?
It depends of the nature and the extent of the problem for which you are using Adaptil® . The following table will give you some indications, but your veterinary surgeon or behaviour counsellor may adapt the duration of use to your dogs specific case.
| Situation | Usual recommended duration of use |
| Destruction, house soiling and vocalisation in the absence of the owner | 3 months in combination with behavioural therapy |
| To help establish the puppy or the dog in a new environment | 1 month |
| To help the puppy or the dog to stay at home alone | 2 months (socialisation period) |
| Hospitalisation / use in waiting / consultation room | Daily/ongoing |
| Fear of fireworks | Short term: the device must be plugged in at least one week before the expected event and left on for at least one week after. At periods where fireworks are more frequent, such as Guy Fawkes night or New Year, keep a device plugged in until the end of the period. When used in combination with a desensitisation programme: 3 - 4 months according to the duration of the therapy |
| Other fears expressed in the home (strangers, thunderstorm, etc) | Adjust depending on the nature /cause of the fear and according to the duration of combined behavioural therapy |
What is a desensitisation program?
For long resolution of noise phobia, dogs should be treated using behavioural methods called desensitisation and counter-conditioning. The therapy is based on the use of specially made recordings to train dogs not to react to the noises they fear. It is recommended to use recordings specifically designed for this purpose and to ensure that the associated training programme comes from a qualified behaviourist. The use of Adaptil® in association with such therapy can speed up the process. Sounds Scary is a desensitisation and counter-conditioning programme produced by veterinary behaviourists.
