21/08/2022
Did you know?
Dog appeasing pheromones, often abbreviated as DAP, are special pheromones that are secreted by sebaceous glands found by the nursing dogs' intermammary sulcus (the area between the breasts).
These special pheromones are typically produced from 3 to 4 days after whelping (giving birth) up until 2 to 5 days after weaning (when puppies have shifted to solid foods).
Their goal is to provide the puppies with an over all sense of wellbeing. The pheromones basically help comfort the pups after birth.
The reassuring, calming properties of canine-appeasing pheromones remain in the dog well into adulthood. This is why synthetic forms of this compound have been developed with dog owners in mind.
The synthetic version of dog appeasing pheromones is DAP, also known as Adaptil, which is produced by CEVA. There are a variety of applications for this natural product, including DAP diffusers, collars, and sprays.
According to a study by Gaultier E et al, DAP has been shown to be highly effective, to the point of exerting a calming effect as strong as clomipramine, a tricyclic antidepressant often used to treat separation anxiety in dogs, but in this case, without any side effects.
Further studies have shown that using pheromones can improve the socialization of puppies attending puppy classes and reduce the stress in hospitalized dogs.
