Adaptil

[Hyperfish101]

Does it work? What are people’s experiences with it?

Also, other ‘calming’ food supplements? I appreciate there is no substitute for good training but trying to find something to help my anxious little dog.

My personal experience is that adaptil is not great - it will not hurt but does not seem to make a huge amount of difference for many dogs. If you do use it the collar is possible better than the plug ins.

There are alternatives Pet remedy but that smells to humans so dont like it much

Zyklene used to be the go to but has gone out of favour as I dont think it works well on many dogs

There is nutricalm that has worked well on some neurotic spaniels I have had dealings with.

Unfortunately it is trial and error a lot of the time and can cost money at each point.

@Hyperfish101

Does it work? What are people’s experiences with it?

Also, other ‘calming’ food supplements? I appreciate there is no substitute for good training but trying to find something to help my anxious little dog.

For what?

Yes adaptil works as a stress reduction aid for many dogs in some situations. But it won't cure phobias or fix significant anxiety or overcome a lack of appropriate training, exercise and enrichment. It's often perceived 'not to work' because people but it expecting if to fix their dog's significant behaviour problem with no further behaviour modification work.

So it depends what you're using it for and how

Veterinari have there been any clinical trials on Adapatil? From the behaviourist view point it has had zero effect on most dogs anecdotally? I know of the very small Canadian study using 43 dogs but also aware that this was not accepted by many due to the way it was run.

IME experience it works for some dogs but not others. It's not a cure, but it can reduce stress enough for you to be able to help the dog. Adaptil collars have helped several dogs I know with stress induced travel sickness.

I have also used Yucalm chews, Valerian & Skullcap tablets and CBD oil - sometimes a combination of all three depending on the severity, and I do think these have helped but have nothing to actually prove this!

I think, like in humans, if there is something to take the edge of the anxiety for s short time then it's worth trying.

Anecdotal evidence only, but an Adaptil collar makes a huge difference to my nervous Nellie of a dog. If he isn't wearing one, then fireworks and gunshots (we live in a rural area and can hear clay pigeon shooting and pheasant shoots) will have him hiding under the bed and droooling uncontrollably for hours after. With one on, he's upset, but stays on the sofa and calms quickly.
He doesn't have one all the time, but we cover mid October to mid November, over New Years, and then other triggers as needed like predicted storms, public firework displays etc

Absolute Dogs do a free "optimism rocks" download with games to help nervous dogs. Could be worth a look. The games have helped with my puppy and they are easy
absolute-dogs.com/pages/naughty-but-nice

@PollyRoulson

Veterinari have there been any clinical trials on Adapatil? From the behaviourist view point it has had zero effect on most dogs anecdotally? I know of the very small Canadian study using 43 dogs but also aware that this was not accepted by many due to the way it was run.

There are a number of peer reviewed research studies, results are mixed depending on context and the behaviour being studied

But it's definitely not a universal fix for all behaviour problems and won't be successful alone. Behaviour is holistic. No one can really answer the OP's question without a LOT more info

I appreciate the responses.

Yep, just to take edge off her anxiety which manifests itself in many ways. We are also training and have sought the support of a behaviourists.

I suppose it was just as an extra and was curious to hear if it worked.

Hyperfish101 if you do go ahead do let us know how it works for your dog

I have an adaptil collar on my dog. I'm not sure if it helps a lot, but I do feel it takes the edge off (she's anxious and a bit reactive). It has to be replaced every 4 weeks and she seems more on edge in week 4 so for the relatively cheap cost I'd say give it a go.. but in conjunction with getting a force free behaviourist in to help as well. I have just started working with a behaviourist and and now I have a better understanding of why my dog behaves how she does and what steps we can make to help her.
If nowt else the collar is a good placebo for me !

@hyperfish101 I have used Adaptil the plug in. I got it when I brought my new rescue dog home. He was very nervous and anxious. It lasts 30 days so I got a refil too. I've worked with him and had him nearly 3 months now. I got the adaptil as he was coming to a new home with other adult dogs. He settled and slept right through first night. He is now not anxious at all not nervous. However I did a lot of work with him. I got it due to him coming to a new home and new surroundings. I've also used the Adaptil for cats when I've adopted new recue kittens.

Thanks all. About to buy the plug in so will report back.