Calming collars are anxiety management tools that emit a pleasant scent or release pheromones that mimic the soothing hormones mother dogs produce. For example, some pet parents use these tools to help with their dog’s chronic separation anxiety. Others use calming collars for soothing situational anxiety, like keeping their dogs calm during fireworks or thunderstorms.

CPFK Calming Collar [Best Long-Lasting Calming Collar]: This collar lasts an impressive 60 days which provides additional owner convenience and makes it a great option for pups who need ongoing support. Dog Calming Supplements: Available without a prescription, these supplements have proven helpful for many four-footers. Other anxiety treatments and methods, like anxiety vests and calming aids, are still in their infancy and research is unclear on their effectiveness.Osella, M. C., Bergamasco, L., & Costa, F. (2005). Use of a synthetic analogue of a dog appeasing pheromone in sheltered dogs after adoption. Current Issues and Research in Veterinary Behavioral Medicine, ed. D Mills et al, 270-273 Some owners allow their pets to wear calming collars all the time, while others only do so before or during stressful occasions. Taylor, S., Webb, L., Montrose, V. T., & Williams, J. (2020). The behavioral and physiological effects of dog appeasing pheromone on canine behavior during separation from the owner. Journal of Veterinary Behavior, 40, 36-42 Mills, D. S., Ramos, D., Estelles, M. G., & Hargrave, C. (2006). A triple blind placebo-controlled investigation into the assessment of the effect of Dog Appeasing Pheromone (DAP) on anxiety related behaviour of problem dogs in the veterinary clinic. Applied animal behaviour science, 98(1-2), 114-126 Kim, Y. M., Lee, J. K., Abd El-aty, A. M., Hwang, S. H., Lee, J. H., & Lee, S. M. (2010). Efficacy of dog-appeasing pheromone (DAP) for ameliorating separation-related behavioral signs in hospitalized dogs. The Canadian Veterinary Journal, 51(4), 380

Healex Calming Collar [Most Affordable Calming Collar]: The calming effects of this collar may be more subtle than other options, but it provides a very cost-effective way to try out calming collars with your dog.The second study 3 pre-fitted Adaptil collars to puppies prior to sale from pet shops. A striking effect was observed where all 32 treated puppies settled within three days. Two thirds of the 34 puppies receiving placebo were either still disturbing their owners in two weeks or only stopped when being allowed into the owner’s bedroom or to sleep with another dog.

So far, pheromones have proven to be the most effective method to deal with anxiety in dogs. DAP has been shown to be effective in tons of different stressful situations, like: Adaptil Calming Collar [Best Overall Calming Collar]: This calming collar is one of the best-rated options around, and it boasts both a strong pheromone concentration and lightweight design. Placebo control experiments are considered the gold standard for testing the effectiveness of a new drug or therapeutic method in dogs. In a placebo-controlled study, one group receives the treatment to be evaluated (in this case, the DAP collar) and the other group receives a placebo (regular collar).Having an anxious furry friend can be challenging for pet parents. Thankfully, there are several tools that can be used to help ease canine anxiety. Gandia Estellés, M., & Mills, D. S. (2006). Signs of travel‐related problems in dogs and their response to treatment with dog appeasing pheromone. Veterinary Record, 159(5), 143-148 My view: effects were not so great that collars should be considered essential in classes. However, for fearful, excitable or anxious puppies they are highly recommended. Adaptil For Travel Hence, calming collars can be an excellent tool for helping your canine cope with his anxiety. While every dog responds differently, these affordable management tools are certainly worth a try. It sounds too good to be true. Can a harmless treatment undetectable to you or I really work to ease anxiety?

One better study uses normal dogs and exposed them to thunder sounds at 83.9 dB (thunder itself can be up to 130dB). They found that a DAP collar reduced global measures of anxiety and active signs of anxiety and increased the use of a den. However, have a look at their experimental schedule. Study dayLongevity: You might find yourself using calming collars on a regular basis depending on your dog’s needs. The best calming collars last for about two months, but many last just one month.