How does an Adaptil Collar work?

When the Adaptil Collar is in contact with the dog’s skin, the dog’s body temperature warms the collar and encourages the diffusion of pheromones into the local environment. As a result, it is vital the Adaptil Collar is in close contact with the dog’s skin at all times.

Can I shampoo my dog while wearing the collar?

It is advisable to remove the collar before shampooing or giving a bath to your dog. Do not worry if the collar gets wet during a walk. This will not affect the efficiency. However, the collar will not work whilst wet.

Can I use an Adaptil Diffuser with a bird or aquarium?

The general rule of thumb is that if a bird can handle wax-based non-scented candles, there shouldn't be a problem (the diffuser is a wax-based paraffin oil, similar to a candle, and it is odorless).

However, as some birds are known to have sensitive respiratory systems therefore it is recommended not to plug in the diffuser in the same room.

Similarly it is advised not to plug it in a room containing an aquarium.

Can I use the Adaptil Collar together with other collars or bandanas?

Whilst other collars may not impair the effectiveness of the Adaptil Collar, it is important to ensure that the collar remains in close contact with the skin and is not covered by the other collar or bandana. If the Adaptil Collar is covered or if the collar is not in continuous contact with the dog’s skin, the release of the pheromone may be compromised and the positive influence on your dog reduced.

Can I use the Adaptil Refill in the Feliway® Diffuser device?

Yes the device is the same, please note that the refill should never be used in combination with any other plug in device such as an air freshener.

Can I use the collar intermittently when needed?

It is advised to leave the collar around the dog’s neck at all times for one month once opened. Your dog will benefit by constantly being exposed to the pheromones. If you remove the collar, the pheromones will still be released at a lower rate (even when kept at a low temperature i.e. in the refrigerator) and the efficiency of the collar may be affected. There are other formulations of Adaptil, e.g. the Adaptil Spray, which are more suitable for intermittent use.

Can the Adaptil Diffuser be used in the same room as a plug-in air freshener and/or a Feliway® Diffuser?

Yes, but it is not recommend that they are plugged in the same power point.

Can the liquid from the Adaptil Spray be used in the Adaptil Diffuser?

No - the Adaptil Spray is alcohol based and should never be used in the Adaptil Diffuser.

Can you use an Adaptil Diffuser if you suffer from asthma?

In addition to the pheromone content, an Adaptil Diffuser contains a paraffin-type mineral oil of a kind common to air freshener devices. We are not aware of specific problems for asthma sufferers from such devices, however 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 your GP or use the Adaptil Collar or Spray as an alternative.

Do I need to change the diffuser 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. But remember that the device will never empty completely as the last few milliliters of liquid are not sufficiently in contact with the wick. It is therefore recommended to replace the refill after 4 weeks.

For how long should Adaptil be used?

It depends on the nature of the problem for which you are using Adaptil.

For puppy adaptation, you should expect a smooth settlement in your home as well as positive experiences for the duration of the socialisation period.

For other uses, it may take some time before you see an improvement, depending on the nature and severity of the problem. Some dogs may have more ingrained behavioural problems than others and may need a long term therapy programme.

However, if your dog is undergoing behavioural therapy, your veterinary surgeon or behaviour counsellor may adapt the duration of use to your dog’s specific case.

How long will it take for Adaptil to have an effect on my dog?

For the Adaptil Collar, as soon as the collar is fitted the pheromones will begin to be released and to exert an effect on your dog.

The Adaptil Diffuser will be fully functioning within 24 hours of plugging in.

For either product, the effect on the dog will depend on the nature and extent of the problem for which Adaptil is used. It is advised to continue using Adaptil for at least one month before assessing its effectiveness.

How long will the collar be effective?

The collar will be effective for up to 4 weeks. After this time, and according to your veterinary surgeons recommendation, you may need to renew the collar.

How long will the effect of the Adaptil Spray last?

The effect of the product will last 2-3 hours at which time you may need to re-apply the product.

How many refills can be used before replacing the plug in device?

Six refills can be used before replacing the plug in device.

How to use Adaptil Spray?

Spray 8 to 10 pumps of Adaptil 15 minutes before it is needed and before the dog is introduced into the environment (car, carrier, kennel etc…). The effects should last approximately 1½ to 2 hours, although each animal will respond differently. Renew application after this time or if you notice a reduced effect.

Adaptil Spray can be sprayed directly on bedding, inside crates, indoor kennels, or in the car. The spray should not be directly sprayed on animals or near an animal’s face.

How to use an Adaptil collar?

• Pass the end through the loop and pass the loop over the head
• Fasten the collar around the dog's neck and adjust to fit snugly with the Adaptil logo and braille text on the outside. The inside of the collar has vertical grooves which the buckle will slip into.
• Cut off the excess portion of the collar
• Leave the collar around the dog's neck at all times. Check to make sure it remains snug.
• The effect of the collar lasts for up to 4 weeks

In which situations can I use Adaptil Spray?

Adaptil Spray helps comfort puppies and adult dogs in situations they may find worrying or which make them apprehensive.

The spray can be used for events both inside and outside the home, such as:

• Travelling in the car
• Adjusting to a new environment (new home, strangers, shelters)
• Visiting the vet, hospitalisation
• New & unpredictable situations

In which situations can I use an Adaptil Diffuser?

Adaptil will help dogs in a range of stressful situations:

Adaptil can:

• Help dogs to cope with challenging situations (fireworks, Christmas, new baby, staying home alone etc).
• Help puppies or adult dogs settle in new homes.
• Help prevent or reduce stress-related inappropriate behaviours - these may include excessive barking, destruction/chewing, house soiling, pacing, trembling, salivating etc. Re-training may be required to eliminate unwanted behaviours.
• Help promote learning during indoor puppy classes.
• Adaptil can also be used under direction from a vet or behaviourist and alongside training to help in the management of clinical behaviour problems such as separation anxiety, noise phobia, etc.

Adaptil is not recommended for use in cases of hyperactivity or aggression.

Is Adaptil safe to use if you are pregnant?

Yes, Adaptil is safe to use if you are pregnant.

Is Adaptil the same product as DAP?

Yes, DAP was renamed to Adaptil in 2011 to better reflect how the product works, i.e. it helps dogs adapt to new and unknown situations.

Is the Adaptil Diffuser 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.

Is the Adaptil collar as effective in adult dogs as it is in puppies?

Research has clearly shown that the reassuring properties of the canine appeasing pheromones persist into adulthood so it can be used as well in adult dogs as in puppies. However, prevention of problems is usually better and easier than cure.

Should I switch the diffuser off at night?

No - the diffuser should be left on continuously day and night.

The diffuser smells of burning - is it safe?

New diffusers may smell slightly for the first 24 hours, 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 onto the device. If the device is used continuously for long periods of time, we recommend that is changed every 6 mouths.

The level of liquid in my Adaptil Diffuser appears not to be going down?

The diffusion of the liquid from the Adaptil Diffuser is a very slow process. As such, it can be very difficult to see any change to the level in the device over the first week of use. Slight variations will occur depending on air turnover. Check that the wick is not broken (it 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. If in doubt please contact us.

What are pheromones?

Pheromones are extremely widespread in the animal kingdom and are used to communicate between members of the same species. The pheromones emitted by one individual can affect and change the behaviour of other individuals of the same species. Examples of pheromones with which pet owners will already be familiar are the sex pheromones of dogs and cats. In addition to making the bitch or queen more attractive to the male when they are in season, they can also influence territorial marking, aggression, etc...

What happens if my dog eats the collar?

The Adaptil Collar is made of plastic and will act as a foreign body in your dog’s digestive system. Please consult your vet if the dog has eaten a portion of the collar. There are, however, no toxic substances in the collar.

What pheromone is in Adaptil and is this safe to humans and other pets?

The pheromone in Adaptil is identical in nature to canine appeasing pheromone secreted by bitches from 3-5 days after the puppy’s birth. As pheromones are species-specific, canine pheromones will have no effect on humans or other pets.

What type of behaviour problems will not be helped by Adaptil?

If the behaviour is unrelated to stress e.g. over-excitement, aggression, lack of toilet training, hyperactivity or boredom, Adaptil will have no effect.

Where should I plug in the Adaptil Diffuser? How long will it last?

You should plug the diffuser in the room where the dog spends most of its time. A diffuser should cover an area of 50 to 70m², but must not be covered, placed behind a door or underneath furniture.

One vial lasts approximately four weeks. Don't forget you can register online for our free reminder service.

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 the pheromone will be impaired and the efficacy of the product may be affected.

Will Adaptil have any effect on other pets?

Pheromones are species specific and no effect on other pets is to be expected.

Will other dogs in the house be affected by an Adaptil Collar worn on one dog?

No, the pheromone is diffused in the immediate vicinity of the dog wearing the Adaptil Collar. However, it is recommended that all dogs in the household wear an Adaptil Collar, as the dogs without behaviour problems may become too interested in the dog that needs the collar.

Alternatively, an Adaptil Diffuser may be used in multi-dog households.