FAST FACTS ABOUT CANINES AND D.A.P.™

 What types of situations can cause a dog stress?

• Separation Anxiety: There is a strong bond between a puppy and its mother. When you acquire the puppy, you provide protection and become the new attachment link. As the dog matures, some degree of separation must occur. If this does not happen, the dog may become over-attached to you and exhibit signs associated with separation anxiety when it is physically separated from you.  Dogs that suffer from separation anxiety exhibit undesirable behaviors associated with stress, fear and anxiety (restlessness, excessive whining and barking, and adult destructive chewing and house soiling). Anxiety and stress due to separation anxiety can start at any time in a dog’s life, and may be triggered by moving, schedule changes, boarding or other stressors.

• New People/Environmental Changes: Moving or major changes in the household, remodeling or redecorating, new pieces of furniture, new baby, new roommate..

• Fear/Phobias: Thunderstorms, phobias, fireworks.

• Temporary changes: Being transported, hospitalized or boarded.  

What is D.A.P.?
D.A.P. is a synthetic copy of a dog’s naturally occurring appeasing pheromones from the lactating female. Developed for pet owners by veterinarians, D.A.P. mimics the properties of the natural pheromones of the lactating female.  Within three to five days after giving birth, the milk-producing female generates pheromones that give their puppies a sense of well-being and reassurance, known as appeasing pheromones.   

How is D.A.P. used?
D.A.P. is an easy-to-use “plug-in” diffuser that consists of an electrical plug-in unit and disposable (30-day) bottle that will deliver the pheromone 24 hours a day.  Plug D.A.P. into an electric socket in the room most frequented by the dog. Each vial lasts approximately four weeks and covers up to 650-square-feet.It continuously releases the active ingredient into the dog’s environment and allows trouble-free treatment in a 650-square-foot area for approximately four weeks.     

How can D.A.P. calm dogs in stressful situations?
Pheromones are picked up and detected by an animal’s sense of smell producing specific responses.  By replicating this signal of comfort, D.A.P. helps alleviate fear and stress related signs in the puppy and adult dog.   D.A.P. provides reassurance and comfort, discouraging stress related behaviors (destruction, vocalizing, housesoiling)..

How long should D.A.P. be used?
To address behavior caused by temporary events, plug the diffuser in for 30 days. Each vial attached to a diffuser lasts approximately four weeks. The diffuser is reusable and vials may be replaced as needed.   Repeat as necessary.

How well does D.A.P. work?
In clinical trials with D.A.P., destructive behavior and vocalization (excessive barking and whining) were improved or resolved by 72 percent and 85 percent respectively.  (Clinical trials were conducted by Ceva Santé Animale between November 1999 and November 2000, and were under the specific direction of Dr. Patrick Pageat.)  

Does D.A.P. have any effect on cats?
D.A.P. is a chemical copy of the canine appeasing pheromones in lactating females.  The pheromones are species-specific and should not have any effect on cats.  

What does it smell like?
D.A.P. has no smell and is odorless to humans when dry.  

Is it a sedative?
No, D.A.P. is a solution that helps calm and reassure puppies and adult dogs.  

Should any precautions be taken with pets and children?
Proper product use will not harm children, adults or pets.  Plug diffusers into electric sockets in an open area most frequented by the dog.  Do not place behind furniture or under shelves.   

Where do I get D.A.P.?
D.A.P. diffusers and refills are currently available at Westwood Animal Hospital

The D.A.P. plug-in is marketed through veterinarians by Veterinary Products Laboratories and specialty pet retailers by Farnam Pet Products under the brand name Comfort Zone™ with D.A.P.  MSRP: Electric Diffuser with 48 ml vial/$39.25; 48 ml Refill Vial/$21.98.  

D.A.P.™ is a trademark of Ceva Santé Animale.