Have you ever wondered how your dog or cat seems to know exactly how you’re feeling? Or how they can tell other animals apart? They have a secret weapon: pheromones!

What are Pheromones?

Imagine tiny invisible messages floating in the air. That’s kind of what pheromones are! They’re special chemicals that animals release to communicate with each other. Think of them as animal “smell-mail.” These messages tell other animals things like “I’m happy,” “I’m scared,” or “This is my spot!”

Dogs and cats have a super-powered nose, and a special part inside their nose called the vomeronasal organ. This organ is like a special antenna that picks up pheromone messages. When they smell these messages, it can change how they feel and act.

Why Do Animals Use Pheromones?

Animals use pheromones for all sorts of things:

• Saying Hello: Dogs or cats may sniff each other’s butts to learn about each other through pheromones.
• Marking Territory: Cats rub their cheeks on furniture to leave their scent, telling other cats, “This is my home!”
• Mommy Love: Mother dogs and cats release special pheromones that help their babies feel safe and calm.
• Finding a Friend: Animals use pheromones to find mates and make friends.
• Feeling Safe: Some pheromones help animals feel calm and relaxed.

Synthetic Pheromones: Fake Smells, Real Calm

Scientists have figured out how to make fake pheromones in a lab. These fake pheromones are called synthetic pheromones. They work just like the real ones!

• These synthetic pheromones are made to mimic the “calming” pheromones, like the ones mother animals release. They can help your pet feel less scared or stressed.

How Do Synthetic Pheromones Work?

When your pet smells a synthetic pheromone, it goes to their special nose organ and sends a message to their brain. This message tells their brain to relax and feel safe. It’s like a warm hug for their brain!

When to Use Synthetic Pheromones

Synthetic pheromones can be super helpful in many situations:

• Scary Noises: If your dog is afraid of thunderstorms or fireworks, pheromones can help them stay calm.
• Vet Visits: Going to the vet can be scary! Pheromones can make it less stressful.
• Moving to a New Home: A new place can be confusing. Pheromones can help your pet feel comfortable in their new home.
• Meeting New Pets: Introducing a new dog or cat? Pheromones can help them get along better.
• Being Alone: Some pets get sad when their owners leave. Pheromones can help them feel less lonely.
• Problem Behaviors: If your cat is scratching the furniture or your dog is peeing inside, pheromones might help reduce the stress that causes these behaviors.

Types of Synthetic Pheromones

There are a few different types of synthetic pheromones:

• Dog Appeasing Pheromone (DAP): This mimics the pheromone a mother dog releases to comfort her puppies. It helps dogs feel safe and secure.
• Feline Facial Pheromone (FFP): This mimics the pheromone cats release when they rub their cheeks on things. It helps cats feel comfortable and safe in their environment.
• Feline Maternal Pheromone: This pheromone mimics the one a mother cat releases to calm her kittens.

How to Use Synthetic Pheromones

You can find synthetic pheromones in different forms:

• Diffusers: These plug into the wall and release pheromones into the air, like a plug in air freshener.
• Sprays: You can spray these on blankets, furniture, or in your pet’s carrier.
• Collars: These collars release pheromones as your pet wears them.

Using Pheromones at Home

Making your home a “Fear Free” zone is important for your pets. Pheromones can help create a calm environment.

• New Pets: When bringing a new pet home, use pheromones to help everyone get along.
• Moving: A new house can be scary. Using pheromones can help your pet adjust.
• Stressful Situations: If you know something stressful is coming up, like a party or a vet visit, start using pheromones a few days before.
• Everyday Calm: For pets with ongoing anxiety, using a diffuser all the time can help them feel more relaxed.

Important Things to Remember

• Synthetic pheromones are generally safe for pets.
• They work best when used with other training and behavior techniques.
• Talk to your veterinarian or a pet behavior specialist to find the best pheromone product for your pet. They can help you figure out what’s causing your pets stress and how to help.

Pheromones are not a cure-all. They can help reduce anxiety, but they won’t fix every problem.

Pheromones are like a secret language that helps animals communicate and feel safe. By using synthetic pheromones, you can help your furry friends feel more comfortable and relaxed in their everyday lives.

I have been using synthetic pheromones since learning about them in 2016 in both my business and my personal pets. I highly recommend the Feliway product for cats and ThunderEase or Adaptil for dogs (manufactured by Ceva Animal Health, HQ in Lenexa, KS). When using the Feliway product, make sure you are using the correct formula for the behavior/stress situation(s) your cat will or has encountered.

Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional veterinary advice. Always consult with your veterinarian before using any new products or treatments for your pets.