What helps my puppy cope when alone: Adaptil or calming chewables?

Poor Cleo! There are many things you can do to help get Cleo feeling more comfortable and help control her anxiety. It’s great that you are being proactive about preventing issues in future! Visit the following links for some good tips on training http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=T&C=33&S=0 ,https://healthcareforpets.com/videos . Also visit the following link to learn more about Adaptil, a synthetic pheromone that is available in a diffuser and spray form that promotes calm feelings in dogs, and can often be useful in cases of anxiety http://www.adaptil.com . I’m assuming this is what your vet was referring to, or something similar. It reminds puppies of a mother dog, and helps them to feel more secure. Soothing sounds in the back ground can be used in addition to this. Try something like the following : https://www.amazon.ca/Through-Dogs-Ear-Canine-Companion/dp/1591796423 I strongly recommend you speak to a trainer who uses positive reinforcement or a veterinary behaviorist to help give Cleo her best chance at becoming a well adjusted, happy dog. See the following link for more information on that http://www.dacvb.org/resources/for-the-public/ . Good luck!

A pheromone collar, such as the Adaptil collar, may help decrease anxiety. Gradual desensitization is also strongly recommended. Calming chews, such as Composure chews (by VetriScience) may help but they are not "magic pills". You will need to modify her behavior. This may require the assistance of a certified trainer.

In general, over the counter calming chews are safe for 4 month old puppies. The most rapidly effective calming chew that I have had experience with is VetriScience Composure chews (available on PetCo.com and Chewy.com). I have heard many times that owners have had no success with over the counter calming supplements for their dogs (ones available in petstores) but notice a difference within half an hour with Composure chews. Adaptil phermomone plug-ins and collars have also been helpful in many anxious dogs. Good luck!

Calming pheromone collars (Adaptil is one example) can be quite beneficial for some dogs and may not cause any changes in behavior/anxiety/stress in other dogs. The hard part with these products is that their efficacy for your individual dog is only established through trial and error. They are certainly not harmful, provided that you follow all directions on the packaging. Plug in pheromone diffusers are also available if you feel more comfortable using these products rather than a collar and can have a similar effect.

Hi there. In terms of natural products, you could try an Adaptil pheromone diffuser or collar, along with a calming supplement like Zylkene or Anxitane - both of these work well for some dogs, in my experience. These can be purchased over the counter or ordered online without a prescription. If the anxiety does not improve, I would suggest getting in touch with a veterinary behaviorist in your area who can evaluate Charlie in person and help you put together a plan to work on his anxiety issues, which may include prescription medication if needed.

A pheromone collar, such as the Adaptil collar, may be of benefit. Rescue Remedy for Pets is a liquid that can be given before or during times of stress. Zuke's also makes a Calming chew that may be effective. Along with these supplements, gradual desensitization to negative stimuli should be attempted. Do this by exposing Archer to the stimulus for ever increasing periods of time. Use praise and reward as he progresses.

I would try using DAP, which is a plug in pheromone diffuser. This releases natural pheromones that only Gibson can smell, and it reportedly helps dogs with anxiety. You can pair it with a Sentry calming collar, which releases the calming pheromones when in contact with his skin. Try these things, and if they don't work, then I would have a discussion with your vet about possibly trying anti-anxiety medication. Good luck, I hope this helps!