Has anyone ever used DAP (dog appeasing pheremone)
I am taking Mungo to a show on sunday and wondered if some DAP may help him relax?

Someone has also suggested bach rescue Remedy any thoughts on that either?

Thanks in advance
Helen

As far as I know DAP has to be used continually for over two weeks, preferably a month, before any effects will be noticed.

Oh right, i didn't know that. Nor did the vet i guess as i asked there but they only knew about its use on cats. :rolleyes: I knew CD would help!

Does it work though after a month?? ( i mean, after you have used it for a month and lined the pockets of the manufacutures, does it actually have any positive effect on the dogs behaviour?)

Hi Helen,

I used a DAP plug in when my Border Collie was constantly marking all over the house (about 18 months ago).  It worked a treat - AND after only 3 days!  I hated the fact that he was stressed and felt he HAD to mark (we worked out it was other dogs coming into the house which happens constantly...and still does!).  I used it constantly for about 2 months and have never had to use it again.  I'm not sure how it would work when you haven't got it with you though.....

I have used rescue remedy on a few dogs of my breed (they're normally highly strung) for shows and this too seems to work.  I only use it until they get the idea that there's nothing to stress out about at shows.

I'm a naturally laid back person so I'm sure it wasn't me they were picking up stress vibes from so it's not a case of "I used it so I'm acting differently with them".
HTH
Debs

You'd have to check how the spray actually works and whether it needs exposure in the way the DAP plug in does... I notice a calming effect from the plug in within 24 hours and this continues until it runs about a month later (kept plugged in all the time). It may be that you need to use plug in and then the spray outside, or, that the spray is designed to work without the plug in... :)

Lindsay
x

I've used the DAP too, when having problems with my boys fighting with each other. Combined with having them neutered we now have a happy household - can't say for sure if it any of it is attributable to the DAP but I would use it again in a stress situation to help calm things down. Not sure if that is any help :D

Ok thanks for all of your help. I might get a plug in and some spray as Mungo seems to find life a bit stressful! Obviously won't be in time for the show so i think i will get some rescue remedy for then. Perhaps RR and DAP might help in the future, i will see how we go on sunday before talking too much about the future! as he won't let the judge approach him i don't think we will be troubling any champ shows for a time! :D

It is nice to hear about people who have actually used it as i wasn't sure if it was just a gimmick.

Hi Helen

I have friends who use both the plug in and spray - their dog was a wreck with fireworks and this eventually spread to include any loud noises such as thunder or even things being moved around (for eg when a show is being dismantled but classes still ongoing.  They had an overnight improvement with the DAP plug-in and kept it permanently on and then refilled for about 3 months.  Unsure of how the dog would be outside of the usual environment, they also bought the spray but hardly needed it :)

I used a few squirts of their spray on my trouser legs while handling for them at a show over the Guy Fawkes weekend and dog was brand new even though all around there was all sorts of noises which would previously have caused upset.  I also found my own sound sensitive one to be much calmer so a double whammy :D

The spray is designed for the immediate vicinity of the dog - such as using in the car.  As I said it worked well just being on my clothes - but don't spray directly on the dog!

Valerian compound and RR are both good for calming anxiety - particularly if used in conjunction with Scullcap and Valerian tablets for around 3 days before a journey or show.

HTH, Teri

  

their are cheaper to buy over the net than buy from vets

Great, i think i will order some.
I have been into the health shop today and the lady was really helpful. She had a book on homeopatheic remedies for pets and i had a read through the various dog complaints that could be helped..... well, i had about eight bottles before reaching the end of the 'c's!! :D

I have got some that help with appetite and ear infections as well as nervousness  (can't remember what its called, begins with A) with some other on order. Argent nic.

Mungo had two tabs at lunchtime and i will give him 2 tabs 3x a day and see how he goes. Hopefully with those and the DAP we will be ready to take on the world this season!! He just needs to get some confidence in himself and then i'm sure he will be ok.