Pheromones are chemical communications among members of a given species. They modify the behavior of recipient in relation to the member producing them. Pet pheromones are those specific to pets and are used to modify the behavior of recipient pets as desired. They can either be natural or man-made. The former are produced by the body, naturally. These are received by the vomeronasal organ. This organ is located between the mouth and the nose. Pet pheromone can be applied to help induce certain behavior and solve certain problems in dogs, cats and other pets, either individually or as a group. Human beings also communicate through pheromones.
Pet pheromones come in form of sprays, collars and wipes, as well as plug-in diffusers. There are also essential oils and herbal products used to stimulate production of natural pheromones.
Types of Behaviors Targeted by Pheromones
Pet pheromones target at inducing certain types of behaviors in cats, dogs and other pets. They can help avoid aggression problems between cats. Sometimes, aggression in cats is caused by stress. Stress can also cause other behavioral problems in pets as can to humans, and use of pet pheromones is recommended to ease stress.
In dogs, pheromones can help ease separation anxiety and noise phobias. Such problems can occur in dogs as a result of traveling and noise from fireworks and storms. In cats, pheromones can help alleviate scratching problem and stress while traveling. Some cats are affected by stress when moved to new homes. Pheromones can help ease the cat response at the veterinarian office.
Pheromones have also been used to help avoid marking and spraying behaviors in pets, as observed when cats rub cheeks against surfaces to mark safe areas and when they spray surfaces. It is advisable to check whether behavioral problems in pet are as a result of medical problems as might occur sometimes. It is advisable to provide cure for these medical conditions rather than use pheromones only. For example, pets can be screened for medical problems before application of pheromones. In addition, pheromones are not advisable for easing aggression problems in dogs because they are ineffective.
Other examples of pheromones include those that help mother cats soothe their young ones. All man-made pheromones mimic natural pheromones produced by pets. Some products can also help induce production of the natural pheromones in pets, an example is the use of herbal blends to stimulate production of canine, a pheromone that help induce a feeling of well-being and safety in cats that are under stress.
Are Pet Pheromones Effective?
Various studies support the fact that, pet pheromones can ease behavioral problems. An example is the use of man-made pheromone collars that mimic calming pheromones used by mother cat to soothe their young ones, which has been demonstrated as effective. Other pheromones proved as effective include some of those that help ease stress and aggression, as well as those that help avoid marking and spraying in cats. Positive effects have been observed on application of some of the pheromones used in dogs for the purpose of eliminating or reducing separation anxiety and noise phobias.
Are Pheromones Safe?
There are no known side effects of pet pheromones. No side effects of pheromones on human beings have been recorded. They are recommended for sick pets, skittish and older pets.