Do Calming Collars Actually Work For Dogs?

We’ve all seen our canine pets trembling during loud noises, barking at unfamiliar noises, or pacing when we leave the house. It is heartbreaking knowing how much anxiety takes a toll on them when left uncontrolled and untreated. Many pet parents are beginning to look for safe ways of dealing with anxiety that aren’t medications but rather non-invasive aids.

This is where calming collars for dogs come in. They are special tools designed to reduce stress and anxiety in dogs by releasing a calming smell. But do calming collars work for dogs? The answer isn’t that simple, since dogs' responses vary between the type of collar used, their environment, and their personality.

In this article, we will learn about the science behind the two types of canine calming collars available, share the opinions of experts and pet parents, and explain why Furlife's special calming collars for dogs take anxiety and stress relief a step further. 

Types of Calming Collars & How They Work

For dogs, there are two types of calming collars available on the market - DAP collars, which release pheromones, and scent-based collars. Let’s explore how they work and the differences between them.

Pheromone Collars (DAP)

These collars work by releasing a synthetic pheromone known as DAP - Dog Appeasing Pheromones, which are the same pheromones that mother dogs produce to soothe their puppies. The idea behind these collars is simple - they aim to mimic motherly reassurance and by that lead to your dog feeling afe.

There is a lot of research about DAP and how it reduces fear and anxiety in dogs. One study showed that dogs with these collars display significantly lower fear levels during thunderstorms, compared to dogs with no calming collars. There are other studies that suggest that pheromones help in lowering stress in unfamiliar or crowded environments.

Another study, done on puppies during their training times, showed how DAP collars can be useful during training periods. The puppies that wore DAP collars were more curious, outgoing, and less fearful, and later had a better social adaptation.

But, while DAP collars are proven to be a great helper for noise-related stress, ease social interaction during training, and even minimize social anxiety, there are mixed results when dealing with separation anxiety.

Scent-Based (Aromatherapy) Collars

Aromatherapy collars rely on natural herbs and scents to calm our pets, similar to aromatherapy for humans. Their gentle scents encourage relaxation and offer better sleep, but compared to DAP collars, their effectiveness varies a lot.

Some dogs benefit massively, but others ignore or dislike the scent altogether. Aromatherapy collars also cause allergies more commonly, so it’s important to monitor your pet in case it causes any type of skin irritation.

Lavender oil and chamomile oil, two of the most common aromatherapy ingredients, have been proven in one study to reduce anxiety and lead to behaviour that suggests a relaxed dog when exposed on 2-day intervals.

What Experts Say: Pros & Limitations

Let’s see what the experts have to say regarding the pros and limitations of using calming collars for our pets:

Rover says that DAP may offer dogs a feeling of comfort and safety during stressful situations like vet visits. On the other hand, Great Pet Care notes that calming collars can be life-changing for some dogs, but there is no universal guarantee since results depend on the dog's personality.

Dogster also stresses the variations between how dogs react to the collars, but praises their non-invasive nature. Mimi Green, known for their handmade and personalized pup collars and accessories, notes that even though calming collars help with mild anxiety, they are rarely good enough as a standalone solution.

So, what can we rule as the consensus? That calming collars are worth a shot, but not as the only shot. It is best to use them as part of a bigger calming plan, rather than a standalone solution

Real Pet Parent Experiences (Reddit Insights)

Many dog owners seek and share their opinions on forums like Reddit or other specialized pet forums. On the subject of calming collars, a few shared their positive experiences:

• “It’s not a fix-all, but it gives her an extra minute to think before she reacts. Strongly recommend using it with training.”

• “Our vet recommended a pheromone collar… it definitely helped during fireworks season.”

• “I noticed a subtle difference—she’s calmer on walks, but we still use it alongside positive reinforcement and lots of patience.”

By reading these honest reviews, it is easy to see how calming collars work in reality -  as a supportive tool, rather than an instant solution. While they take the edge off anxiety and make it easier for your dog to learn coping skills, they are not a standalone solution, but a big, helpful piece of the puzzle.

Best Practices: When and How to Use Collars

Now that we know the two types of available calming collars, we can assess when one option is better than the other. Pheromone collars are better for lowering general anxiety-like stress from loud noises, travel, or visiting the vet or groomer. Scent-based collars, on the other hand, are a better alternative when the goal is to offer your pet mild relaxation and support their sleep.

To boost the effect of the collar, it is important to implement them with training - Desensitization, reinforcements, and routines all lead to an increased effectiveness of the collars.

But, it is important to know that collars work in minimizing the symptoms of anxiety, not the cause. They can reduce signs like trembling, whining, or pacing, but they won’t do anything about deep-rooted behavioral issues. To target those issues, it is important to consult either your veterinarians or a pet behaviorist.

Furlife’s Advantage: Smarter Calm for Your Canine

Not all manufacturers take into consideration all factors while making their calming collars. Here is where FurLife™ - Natural Pheromone Calming Collar for Dogs stands out and outperforms:

By choosing our collar, you are offering a long-term solution to your dog, not just a short-term fix!

Supportive Calming Strategies

To get the best results out of your calming collars, it is best to pair them with other calming routines.

By implementing environmental enrichment and play, like sniff walsk and puzzle feeders, it helps in reducing the dogs' pent-up energy and minimizing possible stereotypical behavior in the future. It is also important for them to have a safe space to lie low when it isn’t play time - a comfy bed in a quiet corner, or access to other rooms helps in giving your dog a sense of control.

Dogs are routine animals, so environmental enrichment and safe spaces aren’t enough. By having a regular schedule and sticking to it, the dog develops a sense of safety and comfort, which naturally lowers their anxiety levels.

But what is considered the best anxiety reduction tool is desensitization training. This is a behavioral technique that is done by slowly introducing the dog to anxiety triggers and rewarding them when they do not react aversively or negatively. Pairing this with FurLife™ - Natural Pheromone Calming Collar for Dogs helps in building a holistic calming routine, which is reliable for both your canine friend and yourself.

FAQ

Do calming collars actually work?

Yes, there is research that has proven that calming collars, especially pheromone-based collars, reduce active signs of anxiety in dogs, mostly in noise-related situations.

Are essential oil collars safe?

In most cases, they are safe. However, some dogs might become irritated by the scent, which can lead to aversive effects. It is important to closely monitor your dog when putting on a calming collar for the first time.

Why doesn’t a collar alone solve behavior issues?

Collars reduce the symptoms of anxiety, not the cause. In order to get long-term improvement, training and environmental adjustments are necessary.

How long before I see results?

Results vary between dogs. In some cases, dogs relax in a few others, while in others, it could take up to a week. To get the best results, it’s important to be consistent and pair calming collars with anxiety-reducing activities.

Why choose Furlife’s calming collar? 

FurLifes calming collar stands out from other manufacturers because of its balanced vet-backed formula, made to be compatible with behavioral training. It is long-lasting, but it isn’t potent in smell, making it comfortable for scent-sensitive dogs, making it much more than a temporary relief.

Conclusion

To recap - Do calming collars work for dogs?

Definitely! Calming collars, especially those based on pheromone therapy, can be a valuable and safe anxiety relief for many dogs and their owners, especially as a part of a training or behavioral plan.

But, having that said, no collar works alone. To get the best possible results, it is crucial to combine calming collars with consistent training and reassurance leads to both a calmer dog and a stronger bond with their owner. 

By investing in a quality calming collar - like Furlifes - you are offering your pet a long-lasting and effective relief, aiding in their comfort. Help your dog feel safe, calm, and well-balanced—with smart tools and loving support! Get your calming collar today at our products page and offer both you and your dog peace of mind!.