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If your pet gets anxious sometimes, you’re not alone: it’s normal for pets to have a range of emotions, just like people do.
Many cats and dogs experience fear, anxiety, and stress (FAS) in various situations, whether it’s a trip to the vet, a thunderstorm, or the arrival of new guests at home.
One way to support your pets in these situations is by using calming products, like Feliway and ThunderEase. These are specialized products that have been designed to help your pet feel more relaxed and secure: they are safe and effective, as well as easy to find online or at your favorite pet store.
What Are Feliway and ThunderEase?
Feliway and ThunderEase are products that release calming pheromones into the air. Pheromones are natural chemicals that animals use to communicate with each other. When these pheromones are released, they send signals that help animals feel safe and secure.
Feliway is primarily used for cats. It mimics the feline facial pheromone that cats naturally produce when they feel comfortable and safe in their environment. By using Feliway, you can help reduce behaviors such as spraying, scratching, or hiding.
ThunderEase is available for both dogs and cats. For dogs, ThunderEase mimics the calming pheromone that nursing mother dogs release to comfort their puppies. ThunderEase also has a version for cats, which mimics the same feline facial pheromone as Feliway.
Both Feliway and ThunderEase are easy to use and come in diffuser form, similar to a plug-in air freshener. To use them, you simply plug the special diffuser into an outlet in the room(s) where your pet spends most of their time. The diffuser slowly releases the calming pheromones into the air, creating a soothing environment for your pet.
These products are odorless to humans and other animals, so you won’t notice any scent. However, your pet will pick up on the pheromones and begin to feel more at ease.
Calming Sprays for On-the-Go or Situational Use
In addition to diffusers, both Feliway and ThunderEase offer calming sprays. These sprays contain the same pheromones as the diffusers but allow you to target specific areas as needed.
How to Use Calming Sprays
You can spray these calming products in a room before a stressful event, such as a vet visit or the arrival of guests. You can also spray them on a blanket or bedding where your pet likes to rest. This can create a comforting environment for your pet.
Important: Never spray these products directly on your pet. Always apply it to the environment or an object like a blanket.
Why Use Calming Sprays
Calming sprays are particularly useful for short-term situations, such as car rides or visits to unfamiliar places. They provide flexibility since you can apply them as needed, without the need to plug in a diffuser.
When Can Calming Sprays Help My Pet?
Calming products like Feliway and ThunderEase diffusers and sprays are designed to help reduce your pet's anxiety in a variety of situations. Here are some examples of when these products can be particularly beneficial:
1. Vet Visits
Vet visits can be stressful for many pets, particularly cats and dogs who are not used to being in a clinic environment. Using a calming spray on your pet's blanket or carrier about 15-20 minutes before leaving for the vet can help ease their anxiety.
2. Thunderstorms and Fireworks
Loud noises from thunderstorms and fireworks can trigger anxiety in pets. These situations are perfect for using both diffusers and sprays. A diffuser can create a calm environment in your home during storm season, while a spray can be used on your pet's bedding or in the room where they feel safest when the loud noises start.
3. Introducing a New Pet
Bringing a new pet into the home can be a stressful experience for both the existing and new pets. Setting up a diffuser in key areas of the house before the introduction can help create a calming environment. You can also use a spray on the bedding or blankets in the areas where the pets will meet for the first time.
4. Moving to a New Home
Moving can be a significant source of stress for pets, with all of the new,\ scents, sights, and sounds in the environment. Before moving day, plug in diffusers in the new home to create a calming atmosphere. On moving day itself, use a spray in your pet’s carrier and on their bedding to help keep them calm during the transition.
5. Visitors or Parties
When guests come over, or if you’re hosting a party, your pet may feel overwhelmed by the sudden change in activity and noise levels. Setting up a diffuser in a quiet room where your pet can retreat can help them feel more at ease. If your pet tends to greet visitors, you can also use a spray in the entryway or common areas.
6. Car Rides
Car rides can be stressful for pets, especially if they are not used to traveling. Before you start the trip, spray the car seat or your pet’s carrier with a calming spray. This can help reduce anxiety during the ride, making the journey more comfortable for both you and your pet.
7. Behavioral Issues
If your pet is exhibiting stress-related behaviors like excessive barking, scratching, or spraying, calming products can be part of the solution. Use a diffuser in areas where these behaviors are most common. You can also use a spray to target specific spots, like the furniture they are scratching or the door where they bark.
Are Calming Diffusers and Sprays Safe?
Yes, Feliway and ThunderEase diffusers and sprays are safe for pets when used as directed. They’re also safe for use around people and other animals. However, it’s always a good idea to consult with your veterinarian before starting any new product, especially if your pet has any underlying health conditions.
Benefits of a Fear-Free Philosophy
At our clinic, we believe in a fear-free approach to pet care. This means we focus on reducing fear, anxiety, and stress in your pets during visits and at home. Calming products like Feliway and ThunderEase, whether in diffuser or spray form, are excellent tools to help reduce FAS in pets and support a peaceful environment: in our clinic and in your home.
By using these products in combination with other fear-free techniques, such as gentle handling and positive reinforcement, you can help your pet feel more comfortable and secure in their daily life.
Calming Products to Support Your Pet’s Wellbeing
If your pet experiences stress or anxiety, calming products like Feliway and ThunderEase diffusers and sprays can be a valuable addition to your pet care routine. By providing a comforting environment, these products support a fear-free approach that can make a significant difference in your pet’s well-being.
If you have any questions about these products or would like to learn more about how to create a fear-free environment for your pet, don’t hesitate to reach out to our clinic. We’re here to help you and your furry family members live a happier, less-stressful life.
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