Pheromones
Synthetic analogs of mammalian pheromones (fatty acids)
Also known as: Feliway · D.A.P. · Comfort Zone · Modipher EQ · Adaptil · FFP · Feline Facial Pheromone · Dog Appeasing Pheromone · EAP · Equine Appeasing Pheromone · Canine appeasing pheromone
Reviewed by the VetSheet Veterinary TeamUpdated Apr 5, 2026Evidence-based veterinary reference
Doses are a clinical reference for licensed veterinary professionals. Always confirm against the current label and the individual patient.
Dosing by species
🌎 NA — North America🌍 EU — Europe
Dogs
| Indication | Dose | Route | Frequency | Duration | Region |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fear, stress, separation anxiety, new environments | 1 diffuser per 500-650 sq. ft. | Environmental | Continuous | Vial lasts approx 4 weeks | 🌎 NA |
| Travel anxiety, unfamiliar places | Spray in car, kennels, crates, or on bandanas | Environmental | 20 minutes prior to travel, or twice daily in new areas | As needed | 🌎 NA |
| Stress associated with separation, noise sensitivity, travel, new home, or veterinary visits | Apply via diffuser, spray, or collar as directed | topical | Continuous (diffuser/collar) or as needed (spray) | 3 months recommended for attachment-related issues | 🌍 EU |
- Fear, stress, separation anxiety, new environments: Plug into electric outlet in the room most often used by the animal. May require up to 72 hours to saturate area.
- Travel anxiety, unfamiliar places: Do not spray directly on dogs.
- Stress associated with separation, noise sensitivity, travel, new home, or veterinary visits: Diffuser: place in most occupied room. Spray: use on bedding, cages, cars (do not spray on dog). Collar: useful for reactions outside the home; if multiple dogs are affected, each should wear a collar.
Cats
| Indication | Dose | Route | Frequency | Duration | Region |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Urine marking, scratching, stress, inter-cat aggression | 1 diffuser per 500-650 sq. ft. | Environmental | Continuous | Vial lasts approx 4 weeks | 🌎 NA |
| Urine marking, prominent objects | 1 spray per application site | Environmental | 1-2 times daily | 30 days | 🌎 NA |
- Urine marking, scratching, stress, inter-cat aggression: Plug into electric outlet in the room most often used by the animal. May require up to 72 hours to saturate area.
- Urine marking, prominent objects: Pump spray approx 4 inches from site, 8 inches from floor. Do not spray directly on cats. Maintenance sprays every 2-3 days may be required.
Horses
| Indication | Dose | Route | Frequency | Duration | Region |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stressful situations (transport, shoeing, clipping, training) | 2 sprays into each nostril | Intranasal | 1/2 hour before anticipated stress or event | As needed | 🌎 NA |
- Stressful situations (transport, shoeing, clipping, training): Keep horse in a non-stressful environment for 1/2 hour after administration to achieve best results.
Doses are a clinical reference for licensed veterinary professionals. Always confirm against the current label and the individual patient.
Overview
Commercially available pheromones are synthetic analogs of naturally occurring mammalian appeasing and facial pheromones. They are used as non-systemic, highly safe adjuncts to reduce anxiety, stress, and undesirable behaviors in veterinary patients.
- Cats: Useful for urine marking, vertical scratching, inter-cat aggression, and general stress.
- Dogs: Used for separation anxiety, noise phobias, travel stress, and calming in new environments.
- Horses: Helps alleviate stress during transport, shoeing, clipping, and training.
Clinical Pearl: Pheromones are not a magic bullet for severe behavioral issues. They are most effective when used as part of a comprehensive behavioral modification plan, potentially alongside systemic anxiolytics.
Mechanism of action
Pheromones are detected by the vomeronasal organ (VNO) or Jacobson's organ, located in the hard palate/nasal cavity.
Detection by the VNO → transmission via accessory olfactory bulb → amygdala and hypothalamus → modulation of emotional response (general calming effect).
- F3 Feline Facial Pheromone: Inhibits urine marking, encourages feeding, and enhances exploratory behavior.
- F4 Feline Pheromone: An allomarking pheromone that familiarizes cats with their surroundings and conspecifics.
- Dog Appeasing Pheromone (DAP): Analog of bitch intermammary pheromone produced during nursing, providing a sense of safety and comfort.
Safety & warnings
Contraindications
- None known
Adverse effects
- No significant adverse effects reported
- Highly safe due to lack of systemic absorption
Precautions
Do not spray directly on cats or dogs. When using sprays, allow the alcohol carrier to evaporate (approx. 15-20 minutes) before introducing the animal to the area. Diffusers may require up to 72 hours to fully saturate a room, so effects may not be immediate. Do not plug diffusers behind furniture or under curtains.
Drug interactions
May reduce or negate the calming effects of pheromones
Anecdotal reports suggest a synergistic anxiolytic action
Monitoring
- Clinical efficacy (reduction in targeted stress or anxiety behaviors)
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption
Not systemically absorbed; acts locally on the vomeronasal organ.
Overdose
No specific animal toxicity data is available. The ingredients are not considered toxic. If humans are accidentally exposed and experience an adverse reaction, they should contact a physician or poison control center.
Available products
Formulations
- Electric Diffuser
- Environmental Spray
- Collar
- Intranasal Spray (Equine)
Veterinary
- Feliway Diffuser (48 mL vial)
- Comfort Zone Feline
- Feliway Spray 10% (75 mL)
- Comfort Zone Spray for Cats
- D.A.P. Diffuser (48 mL vial)
- D.A.P. Spray 2% (60 mL)
- Comfort Zone Spray for Dogs
- Comfort Zone Canine
- D.A.P. Collar
- Modipher EQ Mist with E.A.P. 0.1% (7.5 mL)
Regulatory status
General sale
General sale
No regulatory data for: 🇺🇸 US · 🇭🇰 HK · 🇹🇼 TW · 🇯🇵 JP · 🇰🇷 KR · 🇦🇺 AU
Storage & stability
Store at room temperature. Do not mix with other ingredients or substances. Keep out of reach of children.
Client information
Pheromones are natural 'calming signals' that help pets feel safe and secure.
- Diffusers: Plug the diffuser into an open outlet in the room your pet spends the most time in. Do not place it behind furniture or under shelves, as the vapor needs space to rise. It can take up to 3 days for the room to fully saturate, so be patient.
- Sprays: Never spray directly onto your cat or dog. If using for travel, spray the carrier or car 15-20 minutes before putting your pet inside. This allows the strong-smelling alcohol carrier to evaporate, leaving only the odorless pheromone behind.
- Expectations: Pheromones are an excellent tool, but they work best when combined with positive reinforcement training and environmental management.
VetSheet drug reference is intended for licensed veterinary professionals as a clinical decision-support aid, not a substitute for professional judgement or the manufacturer’s current label.