Pheromones may reduce pet stress

A growing number of products are making it easier for pets to travel, get used to new environments or quit scratching furniture.

The products contain pheromones that work with an organ dogs and cats have behind their nose. They can either be sprayed or released by collars.

Vets and animal behaviorists say pheromones calm cats on trips or relax them when they are introduced into a new environment.

The most studied cat product is Feliway, a spray available through vets and at pet stores under the brand Comfort Zone, can be sprayed on surfaces where cats rub their cheeks. It also comes as a diffuser you plug into an electrical socket.

Research shows puppies in training classes that wore pheromone-releasing collars were better socialized and adapted faster to new situations.

The most researched dog product is DAP, or Dog Appeasing Pheromone. It is a synthetic version of a substance that mother dogs use to calm pets. It's also sold under the brand Comfort Zone and through veterinarians and comes as a spray, a diffuser or a collar.

Pet owners should be wary of products labeled as "calming sprays" with scents such as lavender that are not backed by research.

Rewritten from The Wall Street Journal.

(Copyright 2009 by WTOP. All rights reserved.)