If you've decided to try Adaptil for your dog, you've probably noticed there are several different products—diffusers, collars, sprays, and chews. They're not interchangeable. Each is designed for different situations, and using the wrong one (or using the right one incorrectly) is a common reason people conclude "Adaptil doesn't work."

This guide explains which product suits which situation, how to use each one properly, and the mistakes that stop them working.

Quick Decision Guide

Different Adaptil products do different jobs. Use this table to match your situation to the most appropriate product, then read the relevant section below for detailed instructions.

The Diffuser (Adaptil Calm Home)

The diffuser is designed for continuous, home-based support. It plugs into a power outlet and steadily releases pheromone into the air, covering an area of up to 70m².

When to Use It

• Separation-related behaviours (barking, pacing, destruction when alone)
• General anxiety at home
• Preparing for anticipated noise events (fireworks, storms)
• Helping a new dog settle after adoption or rehoming
• Multi-dog households where you want a calm baseline environment

How to Use It Properly

Placement matters enormously:

• Plug it in the room where your dog spends most of their time
• Leave 1.2 metres of clear space above the diffuser—the pheromone rises in warm air
• Don't place it behind furniture, under shelves, or behind doors
• Don't plug it into a power board or extension lead
• Avoid placing near air conditioning vents, open windows, or strong airflow (this depletes the refill faster)

Timing:

• Leave it running 24 hours a day, continuously—unplugging it regularly stops it working
• For anticipated events like fireworks, plug it in 2-3 days beforehand
• Allow at least 30 days before judging effectiveness
• For mild separation-related behaviours, expect to use it for 3-6 months alongside behaviour modification

Maintenance:

• Replace the refill every 30 days, even if liquid remains (the residue doesn't diffuse properly)
• Replace the diffuser unit itself every 6 months (after 6 refills)

Households with birds or aquariums:

The pheromone itself only affects dogs and is harmless to other animals. However, the diffuser releases pheromone in an oily vapour, which raises two precautions:

• Caged birds (especially psittacines like parrots and budgies) have sensitive respiratory systems. As a precaution, plug the diffuser in a different room from where birds are housed.
• Aquariums: The oily carrier can potentially settle on the water surface. If the diffuser must be in the same room as an aquarium, use an outlet as far from the tank as possible.

Cost Estimate

Starter kits (diffuser + first refill): approximately $40-60 AUD. Monthly refills: $30-40 AUD. Annual cost for continuous use: $360-480 AUD.

The Collar (Adaptil Calm and Adaptil Junior)

The collar provides continuous, portable support. It's activated by your dog's body heat, releasing pheromone constantly as long as it's worn.

There are two versions:

• Adaptil Junior: For puppies from 8 weeks to 6 months old, up to 15 kg
• Adaptil Calm: For adult dogs, available in two sizes:
  • Size S: Dogs up to 15 kg, neck up to 37.5 cm
  • Size M/L: Dogs up to 50 kg, neck up to 62.5 cm

When to Use It

• New puppy settling in and attending training classes (Junior)
• Dogs who need support outside the home—walks, boarding, travel, training (Calm)
• Dogs in large or multi-level homes where a single diffuser can't cover all areas
• Dogs who are anxious in multiple locations, not just at home

How to Use It Properly

Fitting is critical:

• The collar must sit snugly against the skin—body heat activates it
• You should be able to fit two fingers between the collar and neck, no more
• If it's too loose, it won't warm up enough to release pheromone effectively
• Don't cover it with another collar or bandana
• Cut off the excess length after fitting

Timing:

• Wear it 24 hours a day, continuously
• Replace every 30 days (4 weeks)
• For puppies, continue use for 2-3 months, potentially until 6 months of age

Maintenance:

• Remove before bathing with shampoo or swimming in chlorinated water (chemicals can strip the pheromone)
• The collar works fine once dry again
• Hair length doesn't affect efficacy, as long as the collar contacts the skin
• Never attach a lead to the Adaptil collar—it's not designed for tension and will break

Cost Estimate

Approximately $25-40 AUD per month.

The Spray (Adaptil Transport)

The spray is designed for short-term, situational support. It works quickly but doesn't last long—ideal for specific events rather than ongoing anxiety.

When to Use It

• Car travel (keeping in mind that evidence for reducing true travel anxiety is limited—it's best viewed as a "may help" add-on rather than a standalone solution)
• Vet visits (though evidence is limited—may help in the waiting room but don't expect much during examination)
• Grooming appointments
• Temporary stays in kennels or boarding
• Any situation where you need fast, targeted calming in a specific space

How to Use It Properly

Application:

• Spray 8-10 pumps onto the surface your dog will occupy: bedding, carrier, car seat, crate, or examination table
• Never spray directly on your dog or near their face
• Wait 15 minutes before letting your dog into the sprayed area—this allows the alcohol solvent to evaporate

Timing:

• Effect begins almost immediately once the alcohol has evaporated
• Officially lasts 4-5 hours, but consider reapplying every 1.5-2 hours for best results on longer journeys
• For extended appointments, bring the bottle and reapply as needed

What it won't do:

• It won't help motion sickness (nausea, drooling, vomiting)—that's a physiological problem requiring different treatment
• It won't reliably fix true travel anxiety on its own—current evidence for that is limited. Think of it as one small part of a broader plan, not a guaranteed solution
• It's not a substitute for continuous support; use the diffuser or collar for ongoing anxiety

Cost Estimate

Approximately $20-30 AUD per bottle.

The Chews (Adaptil Chew)

When to Use Them

• Sudden, unexpected stressors (thunder, unexpected visitors)
• Short-notice events where you can't set up a diffuser or spray in advance
• As an addition to pheromone products for acute events (e.g., diffuser running + chew before fireworks)

How to Use Them Properly

• Give 30 minutes before the anticipated stressful event
• Dosage varies by weight—follow the packet instructions
• Can be given daily if your dog experiences regular anxiety
• They're designed to calm without causing drowsiness

What to Know About the Evidence

The chew formulation is newer and less researched than the pheromone products. While the individual ingredients (L-tryptophan, L-theanine) have some evidence for calming effects, the specific Adaptil Chew product relies primarily on manufacturer claims rather than independent clinical trials. This doesn't mean they don't work—but the evidence base is weaker than for the pheromone products. For more on what the research says about Adaptil's effectiveness, see Does Adaptil Work?

If you need a more reliable plan for significant anxiety or noise phobias, prioritise behaviour modification and, where appropriate, medication. Chews are best thought of as a possible extra layer rather than a primary treatment.

Safety Notes

• Don't give to pregnant or lactating dogs
• Consult your vet before use if your dog is on medication
• Generally well-tolerated with no drowsiness

Cost Estimate

Varies by pack size and dog weight; check current retail pricing.

Common Mistakes That Stop Adaptil Working

When to Combine Products

Adaptil products can be used together safely. Common combinations:

When Adaptil Isn't Enough

Adaptil is a useful tool for mild to moderate anxiety, but it has limits. For a detailed breakdown of what the research shows about Adaptil's effectiveness for different conditions, see Does Adaptil Work?

Signs you need professional help rather than (or alongside) pheromone products:

• Aggression of any kind
• Severe separation anxiety with destructive behaviour or self-harm
• Panic responses that don't improve
• Anxiety that's worsening despite correct Adaptil use
• Any situation where safety is a concern

For these cases, a comprehensive behaviour assessment, structured modification plan, and potentially medication will be more effective than over-the-counter products alone.