Does Pheromone Therapy Help?

Pheromone therapy is becoming a popular means to control behavioral problems in animals, such as anxiety, fear and aggression. Pet supply stores now carry pheromone diffusers and spray products. Does this work, for the most part, to curb behavior or just certain behaviors more than others?

Based on studies, we cannot conclusively state that pheromone therapy doesn’t work. I can, however, say that it does work effectively in some instances.

Pheromones are chemicals that animals emit that affect the behavior of other members of the same species. They affect an animal’s social behavior, including food gathering, sexual attraction and signaling danger. In nature, pheromones clearly have an impact on dogs’ and cats’ behavior, so the logic is that synthetic pheromone products (i.e. sprays) might be useful in managing behavior problems for pet owners.

These products may help avoid anxiety in pets, but the owner should be calm himself. For example, if an owner is afraid of thunderstorms, the pet will be afraid also, despite the pheromone therapy. First of all, a master MUST be self-confident enough to demonstrate to the animal that he is able to defend it. This is especially important in an animal’s first year of life. Unfortunately, sometimes, the early experience of an animal may be so traumatic that pheromone therapy doesn't work.

Overall, pheromone therapy can be used to prevent or reduce stress-related problems, but the owner must also consider behavior modification techniques and even medications if necessary.