Comfort Zone Plug-in?

[wcladymacbeth]

I was recently recommended to try a Comfort Zone Plug-in to help with Maggie's anxiety. I looked it up on the Petsmart website and it is a $50 thing you plug into an outlet that lets off some kind of scent. It lasts 4 weeks and apparently "reduces or completely stops stress-related behavior."

It has excellent reviews on the website. People say that their dogs that had howling problems, barking problems, anxiety-elimination, etc. completely stopped these behaviors right away when they started using this.

I don't know how much it would help Maggie with her shyness, but I wonder if it would help her stop howling and whimpering at night. She woke me up an hour early this morning :-(

Have any of you guys tried this? You can learn more about it here:
http://www.petsmart.com/product/ind...ne&kw=comfort+zone&parentPage=search&keepsr=1

 

[dagwood]

I haven't heard of this but when you have an anxious dog as we do, you're bound to try anything. There are lots of behavior topics listed on this web page. Understanding where the anxiety comes from helps to determine the method of relief for your fur friend.

 

[Chaoslillith]

It actually releases a pheremone that triggers the dogs to calm down. Research DAP, that is the pheremone stuff that is in it and it is why it is so expensive.

 

[Zoom]

I've had better luck pairing the diffuser with the DAP spray on their bedding at the same time. It does work though; we used this all the time at the boarding resort I worked at and while it isn't "magic" it does take the edge off. It's supposed to evoke "mother milk smell" and take them back to when they were wee puppies and life was good.

 

[Sch3Dana]

It's supposed to evoke "mother milk smell" and take them back to when they were wee puppies and life was good.

Where can I get one for me? :lol-sign:

 

[Zoom]

LOL! Actually...

 

[wcladymacbeth]

Well I think it's worth a shot. I might just try it in a couple weeks when I actually get a paycheck...

I'm starting my new job tomorrow.

 

[lizzybeth727]

We used those in our kennels at one time, and although I know they're very effective most of the time, they did tend to make our males more aggressive. Could just be coincidence.

I've also heard that lavender scented plug-ins have a calming effect on the dogs, you might want to try those first since they're like 1/5 the price.

 

[wcladymacbeth]

Ahh lizzybeth you're always full of good tips. I will try the lavender one first then.. I was going to have to wait a little while to get the Comfort Zone one because I've already broken my budget on Maggie for this month Besides, I'll enjoy the lavender too!

 

[mrandrei]

Ampf. I tried the comfort zone plug-in for my dog months ago. I bought it for $40. I'm telling you, it's ineffective. I did NOT see improvement in my dog's behavior or difference in his anxiety levels. ;(

 

[Zoom]

How close is the diffuser to your dog at the time and what exactly were you looking for to mark "improvement"? It's not going to be like a light switch, one minute they're spazzing, the next they're doing Sudoku. It's a subtle effect, takes the edge off...but some dogs are more anxious about some things than others. If your dog has SEVERE anxiety though, it will take more than a diffuser.

 

[shadowfacedanes]

I'm telling you, it's ineffective. I did NOT see improvement in my dog's behavior or difference in his anxiety levels. ;(

Just because it didn't work for you doesn't make it ineffective. I used one with great results.

I eventually purchased one of the diffuser collars which I found to be very helpful as well.

The DAP diffuser/spray/collar that I used were purchased at the veterinary clinic. I did find the same thing online for a little cheaper, you just have to look around.

 

[SizzleDog]

I too have wondered about these things - but since Rescue Remedy has never worked for my dogs, I'm leery of this too. I know they're completely different, but when one highly touted calming product falls flat when it comes to Ronin, I tend to be critical of other products as well.

Fortunately the only symptom of SA he's got left is the barking when I leave - even if I'm just outside with Ilsa, he'll bark. If I'm standing in front of the patio door - three feet away from him with only a panel of glass separating us, he'll bark.

But if he's with Ilsa when I'm not around, he doesn't bark. Methinks I need to get HIM a pet dog!

 

[shadowfacedanes]

Sizzle, go for it. I hardly ever have to give Hannah medication for her anxiety since we got Corvus. Having her a little dog buddy helped her immensely. Of course, Corvus gives ME anxiety so now I have to take Hannah's medication. :rofl1:

(Kidding)

 

[SizzleDog]

LOL! I wish I could - he likes Ada, but he needs another big dog he can cuddle with - he's FINE if he's got Ilsa, she's the best anti-anxiery medication in our arsenal. But if Adais any indication, he's not going t bond so closely with another dog until Ilsa crosses the bridge - he worships the ground she walks on, they're two peas in a pod.

The trouble is, sometimes Ilsa goes places with me and Ronin has to stay home. Maybe I should make a lifesize cardboard cutout of Ilsa and put it in her crate when we're not around...

 

[shadowfacedanes]

The trouble is, sometimes Ilsa goes places with me and Ronin has to stay home. Maybe I should make a lifesize cardboard cutout of Ilsa and put it in her crate when we're not around...

We have the same problem here. With Hannah, there are two things that matter....ME and Corvus. I cannot leave with Corvus or she comes unglued, even if Jeff is here with her. I can leave as long as Corvus stays behind, and Jeff can leave with Corvus if I stay behind, but if Corvus and I both go....the poo hits the fan.

Just gotta love their little quirks, eh?