This research project evaluates the effectiveness of dog-appeasing pheromone (DAP), delivered through a pheromone-infused collar, in reducing stress levels and stress-related behaviors associated with travel and relocation in dogs. DAP mimics a natural pheromone produced by lactating mother dogs, which has been shown to promote calmness and a sense of security in puppies. The Zenidog™ calming collar provides a sustained release of this pheromone over three months. It is a practical, non-invasive option for investigating DAP’s effects on relocation stress management in companion animals.

Behavioral and physiological responses to travel and relocation stress will be assessed in dogs owned by veterinary students over approximately three months during summer break, a period often marked by environmental changes for pets. Stress will be measured through hair cortisol analysis, which reflects long-term stress, and behavioral surveys will be completed by owners at two stages: before collar application and after removal. To ensure objectivity, dogs will wear either a commercialized DAP-infused collar or a placebo collar that looks, smells, and feels identical but contains no active ingredient. Neither participants nor researchers will know which collar a dog receives until the study concludes.

This research aims to provide insight into canine stress management by evaluating the DAP collar’s effectiveness. It could potentially offer pet owners a practical tool to support their dogs’ welfare during significant environmental transitions, such as moving.