Plug a diffuser into the wall and solve dog problems? Spray something on a towel and put it near your dog and he will be calmer during thunderstorms, when left alone or in the car? Yeah right.

Well, I have found it to work.

I started using Comfort Zone diffusers years ago to help alleviate stress for Ranger, one of my Collies, during thunderstorms and fireworks celebrations. I also tried other strategies including Melatonin and other herbal strategies.

I think Comfort Zone works the best and will continue to use it when necessary. I have to admit that I was quite skeptical before I originally tried it. It is not inexpensive -  $46.99 for the diffuser and refill or $26.99 for the spray or refill. The success of the product also hinges on an unusual concept. Comfort Zone uses a synthetic pheromone that simulates a pheromone that lactating dogs emit. This is supposed to be calming for dogs. As described on the Comfort Zone site:

“Comfort Zone with D.A.P. is a synthetic pheromone that mimics the natural appeasing pheromone released by the lactating female to reassure her puppies. The pheromone therapy helps to reduce symptoms of fear that include: barking, house soiling, whining, whimpering and destructive behaviors. It also helps comfort dogs that are newly adopted, moving to new homes, adjusting to new pets, visitors and environments, or those frightened of thunderstorms and fireworks.”

But, the proof is in the results. The first time I noticed a marked improvement is shortly after I plugged it in. Ranger actually lied down just below the outlet in the bathroom where it was plugged in and went to sleep during a thunderstorm. Wow.

Before I used the diffuser, Ranger would wake me up at all hours during a thunderstorm, jump on the bed and walk back and forth on my head in the middle of the night while drooling profusely. Not a pleasant experience for either of us, that is for sure.

What I have found is that the results are not 100% nor does the product work for every dog. While he did calm down, it also made a difference how severe the thunderstorm was. I have asked many other trainers over the years and asked my clients to share their experiences with the products. Basically the consensus that I have found is that it is worth trying if there is a problem with anxiety because it seems to work more often than not and it is a safe option to try.

Recently a client raved to me about the effects of using the spray version in the car. Her dog was terrified of the car, got nauseous each trip and even got extremely anxious when she put the car harness on. She used the spray version of the product on a towel and put it in the car. She said the difference was very noticeable and she was able to put the car harness on, her dog lied down in the car, took a nap and did not get nauseous.

There are many other success stories on the Comfort Zone site and I think that if you are having challenges with your dog, this product is worth a shot.

You can find it at many stores or order it online.

More Information

Comfort Zone Success Stories

Comfort Zone Information Site 

Have you had experience using Comfort Zone? Please share your experiences with everyone below.