£1 WILL BE DONATED FOR EVERY ADAPTIL PRODUCT SOLD DURING MARCH*
Anxiety doesn't just affect humans—it’s a year-round struggle for our pets too. In the UK, a staggering 82% of dogs** suffer from fear in one form or another—whether it's travel, new people, trips to the vet, loud noises, or even everyday household sounds like the hoover.
For over 20 years, ADAPTIL has been a trusted ally in helping dogs combat anxiety, yet many pet owners are still unaware of the solutions that could change their dog's life. It's time to shine a spotlight on the support that can make all the difference.
This year, ADAPTIL have partnered up with Battersea to discover better ways to support pets in managing anxiety. We’ll be sharing our top tips for alleviating stress in anxious pets and how we can apply these strategies at home.
Real Stories: Battersea Rescue Dog Ruby
Meet Ruby, a five-year-old dog who struggled with severe anxiety. She was afraid of walks, often trying to escape her lead, and loud noises made her uneasy. Her anxiety led to excessive barking and fear of busy roads, making daily life stressful. With Battersea’s expert care, Ruby slowly built confidence and learned to feel safe. Her story is a reminder that, with patience and support, anxious pets can overcome their fears and thrive.
Read Ruby's sotryWhat Can I Do if I think my dog is anxious?
🐾Rule out medical issues
Before anything else, check in with your vet to make sure there’s no underlying health problem causing the behaviour. Once you have the all-clear, look into the following options.
🐾Quality time and affection
Never underestimate the power of love! Spending extra time together and engaging in physical touch— like cuddles, petting, or even gentle massages—can work wonders for calming nerves (for both of you!).
🐾Create a safe haven
Set up a cosy, quiet space where your pet can retreat when things feel overwhelming. Think of it as their personal relaxation zone!
🐾Change the environment
If you can pinpoint the source of stress, remove or adjust it. Sometimes, a small change in surroundings can make a big difference.
🐾Boost exercise & playtime
A tired pet is a happy pet! Walks, runs, play sessions—anything that burns energy will also burn off anxiety. Plus, it strengthens your bond!
🐾Professional Help
It is always beneficial to source professional help from a vet, trainer or behaviourist. Check out resources like apbc.org.uk or battersea.org.uk for professional advice on how to correctly deal with a pet’s anxiety.
🐾Speaking to Others
Sometimes having an anxious pet can feel life changing. Speaking to other owners can help, whether they are friends, family or a vet nurse. Sharing thoughts and ideas may help you find that golden piece of information you need.
🐾Training Friends
Family and friends with cats or dogs will fully understand your situation and are the perfect group to help you practise your new training regime.
From working with a qualified behaviourist or trainer to using supportive products, there are ways to help your pet feel safer and more at ease. You’re not alone—there is always something that can be done to support your anxious dog.Understanding what causes dog anxiety and behaviour issues is the first step to helping them. Explore potential triggers and support strategies in ADAPTIL’s guide to dog behaviour problems.
REAL LIFE STORIES FROM THE ADAPTIL COMMUNITY
Balto age 2, I rescued him at the age of 6 months old and he was a bundle of nerves! Thanks to Adaptil he's really come out of his shell and grown in confidence, he's calmer around strangers and new dogs, and loves outdoor adventures, which at first was a huge challenge with him as he'd bark in fright at his own shadow
Meet my Jax the minature Jack Russell. He loves to go for walks & socialising with other dogs but is a trembling wreck with any noises or changes at home. Since we got him his Adaptil collar he has got so much better & can even be left home alone for a while! He is the most loving,funny boy & I adore him
This is my eight year old Border Collie Nugget. He is my best friend and has been by my side through some major health issues including cancer. He is always there when I need a cuddle. ADAPTIL keeps him calm so that he can comfort me when I need it. I don’t know what I would do without him. He really is so special.
Izzy is a 1 year old Australian Labradoodle who is helping us to heal and recover after the loss of our previous pet pooch. She is feisty, energetic and very loving. She brightens each day and Adaptil helps to keep her calm when things can be a little overwhelming for her!
Indigo is a Newfoundland x Labrador who is nearly 2. We’ve been using adaptil since she was a pup as she could be worried in some new situations and it always takes the edge off her anxiety. Perfect for settling her in a new place when on holiday!
Rodney is 4 years old and loves wearing his ADAPTIL collar everywhere he goes. He can feel overwhelmed and anxious at times so his collar helps him feel at ease and more confident
Bruce is an anxious 2 year old springer. The Adaptil plug ins help him to relax, he’s that chilled that he’s nodded off whilst playing haha!
Poppy is 11years old. She's a Chihauhau terrier mix. She's a sweet little soul whose frightened of her own shadow. Adaptil Diffuser really helps sooth her especially around November time.
Eva is a Spanish Mastin. These dogs are bred to protect the sheep & goats from wolves and other predators, they have a naturally protective nature. Eva is an extremely nervous dog, super scared of babies, children, bicycles basically anything with wheels. She's huge 50kg and a gentle giant but her nervous nature has been an issue since birth. Adaptil does exactly what it says and really helps her anxiety, I've tried the collar and the chews and I'm very happy with both especially during the hunting and fireworks season. Thank you Adaptil for helping my baby girl in fearful situations.
Simba my 6 year old cockapoo came to us the day after we lost our first female cockapoo Ellie in a freak accident. Simba is the most loving and gentle soul but he suffers from separation anxiety and hates travelling in the car. Adaptil has eased that and now we can go on long journeys without him singing and panting all the time, he is still slightly anxious but using the Adaptil for car journeys is helping no end.
Basil is a happy, crazy, 3 year old Cockapoo. He loves living life to the full! He is happiest (and loudest!) at the beach, chasing a ball, diving into the sea, barking at the wind! But sometimes finds it hard to wind down and chill. We love using the Adaptil calming spray especially during travel (there’s many beaches requiring exploring!) and the Adaptil diffuser for home for that calming wind down time, they both definitely help Basil!
Duncan is 3 years old and we rehomed him at 5 months. He is a big softie and has a great personality. He loves a walk in the woods followed by a sit on a bench and a juicy carrot when he gets home. Duncan loves Adaptil plug in because it helps him relax and know that mum and dad won’t be out for long.
Find out which ADAPTIL is best for your dog
ADAPTIL have a range of products to help your dog.
Studies using the Calm Home Diffuser has proven to reduce the following stress-related behaviours:
- 65% Less Barking
- 91% Less Destruction
- 75% Soiling
- 93% Trembling & Hiding during fireworks and thunderstorms.
The Diffuser provides up to 30 days of constant support, it's easy to use and replace the refill.
More information on clinical studies of ADAPTIL Calming Solutions can be found here: Clinically Proven.
* Adaptil will give £1 + VAT from each Adaptil product sold from 1st March 2025 to 31st March 2025 to Battersea Dogs’ Home Limited which donates its profits to Battersea Dogs’ & Cats’ Home (registered charity number: 206394)
**(PDSA PAW Report 2018)