Adaptil vs Pet Remedy: Which Calming Product Actually Works? (2026)
Adaptil uses dog pheromones, Pet Remedy uses valerian herbs — but which one actually calms your dog? We compare the evidence, costs (£94 vs £262/year), and best use cases for each UK product.
Quick Answer
Adaptil uses synthetic dog pheromones with 23+ published studies behind it — stronger evidence, especially for puppies and newly adopted dogs. Pet Remedy uses valerian-based herbs working on GABA neurotransmitters, but its only peer-reviewed study found no significant effect. However, Pet Remedy costs roughly one-third as much to run long-term (£94/year vs £262/year for diffusers). Neither is a magic bullet — both work best alongside behavioural training.
How They Work: Two Completely Different Approaches
Despite sitting side-by-side on pet shop shelves, Adaptil and Pet Remedy calm dogs through entirely different biological mechanisms. Understanding this difference is key to choosing the right one for your dog.
Adaptil: Synthetic Pheromone Technology
Adaptil is manufactured by Ceva Animal Health, a French veterinary pharmaceutical company. Its active ingredient is a lab-created copy of Dog Appeasing Pheromone (DAP) — the same pheromone naturally produced by lactating mother dogs to reassure their puppies.
When your dog detects Adaptil, the pheromone binds to receptors in the vomeronasal organ (Jacobson's organ) in the nasal cavity. This triggers a neurological calming response — essentially sending a "you're safe" signal to the brain. It does not sedate your dog.
Key Fact
Adaptil is species-specific — it only affects dogs. It has no impact on humans, cats, or other animals in your home. This is because only dogs have the specific pheromone receptors that respond to DAP.
Pet Remedy: Herbal GABA Enhancement
Pet Remedy is a UK-based product founded in Devon in 2009. Its primary active ingredient is valerian root oil (Valeriana officinalis), supported by vetiver, sweet basil, and clary sage essential oils.
Rather than using pheromones, Pet Remedy works by mimicking and enhancing GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) — a natural calming neurotransmitter present in all mammals. Valerian contains valerenic acid, which inhibits the breakdown of GABA in the brain, promoting feelings of calm.
Key Fact
Pet Remedy works across all species — dogs, cats, rabbits, rodents, birds, and even horses. This makes it particularly useful for multi-pet households where you need one product for different animals.
Product Range Comparison
Both brands offer multiple formats. Here's what's available in the UK:
| Format | Adaptil | Pet Remedy |
|---|---|---|
| Plug-in Diffuser | ✅ Covers 70m² — refill lasts 30 days | ✅ Refill lasts ~60 days (8 weeks) |
| Spray | ✅ Transport Spray 60ml — lasts 4-5 hours | ✅ Calming Spray 75ml — lasts 2-6 hours |
| Collar | ✅ Small & Medium/Large — lasts 4 weeks | ❌ Not available |
| Chews/Treats | ✅ Calm Chews (30 per bag) | ❌ Not available |
| Wipes | ❌ Not available | ✅ Calming Wipes (20 or 70 pack) |
| Lick Mat/Pot | ❌ Not available | ✅ Lick & Relax Pot and Mat |
Price Comparison: The Real Cost Over a Year
This is where the two products differ dramatically. Many dog owners only compare the starter kit price — but the ongoing running cost tells a very different story.
Diffuser Running Costs
| Cost | Adaptil | Pet Remedy |
|---|---|---|
| Starter kit (diffuser + refill) | ~£26 | ~£24 |
| Refill price | ~£21.50 | ~£14 (or £10/refill in 3-pack) |
| Refill duration | 30 days | ~60 days |
| Refills needed per year | ~11 | ~5 |
| Total Year 1 cost | ~£262 | ~£94 |
Pet Remedy costs roughly one-third the annual price of Adaptil for diffuser use. Each refill lasts twice as long and costs less. If budget is a concern, this is a significant factor.
Spray Costs
Adaptil Transport Spray (60ml) costs ~£23, while Pet Remedy Spray (75ml) costs ~£12. Pet Remedy gives you more product for roughly half the price.
Budget Alternative
Beaphar CaniComfort uses the same DAP pheromone technology as Adaptil but at a lower price point — diffuser starter kit from ~£16, collars from ~£6. If you want pheromone technology without the Adaptil price, CaniComfort is worth considering.
What Does the Science Say?
This is the most important section of this comparison. Marketing claims are one thing — peer-reviewed evidence is another.
Adaptil: 23+ Published Studies
Adaptil has the stronger evidence base of the two products. Key findings from published research:
- Puppies settling in new homes: Gundogs with Adaptil cried for a median of 3 nights vs 9 nights with placebo (Taylor & Mills, 2007). A separate study of 66 pet shop puppies found mean disturbed nights of 1.2 vs 8.9.
- Puppy socialisation: Dogs exposed to Adaptil during socialisation remained significantly better socialised at 12 months (Denenberg & Landsberg, 2008).
- Noise tolerance: Future guide dog puppies with Adaptil achieved perfect response to sudden loud noises at 12 months vs control group (DePorter, Beck & Landsberg, 2013).
- Hospitalised dogs: Marked decreases in elimination, excessive licking, and pacing with DAP exposure.
Important Caveat
A Veterinary Evidence journal review noted that evidence for Adaptil managing stress in dogs over 6 months "remains weak." Most strong results come from puppy studies. For adult dogs with established anxiety, controlled studies show success rates of 27-35% — potentially no better than placebo. Adaptil also showed no significant effect on passive fear responses like trembling and freezing.
Pet Remedy: Limited Evidence
Pet Remedy's evidence base is significantly weaker:
- The only published peer-reviewed study (Sheridan et al., 2016) was a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial with 28 dogs. The finding: "No statistically significant differences in behaviour were found between the Pet Remedy and placebo condition."
- The company has provided two unpublished trials that lacked randomisation, blinding, and objective measures. Their own statistician noted the study design made it "not possible to directly attribute the changes observed to the study treatment."
- Valerian root has a long history of traditional use as a calming agent in humans, and the GABA mechanism is scientifically plausible — but clinical trials specifically in dogs have not consistently confirmed significant anxiety relief.
This does not necessarily mean Pet Remedy doesn't work — many dog owners report positive results. But the current scientific evidence does not support the same level of confidence as Adaptil.
Head-to-Head: Which Is Better for Your Situation?
Separation Anxiety
Winner: Adaptil (with caveats)
Adaptil has more evidence for separation-related behaviour, though independent reviews note the evidence for adult separation anxiety specifically is weak. Pet Remedy has no published evidence for this use case.
However, genuine separation anxiety typically requires a full behavioural modification programme and potentially veterinary anxiolytic medication. Neither product should be relied upon alone for moderate-to-severe separation anxiety.
Fireworks and Noise Phobia
Winner: Adaptil (marginal)
Adaptil owner surveys report 93% improvement, but controlled studies show success rates of 27-35%. Pet Remedy has no published evidence for noise phobia. For serious firework fear, combine either product with desensitisation training, a ThunderShirt, and/or veterinary medication.
Car Travel and Vet Visits
Winner: Adaptil Transport Spray
Adaptil has a purpose-designed Transport Spray for this exact use case — spray 8-10 pumps in the car 15 minutes before travel. Pet Remedy spray can also be used in cars and claims to work within seconds. Both are reasonable options, but Adaptil is better evidenced for travel situations.
Multi-Pet Households
Winner: Pet Remedy
If you have dogs, cats, rabbits, or other animals, Pet Remedy's GABA-based mechanism works across all species. Adaptil's pheromone only affects dogs — it won't help an anxious cat in the same room.
Budget-Conscious Owners
Winner: Pet Remedy
At roughly £94/year vs £262/year for diffuser use, Pet Remedy is the clear winner on cost. If budget is a primary concern, Pet Remedy offers a more affordable ongoing solution.
Puppies and Newly Adopted Dogs
Winner: Adaptil
This is where Adaptil's evidence is strongest. Multiple studies show genuine benefits for puppies settling into new homes and during socialisation. The pheromone mimics what their mother naturally produces, making it a biologically logical choice for young dogs.
Summary Comparison Table
| Factor | Adaptil | Pet Remedy |
|---|---|---|
| Active ingredient | Synthetic dog pheromone (DAP) | Valerian, vetiver, basil, sage |
| Mechanism | Pheromone receptors (vomeronasal organ) | GABA enhancement (neurotransmitter) |
| Species | Dogs only | All mammals, birds, reptiles |
| Published studies | 23+ peer-reviewed | 1 (found no significant effect) |
| Annual diffuser cost | ~£262 | ~£94 |
| Best for | Puppies, newly adopted dogs, travel | Multi-pet homes, budget use, general calm |
| Vet recommended | Widely recommended by UK vets | Stocked by some practices |
| Side effects | None known | None known |
| Can use together? | Yes — different mechanisms, safe to combine | |
Can You Use Adaptil and Pet Remedy Together?
Yes. Because they work through completely different biological pathways (pheromone receptors vs GABA neurotransmitters), they can safely be used simultaneously. Some behaviourists recommend this layered approach for dogs with moderate anxiety.
For example, you might use an Adaptil diffuser at home combined with Pet Remedy spray for vet visits — or use both diffusers in different rooms. Always consult your vet before combining products, especially if your dog is on prescription medication.
Other UK Alternatives Worth Considering
Adaptil and Pet Remedy aren't your only options. Here are other evidence-based products available in the UK:
| Product | Type | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beaphar CaniComfort | DAP pheromone | Diffuser ~£16, Collar ~£6 | Same pheromone as Adaptil, lower price |
| Dorwest Scullcap & Valerian | Licensed herbal medicine | ~£10-15 (100 tablets) | VMD-authorised. Popular for noise phobias |
| Zylkene | Nutraceutical (milk protein) | ~£15-25 (30 capsules) | Alpha-casozepine. Some clinical evidence |
| YuCalm | Supplement | ~£15-20 (30 tablets) | L-theanine + lemon balm + fish protein |
| ThunderShirt | Pressure wrap | ~£32 | Gentle constant pressure. No chemicals |
For a full comparison of calming treats or calming sprays and drops, see our dedicated guides.
Our Recommendation
There's no single "best" product — it depends on your situation:
- Choose Adaptil if you have a new puppy, a recently adopted dog, or want the most scientifically supported option. The collar is particularly good for dogs in training or attending classes.
- Choose Pet Remedy if you have multiple pets, are on a budget, or want to try a herbal approach first. Many owners report positive results despite the limited published evidence.
- Consider Beaphar CaniComfort if you want pheromone technology (like Adaptil) at a lower price point.
- Try both together for moderate anxiety — the different mechanisms mean they can complement each other safely.
Important Reminder
No calming product is a substitute for proper behavioural training. If your dog has moderate-to-severe anxiety, consult a veterinary behaviourist. Products like Adaptil and Pet Remedy work best as part of a broader approach — not as standalone solutions. See our guide to dog anxiety medication for when professional treatment may be needed.
Where to Buy in the UK
Adaptil
- Adaptil.co.uk — official site with 25% subscribe-and-save on refills
- Amazon UK — often discounted (diffuser starter kit ~£19.55)
- VetUK — frequently the cheapest option
- Most veterinary practices stock Adaptil
Pet Remedy
- PetRemedy.co.uk — 33% off first order with code FIRSTBUYDOGS
- Amazon UK — good availability and competitive pricing
- Groomers Online — often has discounted prices
- Available at Notcutts garden centres and independent pet shops
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