Tranquil Tails Diffuser and Scents Vetstreet

Disclaimer: This content does not represent a direct veterinary endorsement of the product. Pet owners should consult their veterinarian before introducing any new supplements to their pet’s routine.

Pet parents with anxious pets at home may find themselves looking for non-pharmaceutical methods for managing stress, noise phobias, separation anxiety, or destructive behavior. The use of pheromones, which are chemicals secreted by animals to communicate with other animals, to help manage pet anxiety is growing in popularity.

Tranquil Tails™ is a newer player in the pet-calming product market. Their diffuser, which releases pheromones for pets, comes with several scent options for both dogs and cats. A scentless option is also available.

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As the proud owner of several cats and an anxious dog, I gave Tranquil Tails a try. This review will cover the diffuser device itself and the different calming scent options available.

Why Try a Calming Diffuser for Dogs or Cats?

Pet parents may want to try a calming diffuser for several reasons. Pets with mild anxiety may improve with environmental management alone, which could include the use of a pheromone diffuser like Tranquil Tails. Even if a pet is taking medication for their anxiety, pet parents should consider other calming aids that may help their pet. According to Tranquil Tails, their product may help with situational stress, such as that experienced by a dog with a thunderstorm phobia, or with generalized anxiety.

Calming diffusers are also convenient and easy to use. They can be plugged in and left for however long the product is good for. During that time, they will continue to release the product into the air, meaning you are always working on your pet’s anxiety.

Tranquil Tails Diffuser: A Closer Look

The diffuser unit includes a wing on each side where you can insert the pheromone/scent pads. For a small room, you only need to insert one pad. For a larger room, two pads are recommended. Each pad provides up to 24 hours of continuous pheromone and scent diffusion, though some users report a single pad will last up to three days. You can adjust the heat between low or high, which controls the diffusion strength. You should always unplug the unit to install or remove the pads.

The unit has a rotating plug, which means you can position the product into any outlet. There is also an indicator light on the unit, which indicates that the unit is active. For optimal performance, the company recommends placing the diffuser in an open area that your pet frequents.

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I placed the diffuser for the dog in my living room and the diffuser for the cats in my bedroom. I was pleased with how easy it was to insert the pads into the diffusers, as well as the ease with which they could be plugged into the wall. The indicator light came on immediately once they were plugged in.

Tranquil Tails Scents: Options and Effectiveness

Tranquil Tails has several scent options for dogs and for cats, as well as a scentless option for both pets. Dog-specific scent options include:

Vanilla Wag
Calm Companion, and
Forest Bark.

Cat-specific scent options include:

Peaceful Purr
Woodland Whiskers, and
Vanilla Purr-fection.

These unique scents are proprietary blends that include pheromone isolates, Valerian Root, and essential oils, such as Lemon Oil, Fir Needle Oil, Cedarwood, Jasmine, Peppermint, and Rose.

According to Tranquil Tails, the pheromone isolates in their products mimic the comforting pheromones that mother dogs or cats release as they nurse their young to help them feel safe and relaxed.

In dogs, this pheromone is usually called Dog Appeasing Pheromone (DAP), and in cats it is called Cal Appeasing Pheromone (CAP) or feline appeasing pheromone. There is scientific evidence (1, 2, 3) that these hormones may be effective at reducing fear and anxiety in certain situations. Studies have shown reduced fear in dogs exposed to thunder, improved socialization outcomes in puppies, and potentially less lip-licking and low body posture prior to exams.

For cats, pheromone diffusers may decrease episodes of inter-cat aggression, and use of pheromones for dogs and cats may decrease chasing, hiding, staring, and vocalizing between species.

Evidence backing the use of essential oils for calming in dogs and cats is spotty, though holistic veterinarians may recommend very specific dilutions. Pet parents do need to be cautious, as some essential oils are toxic to pets, especially when placed on their skin or ingested. However, when used as directed, the Tranquil Tails unit represents no risk of ingestion or skin contact in use. Some pets may have specific sensitivities, even to essential oils diffused in the air. I would not use anything that diffuses essential oils if my pet had an airway disease, such as chronic bronchitis or feline asthma. Pet parents should not diffuse their own essential oils without consulting with a veterinarian.

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My Experience with Tranquil Tails

Black cat resting on cat tree near Tranquil Tails diffuser

The diffuser arrived well-packaged with a box clearly labeled for cats and a box clearly labeled for dogs. The product was extremely easy to set up, and the indicator light came on immediately once it was plugged into the wall. One thing I will note is that I had to wash my hands after touching the pads, as the smell of essential oils was on my fingers. All the scents were pleasant to me.

My dog rested in the room with the canine diffuser, and one of my high-activity cats regularly chose the cat tree next to the feline diffuser. Aside from them lying peacefully next to the diffusers, I cannot say for certain if there was an overall measurable difference in my pets’ anxiety levels. My dog did remain calm during a storm, which is unusual for her. Importantly, I did not experience any negative side effects with any of my pets.

Cat lounging on cat tree beside plugged-in Tranquil Tails diffuser

While the pads are easy to replace, it can be inconvenient to have to switch them every day. Pet parents may want to try the diffuser on a lower heat setting to see if they can stretch each pad’s use for longer.

Is Tranquil Tails Safe and Effective?

As mentioned, there are studies that show pheromones may be helpful for reducing anxiety. Regarding safety concerns, pet parents should know the risks of essential oils, particularly if they’re placed on the pet’s skin or ingested. Avoid allowing your pet to come into contact with the scented pads. Before using the diffuser, pet parents should speak with their veterinarian, especially if their pet has any health conditions that affect their lungs or airways.

According to the company, their cat and dog calming diffusers are safe for residential and commercial use. They list the essential oils which are contained in the proprietary scent blends on their website and on the product packaging, so pet parents can look through the list. The product is not intended for use in homes with birds.

The product does warn of electric shock and fire risks if not used appropriately. Pet parents should review all safety data provided with the product before using.

Where to Buy & Pricing

The diffuser and scent pad cartridges are available through Tranquil Tails’ website and select online retailers, including Amazon. At the time of writing this review, the pheromone vaporizer is $34.99 on their website, and a 28-pack of scent pads is $24.99. If a pet parent only uses one pad per day, then that’s the approximate cost of a month’s supply of scent pads. The brand also offers multi-pad packs for additional savings. For pet parents looking for solutions to anxiety this is a significant savings as compared to more costly interventions such as ingestibles.

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Final Verdict: Is TranquilTails Worth It?

Overall, Tranquil Tails offers a convenient, natural way to support calmer behavior in the home.

There is evidence that pheromone diffusers like Tranquil Tails may help with anxious behavior, and pet owners should expect results to vary. Considerations include the product’s price and refill frequency, as well as the potential risks of essential oil exposure.

Tranquil Tails is a solid, low-risk choice for pet parents looking for a natural, easy-to-use calming aid for their pets and may be most effective for pets with mild anxiety. For pets with moderate to severe anxiety, Tranquil Tails may still be an option in addition to medication and behavioral modification. In short, the product may help your pet and is unlikely to cause harm. As always, it is best to consult with your veterinarian if you have any concerns about the safety of a pet product.