The upcoming Fourth of July holiday weekend is bound to bring on the fireworks, creating extremely loud noises that might induce anxiety and fear in pets cowering at home.
A new drug that just might help dogs overcome what is called noise aversion has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration. Noise aversion, which affects one-third of domestic dogs, is characterized by panting and trembling, and extreme panic which can lead to running away and self-harm. Now, this problem can be addressed.
The drug, Sileo oromucosal gel, is the first and only medication of its kind.
Dr. Gary Yarnell of the Rye Harrison Veterinary Hospital in New York stated to CBS News that Sileo can produce a calming effect on canines without sedation. While not exactly a tranquilizer, the drug does work on the nervous system to lessen the release of adrenaline or nor-epinephrine, which contributes to striking fear in dogs during explosions – like a low-dose version of doggie sedatives.
Dr. Shelley L. Stanford, group director at Zoetis – the marketing firm selling the product – said that “It has rapid speed of onset, is easy to administer at home and works ‘in the moment,’ without any other treatments or training.”
Sileo is delivered by placing the gel between the cheek and gums of a dog, for oral transmucosal absorption, reports Tech Times. The drug generally takes effect within thirty minutes to one hour after application.
Finnish company Orion, which manufactures the drug, tested it on 144 dogs on New Year’s Eve and found that 75% of dogs that had taken Sileo were less anxious during the fireworks, compared to 33% on placebo. Dog owners were asked to take note of their pets’ reactions and behaviors for the tests.
The drug should not be prescribed for dogs with severe heart, liver or kidney problems, or those that have difficulty breathing, however. Yarnell said owners should try comforting their pets first before using the medication.
