Between thunderstorms, outdoor parties, construction, and the numerous firework-involving holidays, it’s hard to deny that summer is a fairly loud season. While this many not be an issue for some dogs, for others these loud noises can send them into an unhealthy panic.
It is believed that at least one in three dogs suffers from what is known as noise aversion. In dogs, noise aversion is characterized by fear and anxiety resulting from loud noises, such as thunder or fireworks.
Fear of loud noises is a perfectly normal adaptive response that drives dogs to avoid the threat and seek shelter.
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While most dogs recover quickly when they realize that they are not in immediate danger, other dogs display intense and prolonged behaviors that are strikingly similar to human panic attacks.
As you can imagine, it can be very distressing for dog owners to see their pups in this state. Unfortunately, there was not much in the way of dog-specific remedies for these extreme cases of noise aversion. That is, until now.
An animal health company called Zoetis, which is an offshoot of Pfizer, has just introduced Sileo, the first ever FDA-approved noise-aversion medicine designed specifically for dogs.
In the past, some dogs were given medicine that would sedate them but not necessarily calm them down or stop them from feeling the fear associated with loud noises. That’s what makes Sileo so different; it promises to calm the dogs without sedating them.
Sileo is a gel that comes in an easy to administer, preloaded, needle-free syringe. All you need to do is place the syringe between your pup’s teeth and their gums and administer the dose. Once administered, Sileo is slowly absorbed but takes effect quickly, generally between 30 and 60 minutes. Each syringe costs $30.
Anyone who has ever experienced a panic attack before knows how terrifying the experience can be, but imagine how dogs feel. Some unfortunate pups don’t understand why these panic-inducing loud noises keep occurring, resulting in ongoing fear of the next storm, holiday, or construction site. For these dogs, Sileo could be the solution that allows them to enjoy the summer months like a normal dog should.
To find out if Sileo is right for your dog, contact your veterinarian. Sileo is not suitable for dogs with specific underlying health conditions, so your veterinarian will be able to help determine if it is an option for your pup.
H/t to Komo News.
