This post is written in collaboration with Zoetis Petcare.
Ever since I can remember, Ella and Belle, have had anxiety when riding in the car. However, recently I found out it was due to their noise aversion. Most people think of fireworks or thunder as the only noise triggers, but other noises can trigger noise aversion such as loud noises while on the road due to traffic, honking and road construction. If you watch my Instagram stories, we frequently go on coffee runs for pupachinos. Even though we attempt frequent car rides with them, the noise aversion is still there.
After talking to our vet recently, I learned that noise aversion in dogs is very common. So much so that two out of three dog owners say that their dogs experience noise aversion behaviors when exposed to loud noises. Some of these signs include panting, trembling, cowering, hiding, barking, restlessness, and vocalizing, among others.
For the last two weeks, we have been using a medication for the girls called Sileo® (dexmedetomidine oromucosal gel). Sileo’s effects last about two hours, and we can give them another dose if they are still experiencing noise aversion. I also love that administering Sileo to the girls is easy and painless because it is in the form of a gel that is simply administered between their cheek and gum. Sileo may not be a good fit for all dogs, so make sure to discuss it as an option with your veterinarian.
I hope that our experience with Sileo can help others because I know this journey with fur babies and noise aversion can be a long one. Use this handy checklist if you think your dog may have noise aversion. I highly recommend talking to your veterinarian if you think this would be something that could help your dogs, especially with noisy summer events coming up like the Fourth of July! I am so glad we talked to ours!
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION: Do not use SILEO in dogs with severe cardiovascular disease, respiratory, liver or kidney diseases, or in conditions of shock, severe debilitation, or stress due to extreme heat, cold or fatigue or in dogs hypersensitive to dexmedetomidine or to any of the excipients. SILEO should not be administered in the presence of preexisting hypotension, hypoxia, or bradycardia. Do not use in dogs sedated from previous dosing. SILEO has not been evaluated in dogs younger than 16 weeks of age or in dogs with dental or gingival disease that could have an effect on the absorption of SILEO. SILEO has not been evaluated for use in breeding, pregnant, or lactating dogs or for aversion behaviors to thunderstorms. Transient pale mucous membranes at the site of application may occur with SILEO use. Other uncommon adverse reactions included emesis, drowsiness or sedation. Handlers should avoid direct exposure of SILEO to their skin, eyes or mouth. Failure to lock the ring-stop on the syringe before dosing SILEO could potentially lead to an accidental overdose. Always review INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE before dispensing and dosing. See full Prescribing Information: https://bit.ly/2FCeyP8
SILEO® is trademark owned by Orion Corporation Orion Pharma Animal Health. It is manufactured by Orion Corporation and distributed by Zoetis under license from Orion Corporation Orion Pharma Animal Health. SIL-00406
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