Sileo, a new treatment for noise anxiety
Zoetis Launches Innovative Product For Noise Anxiety In Dogs
8 years ago 
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Zoetis is launching Sileo, an innovative veterinary approach to treating noise anxiety in dogs, this month. With up to half of all dogs reacting fearfully to sound, noise anxiety is a common behavioural concern in dogs, which often reaches a peak around the Firework season
Containing the active ingredient Dexmedetomidine hydrochloride, a selective alpha-2 adrenoceptor agonist, Sileo provides a low, micro-dose, which helps a dog calm down or remain calm yet fully functional in situations involving fear-eliciting sounds.
Sileo is a novel oromucosal gel formulation presented in a 3ml oral syringe that can be used to apply multiple doses. Its user-friendly application means that, once prescribed, it can be given by the dog owner and used only when needed for each noise anxiety event. It also has a quick onset of action and will take effect within 15 - 60 minutes and last for 2-3 hours. Should the fear-eliciting noise continue, further doses can be given at two hour intervals up to a total of five times during each noise event.
Even when the full dosing limit is used, the dog will remain functional during treatment. The clinical effects of dexmedetomidine are dose dependent and the anxiolytic effect is reached before the sedative effect.
Typical signs of noise anxiety in dogs include panting, trembling, pacing, seeking people, hiding or trying to escape, refusal to eat, inappropriate urination or defecation, as well as facial expressions and body language indicative of stress.
Despite the fact that sensitivity to noise is common, compromises canine welfare, and is a major concern to dog owners, its treatment has been difficult in the past. When inadequately treated, the condition typically worsens and often leads to the generalisation of fear responses to a variety of noises.
There is also evidence of co-morbidity between anxiety disorders, such as separation anxiety, so early intervention in cases involving fear of sounds will have a positive effect on the quality of life of the affected dog.
While fireworks and thunder are common causes of noise anxiety there are many other occasions when dogs may exhibit signs of anxiety that the owner may not always be attributable to noise, such as travel, social gatherings and even visits to the vet. By being aware of the signs of anxiety and fear in their dog and planning ahead to manage the situation, owners can greatly reduce their dog’s stress to these noises.
Animal behaviourist, Jon Bowen BVetMed DipAS (CABC) MRCVS, comments “Fear of seasonal loud noises such as fireworks, thunder and gunshots are known to affect around 50% of the UK dog population but the prevalence of fears of other everyday noises and the extent to which those fears contribute to nuisance and problem behaviour in dogs is something we are researching at the moment. Sileo is ideal as an acute anxiolytic for planned or expected events such as fireworks or thunder, but it has an even wider range of potential applications in planned events that involve stressful noise exposure including travel, social gatherings and even visits to the vet.”
For more information contact your Zoetis account manager or customer support on 0854 300 8034 or visit www.zoetis.co.uk/Sileo. Alternatively Sileo is available to order now via your veterinary wholesaler
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