Sileo Gel for dogs - For the relief of acute anxiety in dogs
Sileo is a prescription medication designed to manage noise-related anxiety in dogs. Packaged in an easy-to-use 3ml oromucosal gel syringe, Sileo targets noise phobia, a common but often distressing condition in pets. Loud noises such as thunderstorms, fireworks, and other unexpected loud sounds can trigger significant stress in dogs, leading to symptoms ranging from mild agitation to extreme panic. Sileo works to calm dogs without causing heavy sedation, enabling them to feel at ease even in environments with loud sounds.
VETERINARY PRESCRIPTION REQUIRED
Understanding Noise Phobia in Dogs
Noise phobia is an anxiety disorder that affects a considerable number of dogs. This phobia is generally characterised by an intense fear response to sudden loud noises. Dogs are more sensitive to sounds than humans, and certain noises can trigger significant distress...
Sileo Gel for dogs - For the relief of acute anxiety in dogs
Sileo is a prescription medication designed to manage noise-related anxiety in dogs. Packaged in an easy-to-use 3ml oromucosal gel syringe, Sileo targets noise phobia, a common but often distressing condition in pets. Loud noises such as thunderstorms, fireworks, and other unexpected loud sounds can trigger significant stress in dogs, leading to symptoms ranging from mild agitation to extreme panic. Sileo works to calm dogs without causing heavy sedation, enabling them to feel at ease even in environments with loud sounds.
VETERINARY PRESCRIPTION REQUIRED
Understanding Noise Phobia in Dogs
Noise phobia is an anxiety disorder that affects a considerable number of dogs. This phobia is generally characterised by an intense fear response to sudden loud noises. Dogs are more sensitive to sounds than humans, and certain noises can trigger significant distress. Common triggers include fireworks, thunderstorms, gunshots, and even household sounds such as vacuum cleaners. Dogs experiencing noise phobia may exhibit behaviours like trembling, hiding, excessive barking, pacing, panting, or attempting to escape. These symptoms can become more severe over time, especially if the phobia goes untreated.
Noise phobia in dogs can lead to long-term behavioural and emotional challenges. Dogs who consistently experience anxiety from noises may develop a more generalised form of anxiety, making them feel uneasy in various everyday situations. Additionally, extreme episodes of panic can result in physical injuries if a dog attempts to flee or hide in a confined space. In some cases, dogs may lose control of their bodily functions due to extreme fear, causing further distress. Proper management of noise phobia is essential to improve a dog’s quality of life, and medications like Sileo offer an effective solution.
How Sileo Works
Sileo is formulated with dexmedetomidine, a medication that interacts with certain receptors in the brain to induce a calming effect. Unlike sedatives, which heavily diminish a dog’s awareness and mobility, Sileo primarily works by reducing anxiety without impairing normal activity. This unique mechanism allows a dog to remain aware and responsive while feeling significantly less distressed by loud noises.
The active ingredient, dexmedetomidine, targets specific alpha-2 adrenoceptors in the brain. By stimulating these receptors, Sileo helps to moderate the release of stress hormones such as norepinephrine, which is responsible for the "fight or flight" response in animals. This reduction in norepinephrine levels creates a calming effect, allowing the dog to stay relaxed and reducing the likelihood of a fear-based reaction to loud noises. As Sileo does not heavily sedate the dog, it is particularly suitable for situations where the owner needs their pet to be calm but alert.
Administration of Sileo
Sileo is provided as an oromucosal gel, intended to be administered directly onto the dog’s gums. This allows for rapid absorption through the mucous membranes in the mouth, leading to a quicker onset of action compared to oral tablets. The syringe is pre-calibrated, making it easier for pet owners to measure the correct dose for their dog’s weight.
To administer Sileo, follow these steps:
- Prepare the syringe: Each syringe has a dose ring that can be set to the appropriate dose according to your dog’s weight.
- Apply to the gums: Place the tip of the syringe between the dog’s cheek and gum, and slowly administer the gel onto the gumline.
- Avoid swallowing: It is important to prevent the dog from swallowing the gel immediately, as it is most effective when absorbed through the gums.
Sileo can be administered at the first signs of anxiety or approximately 30 to 60 minutes before a known noise event, such as a firework display. Each dose is designed to last for several hours, and additional doses can be given as needed with a minimum interval as recommended by your veterinarian.
Benefits of Sileo for Noise Phobia
One of the primary benefits of Sileo is its ability to alleviate noise-induced anxiety without sedating the dog. This is especially useful for pet owners who want their dogs to remain aware and responsive while feeling less distressed. The gel formulation is fast-acting, which makes it ideal for managing both anticipated and unexpected noise events. Additionally, Sileo’s administration method reduces the challenge often faced with oral medications, as it is applied directly to the gums and absorbed rapidly.
Sileo has been shown to significantly reduce common symptoms of noise phobia, such as pacing, barking, and attempting to hide. By reducing these behaviours, the medication helps minimise stress not only for the pet but also for pet owners who are often concerned about their dog’s well-being. Sileo also supports overall emotional health by preventing the development of secondary anxiety behaviours linked to frequent noise-related stress.