Using Sileo for Noise Induced Anxiety in Dogs
With the holiday just around the corner – we wanted to share some information about Sileo.
SILEO is the first and only FDA-approved treatment for canine noise aversion associated with fear and anxiety. The name is pronounced /si-lehh-o/. It’s a Latin word that means to “be silent.” Common noise aversion triggers include fireworks, thunder, construction work, traffic or street noise, celebrations, vacuum cleaners and smoke detectors. SILEO gel comes preloaded in a multidose oral syringe.
Dexmedetomidine (the active ingredient) calms your dog by preventing or reducing specific reactions in the nervous system.
Giving SILEO
- SILEO is formulated as a gel that is absorbed into your dog’s body when you apply it to the mucous membranes between your dog’s cheek and gums.It should not be swallowed. See dosage instructions on the box. Use gloveswhen administering. Do not handle if you are pregnant. Store inside boxas Sileo is sensitive to light.
- The dosing chart is by body weight and associated number of dots.
- Your dog _______________________ should receive ____dots per dose.
- A dose greater than 6 dots should be divided between both sides of the mouth to maximize absorption through the mucous membranes.
- Avoiding food and treats 15 minutes after dosing minimizes the risk of your dog swallowing any part of the dose.
- Ideally, this syringe should be used within two weeks.
When to give your dog SILEO
The first dose can be given:
- Approximately 30–60 minutes before the noise event
- As soon as your dog shows signs of anxiety or fear related to noise
- Whenever you hear a noise that causes your dog to be fearful or anxious
- If your dog swallows SILEO, allow at least 2 hours before applying the next dose.
Additional doses can be given:
- It takes about 30 minutes to 1 hour for SILEO to take full effect, and it typically lasts 2 to 3 hours. If the noise continues and the behavioral changes recur, further doses can be given at intervals of 2 hours, up to a total of five times during each noise event, as needed.
- Do not give another dose of SILEO if your dog appears sedated from the previous dose.
- Do not give more than 5 doses per event.
Additional Tips to Help Dogs with Noise Phobias
- Restrict or minimize exposure to noises that cause your dog to be afraid.
- Play music to mask noises that scare your dog. Classical music has been shown to be calming for some dogs.
- During fireworks, close the curtains and keep the room brightly lit to limit visual stimulation.
- Encourage your dog to go to a soundproof area such as a basement, closet or bathroom. These areas can be safe havens for your dog; once the noise begins, your dog can retreat to this area and feel relatively safe. Talk with your veterinarian on how to set up a safe haven for your dog.
- Be present: your presence itself is comforting to your dog.
- Act normal: for example, play with your dog, read a book or watch TV, regardless of the noise.
Actions to avoid:
- Never punish your dog for having accidents indoors or damaging property during noise events. It makes your dog even more afraid of the noise. And remember, dogs are acting out of fear, not misbehaving.
- Avoid telling your dog that “It’s OK” or petting your dog during noise events. For example:
- When you say, “It’s OK,” your dog hears that it is “OK” to pace, pant or bark during the noise event.
- Petting your dog sends a similar message as saying “It’s OK”.
Reference and Video:
This link will provide some good videos on how to administer Sileo.
