Zoetis Launches SILEO to Treat Noise Aversion in Dogs

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Dogs that experience fear and anxiety in response to loud noise now have a new treatment option with the launch of SILEO (dexmedetomidine oromucosal gel), the first and only medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treatment of noise aversion in dogs.

Noise aversion refers to the behavioral and clinical signs of fear and anxiety experienced by dogs in response to noise. SILEO, which is being marketed in the U.S. by Zoetis Inc., is available from veterinarians by prescription and can be safely administered at home by pet owners to help calm dogs without sedating them for the duration of noise events.

“We know that noise aversion has been difficult to treat, is stressful for pet owners and can be traumatic for their dogs,” said Shelley L. Stanford, DVM, MS, MBA, group director for Companion Animal Veterinary Professional Services at Zoetis. “SILEO works the way veterinarians and pet owners need it to work, calming dogs while allowing them to interact normally with the family. It has rapid speed of onset, is easy to administer at home and works ‘in the moment,’ without any other treatments or training.”

SILEO is an oromucosal gel formulation of dexmedetomidine, a highly selective alpha-2 adrenoceptor agonist that blocks the release of norepinephrine, a chemical in the brain that is involved with the development of fear and anxiety. It has a rapid speed of onset that can be tailored to the timing of noise events.

At least one third of pet owners report that their dog suffers from noise aversion. Common clinical signs include panting, trembling, cowering and escape behavior, which can result in self-trauma as well as property damage.

Only 40 percent of pet owners seek treatment from their veterinarian, 20 percent look for solutions on their own, and the remaining 40 percent of dogs suffering from noise aversion do not receive any treatment.

For more information about SILEO, visit www.sileodvmus.com or call Zoetis Customer Service at 1-888-Zoetis1 (1-888-963-8471).