FDA Approves Dog Anxiety Drug: What Is Sileo? Uses, Side Effects and Pricing
Sileo Is an Anti-Anxiety Drug for Dogs
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved an anti-anxiety drug specifically formulated for dogs.
Dogs can get upset and anxious over loud noises, including thunder, fireworks and other elements. But thanks to an anti-anxiety drug approved by the FDA called Sileo oromucosal gel, dogs and dog owners alike can become calmer during noise-filled events such as the Fourth of July.
What Is Sileo Oromucosal Gel?
Sileo is a low-dose type of sedative used as an anti-anxiety medication for dogs. It has been approved last year by the FDA and has been sold in the market since last month. It is used to treat dogs with aversion to noise and all associated elements.
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Dogs with anxiety may end up hurting themselves in their panic as they tremble and run away from the noise and ruckus. Sileo was intended to be a milder alternative to full-on canine sedatives. The drug helps calm them down in times of distress. However, dogs with health conditions involving the liver, heart, kidney or lungs are not allowed to take this medication.
Sileo as an Anti-Anxiety Option
Dr. Gary Yarnell of Rye Harrison Veterinary Hospital in New York told CBS that pet owners should try calming down their dogs first. They can have the option to administer Sileo if their dogs are still anxious. The medication can be given by streaking the gel inside the dog's mouth between the gums and the cheeks. Sileo will work after about 30 minutes to an hour.
Sileo Side Effects Unknown?
With the coming of the Fourth of July and the expected fireworks, many dog owners are requesting for Sileo. However, Larchmont Animal Clinic chief of staff Dr. Jan Ciganek said that there are still many things that are unknown about the drug. Ciganek told NBC that Sileo has not been tested in puppies and those with kidney or heart diseases, and unaware dog owners may put their pets in danger.
Sileo Origin and Pricing
Finnish company Orion is the developer of the canine anti-anxiety drug. The drug has reportedly been tested on several dogs that experience noise anxiety during the New Year's fireworks. More than half of the owners said that their dogs were calm during the display.
Sileo is sold by syringe and costs about $30 depending on the dosage preferred. A popular side effect of the drug on normal, healthy noise aversion dogs is vomitting.
Do you think dogs should be given anti-anxiety drugs to help them get through noise-filled events, or should dog owners be solely responsible for desensitizing their pets early? Let us know what you think in the comments below.
