Storms frighten Stella, a miniature breed.
Photo by Gabriella Demczuk for The New York Times
Yesterday, we posted an infographic about how to keep your dog safe during the Independence Day fireworks displays. But an article in the New York Times suggests that there may be a new treatment that can stop the flight response that causes dogs to bolt or behave anxiously when confronted with loud noises or thunderstorms:
The new canine noise aversion drug, Sileo, is actually a micro-amount of a medication approved as a sedative for minor veterinary procedures —- a flavorless gel, measured in a syringe, that is squeezed between the dog’s cheek and gum and absorbed within 30 minutes.
Orion, the Finnish company that developed it, tested it on several hundred noise-averse dogs during two years of New Year’s fireworks. Three-quarters of the owners rated the dogs’ response as good to excellent; their pets remained unperturbed. The drug lasts several hours, after which another dose can be administered.
What do you think? Would you be willing to treat your dog with a drug to help him or her get through such rough times?
The Times article is long, but it’s full of fascinating information and differing opinions about how dog owners should deal with times of noise-induced stress. I highly recommend reading the whole thing.
Click here for the full story.
I’m not afraid to say that I would try this drug if it would help my dog get through fireworks and thunderstorms. As long as it has no adverse side effects anything that keeps my boy de-stressed is worth it to me.
This drug works like a charm, BUT if you have a small dog (mine is 10#) and infrequent “noise” it is expensive as you have to discard the medicine 10 days after opening and using the first dose. I’ve called the American supplier and questioned why the box packaging says discard 48 hours after opening and the prescribing information indicates it is good for 10 days. Was told it is “updated information” and all new boxes will show the 10 day use by info. When I asked what specifically in the formulation requires this, was told they can’t “guarantee” effectiveness or safety after 10 days. I asked if there was a plan to dispense in smaller amounts (current syringe is 3 cc) for owners of smaller dogs it was the usual “maybe” pharma response. If you have a large(r) dog it may be worth the price, but as a senior on a fixed income it’s too expensive.