Did you know that the day after the Fourth of July is the busiest day of the year for animal shelters in the United States? Many dogs become very anxious about noise when their owners are out, especially when the fireworks begin. If left alone, dogs can funnel their anxiety into destruction- including vocalizing, digging, chewing-or even running away.

Studies show that at least one in three dogs suffer from noise aversion. Your dog could be suffering in silence. First step is to look for the signs. Does your dog react to loud noises (fireworks, thunder, construction noise or street noise) with any of the following behaviors?

Image courtesy of Zoetis

  • Pacing or restlessness
  • Excessive panting
  • Trembling or shaking
  • Hiding Cowering
  • Lip licking
  • Refuses to eat
  • Excessive vigilance (alertness)
  • Vocalizing (whining or barking at the sound)
  • Brow furrowed and ears back
  • Yawning
  • Owner seeking behavior and abnormal clinginess
  • Freezing or immobility

 

In addition to recommending products such as thundershirts, we now have the first and only FDA approved treatment for noise aversion in dogs. It’s specifically made to calm dogs during noise events without actually sedating them. Your dog will have his anxiety eased, without becoming lethargic, so you can still enjoy quality time with your best friend.

 

What is SILEO (/si-lehh-o/) and How Does it Work?

 

SILEO is an dexmedetomidine that blocks a particular chemical in the brain called norepinephrine (the stress hormone). It is in gel form, and administered by a needleless syringe and applied between the your dog’s cheek and gum. Because SILEO is absorbed orally, it limits the effects of the dexmededetomidine, which in turns calms your dog versus sedating him.

It is important to follow exact dosing instructions and ensure that the syringe provided is locked in at the correct dose prior to administering. Watch the video below for specific instructions:

 

Don’t let your dog’s noise aversion put a damper on the festivities this Fourth of July! If you see any of these signs, contact us today about how we can help ease your dog’s anxiety when it comes to noise.

 

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Blog Image Credit:Andrew Roberts