Keep the Tail Wagging is supported by pet parents. I occasionally earn a commission (at no additional cost to you) when you click through an affiliate link to one of my favorite products. Thank you for your support. Read More

SILEO is a prescription medication that calms dogs during storms and fireworks. Learn about the benefits, the serious risks, and safe, natural alternatives.

SILEO is a prescription medication that promises to calm our dogs during storms and fireworks. It sounds like a dream come true, but is SILEO safe for dogs?

What is SILEO?

Press Release about SILEO by Zoetis.

SILEO is a gel that is absorbed through the cheeks and gums (using a syringe) and after nearly an hour, your dog is feeling no stress.  This is a way to dose your dog at home, helping him remain calm during thunderstorms, windstorms, and fireworks, without making your dog drowsy and completely out of it.

The press release doesn't list the ingredients in the gel, but when you scroll down you'll find the Safety Information:

Do not use SILEO in dogs with severe cardiovascular disease, respiratory, liver or kidney diseases, or in conditions of shock, severe debilitation or stress due to extreme heat, cold or fatigue or in dogs hypersensitive to dexmedetomidine or to any of the excipients. SILEO should not be administered in the presence of preexisting hypotension, hypoxia or bradycardia. Do not use in dogs sedated from previous dosing. SILEO has not been evaluated in dogs younger than 16 weeks of age or in dogs with dental or gingival disease that could have an effect on the absorption of SILEO. SILEO has not been evaluated for use in breeding, pregnant or lactating dogs. Transient pale mucous membranes at the site of application may occur with SILEO use. Other uncommon adverse reactions included emesis, drowsiness or sedation. Handle gel-dosing syringes with caution to avoid direct exposure to skin, eyes or mouth.

I'm certain that the safety information isn't unusual, but what stood out to me is how different SILEO looks from the natural supplements I use that also alleviate fear and anxiety in dogs.

Side Effects of SILEO

SILEO has been on the market for several years and the possible side effects dogs can experience include:

  • vomiting
  • diarrhea
  • drowsiness/sleepiness
  • decreased heart rate
  • decreased respiratory rate
  • pale gums
  • loss of consciousness
  • accidental overdose

Is SILEO Safe for My Dogs?

Based on what I've read about SILEO, I do not think that this drug is safe for dogs. Due to the growing number of reports of accidental overdoses, the FDA issued a warning about SILEO. An overdose may occur if the syringe isn't properly locked into place before the medication is given to a dog.

Although I didn't find any records of dogs dying, there are reports of dogs losing consciousness.

With so many natural supplements on the market, I will avoid SILEO.

5 Natural Alternatives to SILEO for Dogs

One of our dogs struggles with storm and firework phobias, and I've had great success with the following natural supplements:

1 – CBD Oil for Dogs

I use CBD oil to calm anxiety, alleviate pain, and slow/stop the spread of cancer. For years, I doubted the benefits until someone told me that CBD oil works best when it's always in the system. So I now give my dogs CBD oil daily, and this helps with arthritis and it keeps them ready for stressful events.

There are two brands that I like:

I've found that each of these is most effective when given daily. If you only want to give your dog CBD oil for fireworks, I've found that starting at least two weeks before the Fourth of July (or whenever folks in your town start shooting off fireworks) is best.

2 – Ewegurt Meal Topper

Ewegurt is a freeze-dried supplement made with sheep's milk and other natural ingredients. Sheep's milk has a naturally calming side effect, and I used to add Ewegurt to my dogs' meals in anticipation of a noisy event. There are three flavors available: sardine, beef heart, and emu. You can buy these individually or as a package deal.

Sheep's milk offers many benefits beyond calming…

  • a great source of Vitamin A
  • supports skin and coat health
  • a great source of calcium and zinc
  • easy to absorb despite the lactose

3 – Thundershirt

Thundershirts aren't the magical cure others have reported, but they help with my dog's anxiety. The theory is that the tightness of the Thundershirt hits pressure points that produce a calming effect by releasing calming hormones like oxytocin and endorphin. Thundershirt says their product works on 80% of dogs and cats.

I use the Thundershirt with CBD oil and essential oils.

4 – Essential Oils for Dogs

Essential oils are huge in our home. I diffuse them regularly to freshen the house and create a relaxing atmosphere. When it comes to stressful events, I have a list of calming essential oils that I diffuse and a few that I apply to my dogs (along their spine) and massage into their coat.

My favorite essential oils to diffuse in the house are:

When applying essential oils, I dilute them with a carrier oil and then apply them using the Petting Method. The Petting Method involves adding a few drops of essential oil to the palms of your hands and then pet your dog. I do this when massaging my dogs and checking for lumps and bumps.

5 – Lots of Exercise Before the Noise Event

And finally, one way that has worked for my dogs is to get plenty of exercise. If a storm is expected in the evening, I'll take my dogs for a long walk earlier in the day. On the days before the Fourth of July, I take my dogs on long walks several times daily.

While exercise and subsequent exhaustion can help, they don't remove all of the anxiety. But exercise combined with CBD oil and essential oils works magic—as long as I can make a plan. If a storm hits us by surprise or when our neighbors start shooting off fireworks randomly, well, this step isn't as effective.

Other Prescription Medications to Calm Dogs

If you have a dog seriously disabled from fear of storms, fireworks, and other noise events, you might want to speak to your veterinarian about alternatives. I had to sedate one of my dogs for two years because the fireworks were too stressful. I'm not a fan of prescription medication unless I've exhausted all other solutions. Because I rarely sedate my dogs, a prescription lasts a long time.

Although I prefer natural, I won't allow my dog to suffer, and if the natural options don't work, then I reach for the prescription medication.

If this is where you're now, speak to your veterinarian about your concerns.

Read More About Dog Health

Pin It on Pinterest