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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 personally 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 to 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 Rodrigo CBD oil on a daily basis and this helps with his arthritis and it keeps him ready for the random storm.

There are three brands that I like:

  • CBD Dog HealthCALM is great for anxiety, however, I use EASE because it also relieves arthritis pain.
  • CannaPet – I order the capsules (advanced, for large dogs) and add one capsule to my dog's morning meal; when my neighbors start practicing for the Fourth of July, I'll add the capsules to both morning and evening meals. CannaPet also makes CBD dog treats that I give to my dogs.
  • Kanine Kalm – a third option that I've had great success with is the 600 mg CBD oil by Kanine Kalm.

With each of these, I've found that they are 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 noise 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 it does help with Rodrigo'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. According to Thundershirt, 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 as well as 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:

Essential oils I apply to my dogs using the petting method are:

What is the Petting Method? This is when you add a few drops of an essential oil to the palm of your hands and then pet your dog. I do this when I'm massaging my dogs and checking for lumps and bumps.

5 – Lots of Exercise Prior to 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, then I'll take Rodrigo for a long walk earlier in the day. On the days prior to the Fourth of July, I take my dogs on long walks at least twice a day.

While the exercise and subsequent exhaustion can help, they don't take all of the anxiousness away. 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 that is seriously disabled from their fear of storms, fireworks, and other noise events, you might want to speak to your veterinarian about other options. With Rodrigo, we finally sedated him one year because he was struggling. 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 at right now, speak to your veterinarian about your concerns.

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

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