Sileo for dogs
Formulation
Oral gel
Active ingredient
Dexmedetomidine
Category
Behaviour
What is Sileo?
Sileo is a sedative medication that contains the active ingredient dexmedetomidine. It works by binding to specific receptors in the brain. By activating these receptors, Sileo helps reduce the fear and anxiety response associated with loud noises such as fireworks, thunderstorms, or other loud events.
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What does Sileo do?
Sileo is a medication specially designed to help dogs cope with the fear and anxiety caused by loud noises like fireworks or thunderstorms. It contains a mild sedative – dexmedetomidine – and works quickly and for a short time period, so it’s perfect for short-duration events.
Sileo stops the release of noradreneline (aka norepinephrine), which stops the brain from feeling fear and anxiety properly.
What is Sileo for?
Sileo is a mild sedative. It’s main use is for anxiety and fear associated with noise phobias, but Sileo is also sometimes used for other short-duration fears like:
- Fear of the vet – calming for a vet visit
- Fear of travelling – sedation for travelling
- Fear of grooming – calming for necessary grooming
Use of Sileo except for noise phobias is ‘off-license’, but your vet may prescribe it where mild sedation is needed in other situations using the ‘prescribing cascade’.
What are the possible side effects of Sileo in dogs?
The currently known side effects of Sileo in dogs include:
- Temporary pale gums – this is due to the blood vessels in the gums constricting in response to the drug. It is often patchy and should reverse within a couple of hours.
- Sedation – although mild sedation is sort of the point of Sileo, the drug shouldn’t cause dogs to become overly sleepy at normal doses. However, less than 1 in 10 dogs do show sedation. This reverses when the drugs wear off.
- Vomiting – in less than 1 in 10 dogs, vomiting occurs. This is usually alongside a greater-than-intended sedation.
- Incontinence – in less than 1 in 10 dogs, especially where excessive sedation happens. This reverses when the drug wears off.
- Anxiety – in some cases, the drug doesn’t appear to work and the pet gets anxiety anyway. Current data suggests this happens in less than 1 in 100 dogs, but it’s probably under-reported and more common than this.
- Vomiting and diarrhoea – vomiting and diarrhoea together are seen in less than 1 in 100 dogs.
- Swelling around the eyes – some dogs seem to get swelling around their eyes. This happens to less than 1 in 100 dogs taking Sileo.
Remember, not all pets will experience these side effects, and the drug is generally safe to use.
If you notice any concerning symptoms or changes in your pet’s behaviour or health while they are taking Sileo, whether or not they’re listed here, it’s important to contact your vet immediately. They can provide guidance and adjust the treatment plan if necessary to ensure your pet’s safety and well-being.
It’s also important that your vet reports Sileo side effects to the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD), who monitor pet drugs on the market. They can force companies to change the datasheet and side effects information if needed, so it’s important to report what you see to your vet.
Which pets is Sileo not suitable for?
Sileo is generally not suitable for the following pets:
- Dogs with severe heart problems
- Dogs with end-stage renal or liver failure
- Dogs who are pregnant or lactating
- Pets other than dogs
If your dog has one of these conditions, you should inform your vet before giving Sileo. Your vet might recommend a different option, or – in certain cases – change the dose to help keep your pet safe.
How to give Sileo safely
- Follow vet instructions: Always use Sileo exactly as your vet has prescribed. This includes the right dose and frequency. Never change the dose by yourself, even if the drug doesn’t seem to be working. If you aren’t sure of the dose prescribed, please confirm the dose with your vet
- Give at first sign of fear: Sileo is more effective if used at the first signs of fear from your dog, or as soon as you hear a noise. If you know a fearful event is coming (like a planned nearby fireworks event), you can normally dose immediately before the planned start time, but confirm this with your vet when they prescribe Sileo.
- Oromucosal gel: Sileo is a gel designed to be absorbed across the gums. It is not intended to be swallowed. You should put the required dose between your dog’s cheek and gums.
- With food? Sileo should not be given with food. Sileo should not be swallowed, and giving with food makes this more likely. You should also not feed your dog or give them treats for 15 minutes after giving Sileo.
- Re-dose: You can re-dose your dog after 2 hours if the event is still continuing and your dog is starting to show signs of fear again. Re-dosing can happen up to four times (up to five total doses in each fearful event).
- Check with your vet if giving anything else: Your vet should be aware of other drugs your pet is on, but it’s always worth double-checking in case there’s been a miscommunication somewhere. If your dog is on supplements or non-prescription treatments you should also tell your vet when they prescribe Sileo, as they may not be suitable to be given together.
- Monitoring: Don’t leave your dog alone if they’ve taken Sileo. It’s important you stay with your dog to help them feel calm and secure and to monitor any side effects.
- Storage: Store Sileo in its original packaging in a cool and dry place and away from light. Make sure it’s out of reach of children and other pets. Any remaining Sileo should be returned to the original box and discarded if not used within 4 weeks of opening.
- Report any accidental overdose to your vet immediately: If you have mistakenly given too much Sileo, report it to your vet as soon as you realise the error. They may recommend seeing your dog so they can administer treatment to help with side effects of overdose.
How much monitoring do pets need on Sileo?
Low
Most pets will not require any special testing while on Sileo.
Sileo is intended for short-term use so ongoing testing and monitoring aren’t usually needed when using Sileo. Your vet might recommend that elderly animals have a blood test before using Sileo to check their liver and kidney function.
What does Sileo for dogs cost?
££ – Moderately expensive
One Sileo tube costs £25-40
Sileo is usually used for a short period of time. One 3ml tube contains 6 doses for a 10kg dog, making it around £2.50 per dose. For a large (50kg) dog, it’s more like £15 per dose.
Sileo FAQs
How long does Sileo take to kick in?
Sileo starts working within 30-60 minutes, which is why it should be used at the first sign of fear or when you first notice a sound that is likely to cause fear. If there is a known trigger coming up, like a firework display, you can usually give your dog Sileo half an hour before the scheduled start time. However, you should check with your vet in advance so they can check this applies to your pet.
What happens if I give my dog too much Sileo?
Sileo should be dosed accurately to avoid side effects. If you accidentally give your dog too much Sileo, they may become overly sedated, have a reduced heart rate, and get cold. Severe overdose can be life-threatening.
If you know your dog has taken too much Sileo you should take steps to make sure they’re warm and phone your vet (or vet emergency line) for advice. They may suggest you monitor your dog at home or take them in to have an antidote administered, depending on the level of overdose.
Do I need a prescription for Sileo?
Sileo for dogs is a prescription product. You will need to see a vet to get a prescription, but you can then buy your Sileo from another pharmacy if you wish. Your vet will need to periodically re-examine your dog before prescribing more Sileo.
Does Sileo make dogs sleepy?
Sileo can make dogs sleepy, it’s one of the known side effects of the drug. Generally, we hope it doesn’t – dogs should be awake but unafraid. If your dog does get sleepy with Sileo, talk to your vet – they might recommend a lower dose of Sileo next time or a different drug.
Can dogs eat after taking Sileo?
Dogs should not eat for 15 minutes after taking Sileo.
The first time your dog takes Sileo, it’s best not to feed them until you know if they have any side effects. This is because a very sedated dog vomiting a lot of food can be dangerous (which is why we ask you to starve them before surgery!).
If they don’t appear overly sedated after an hour and don’t start vomiting, you can feed them small amounts – puzzle feeders also provide excellent distraction and are an important part of a firework fear protocol.
Sileo Alternatives
Your vet will be happy to discuss the next best alternative for your pet if:
- They have had unwanted side effects of Sileo
- Can’t have Sileo due to their health
- Sileo doesn’t seem to be working
- You are struggling to give your dog their Sileo gel
If your dog is receiving Sileo due to anxiety, your vet might recommend:
- Pexion (Imepitoin) – a tablet that is more suitable for long-term use, but needs to be started 2 days before the stressful event
- Xanax (alprazolam) – a tablet that helps dogs relax, but is unlicensed in pets
- Gabapentin – a tablet or capsule that can be used for noise phobias or longer-term for anxiety disorders
- Clomicalm (clomipramine) – a tablet suitable for long-term use, to help with separation anxiety and similar long-term anxiety problems.
Your vet will look at your dog’s unique situation before prescribing any of these drugs.
In addition, some anxieties can be helped with natural therapies including:
- Adaptil – a spray or collar releasing calming pheromones
- Supplements containing L-tryptophan – a natural amino acid shown to help reduce anxiety and stress
- Supplements containing L-theanine – a natural amino acid with some evidence for calming effects
- Supplements containing casein – a milk protein that has a calming effect
Behavioural modification is another important part of treating noise phobias. This may include a training process called ‘counter-conditioning’. Your vet will be able to give you more advice on this process and could even refer you to a specialist.
Sileo Datasheet
All drugs have a manufacturer’s datasheet, which gives information about the drug’s use and possible side effects. There should be one in your Sileo box, but if you have lost it you can click here to be taken to an online version. Use the menu on the left to read the sections you need to to find out more.
Please note that the information contained herein is provided for informational purposes only. Although it has been written by a vet, we cannot consider the individual nature of your pet’s problems so it does not constitute veterinary advice. If you have questions about your pet’s medication or their health you should contact a vet, who will be able to help.
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