Noise aversion affects over one-third of dogs in the U.S.¹, yet it largely goes undiagnosed, leaving many dogs to suffer untreated. The fear and anxiety these dogs experience is similar to a panic attack experienced by a person. Additionally, the dog’s behaviors can have a negative impact on the pet owner due to loss of sleep, destruction of property, and worry and concern for the dog’s quality of life, ultimately leading to a fracture in the human animal bond.²

Why does noise aversion go undiagnosed? It is due to a lack of proactive communication, starting with the pet owner not reporting their dog’s noise aversion to the veterinarian. Pet owners may not see this as a medical problem or may not realize the condition can be treated. Additionally, the owner may forget to mention it to the veterinarian if some period has passed between the noise aversion event and the veterinary visit, e.g. noise aversion to fireworks on the Fourth of July, but the next veterinarian visit is in September. Veterinarians, on the other hand, do not routinely ask pet owners about noise aversion. This downloadable noise aversion checklist can be used to start the conversation about noise aversion.

Once noise aversion has been diagnosed, treatment should include any or all of the following:

1. Environmental Management: focusing on avoiding or reducing the noise stimulus such as playing soft music or white noise, providing a safe haven or encourage the dog to go to a more “sound proof” area (a basement, closets, bathrooms, etc.)
2. Behavior Modification: counterconditioning, systematic desensitization, or a combination of both
3. Pharmacologic Agents: See below

Pharmacologic agents might include benzodiazepines (alprazolam, diazepam), Clomicalm (clomipramine), clonidine, Reconcile® (fluoxetine), trazodone, or Sileo (dexmedetomidine oromucosal gel). Of these, Sileo is the first FDA-approved and only drug available for the treatment of canine noise aversion. In clinical studies, 75 percent of dogs with noise aversion who received Sileo had an excellent or good response to Sileo versus 33 percent of dogs who received placebo. This difference was statistically different (p<0.0001). Adverse reactions were uncommon and mild, including blanching of mucous membranes, emesis, sedation, and drowsiness.³

Regardless of what treatment option is implemented, it is important to get a diagnosis, initiate treatment. and track treatment to ensure that the dog’s fear and anxiety to the noise is relieved. By alleviating the signs of noise aversion, not only is the dog’s quality of life improved, but the bond between the dog and the pet owner is restored.

IMPORTANT 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 or for aversion behaviors to thunderstorms. Transient pale mucous membranes at the site of application may occur with SILEO use. Other uncommon adverse reactions included emesis, drowsiness or sedation. Handlers should avoid direct exposure of SILEO to their skin, eyes or mouth. Failure to lock the ring-stop on the syringe before dosing SILEO could potentially lead to an accidental overdose. Always review INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE before dispensing and dosing.  See full Prescribing Information.

References

1. The Harris Poll: Custom Motion Sickness and Noise Aversion Omnibus Pet Owner Quantitative Research Report, December 2018
2. Sherman BL, Mills DS. Canine anxieties and phobias: an update on separation anxiety and noise aversions. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract 2008;38:1081-1106.
3. Sileo FOI Summary: 2015/11/19 Original NADA 141-456 (v1.0)