New drug may ease dog’s fear of fireworks

Summer Safety Tips for Your Dog

Taking in a fireworks display can be an enjoyable way to celebrate the Fourth of July, unless you're a noise-averse dog.

The rockets red glare may no longer bring the dog's barking to the air.

Food and Drug Administration approved a medication in November that may help calm anxious dogs.

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Sileo, a veterinarian prescribed, formulated gel is absorbed through the dog's mouth. Its active ingredient, dexmedetomidine, calms the dog without sedating it by reducing specific reactions in the nervous system.

The gel can be given to dogs about 30 minutes before the fireworks, or other anxiety-driving event, like a thunderstorm or construction. The dosages can only be given every two hours and no more than five times during one noise event.