Sileo is formulated as a gel that is absorbed into your dog’s body when you apply it to the mucous membranes between your dog’s cheek and gums. Dexmedetomidine (the active ingredient) calms your dog by preventing or reducing specific reactions in the nervous system.

Refer to the instructions on when and how to give your dog Sileo.

Sileo is administered by placing the gel between your dog’s cheek and gums. This allows the medicine to enter the bloodstream (transmucosal absorption).

Six dots equals 1.5 mL. This dose is too great to give to one side of the mouth. It can cause the medicine to be swallowed or to flow out of the mouth, which can decrease the effect of Sileo. Giving half of the dose on one side of the mouth and half on the other side helps to maximize the amount of medicine given to your dog.

No. This will cause incorrect dosing. Also, remember to wear impermeable gloves (gloves that liquids or gels cannot go through); see more in the human safety question below: “What if I’m exposed to Sileo”.

Yes, within 4 weeks, but only if there is enough gel remaining for a complete dose. This minimizes the risk of incorrect dosing.

Both new and partially used syringes of Sileo should be stored in the carton provided (protected from light) at room temperature.

State and federal medical waste laws apply. The easiest way could be to place the used syringe back into the box and return it to the veterinary clinic. Ask your veterinarian about proper disposal of empty or partially used Sileo syringes.

Very few adverse events have been reported with Sileo. Vomiting, sedation, and/or drowsiness were infrequently reported.

Avoiding food or treats for 15 minutes after dosing allows for maximal absorption of Sileo, without the food increasing the chance that some of the Sileo will be swallowed. If Sileo is swallowed, it will not be active.

Much of the extra gel may flow out of the mouth or be swallowed, which would limit the effects on your dog. In a worst-case scenario in which the entire syringe (3 mL) is accidentally applied to a smaller dog and is fully absorbed, mild to moderate drowsiness (sedation) may occur. As always, contact your veterinarian in any situation in which you feel your dog has received too much Sileo.

Although dexmedetomidine (the active ingredient in Sileo) cannot be absorbed through normal skin, it can be absorbed through breaks in the skin and through the eyes, nose, and mouth (mucous membranes). Therefore, as a precaution, you should wear impermeable disposable gloves when administering Sileo to your dog.

In the case of accidental exposure to the skin, the area should be immediately and thoroughly washed; remove contaminated clothing and contact your physician if you have questions.

If Sileo comes in contact with your eyes, nose, or mouth, it can be absorbed into your body, so you should flush the exposed area with water for 15 minutes.

If you are wearing contact lenses, flush the eyes, and then remove the contact lenses and continue flushing; seek medical advice immediately.

If the drug is absorbed into your body, it can cause symptoms such as lowered blood pressure (which may result in dizziness, fainting, lack of concentration, blurred vision, nausea, cold, clammy or pale skin, and/or rapid, shallow breathing), sleepiness, and slower heart rate.

Share the package information with your doctor and tell them that Sileo contains an alpha-2 adrenoceptor agonist.

Although the active ingredient in Sileo, dexmedetomidine, is approved for use as a sedative for humans, it has not been evaluated in pregnant women. Therefore, pregnant women are warned not to administer Sileo to their dogs.