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TRENTON, N.J. (AP) — Fido and Spot may not have to cower under the bed this summer when fireworks and thunderstorms hit, thanks to the first prescription medicine for treating anxiety over loud noises — a widespread problem linked to property destruction, terrified dogs running away and even life-threatening injuries to some.
Veterinary medicine maker Zoetis of Florham Park, New Jersey, says recently approved Sileo (SILL'-lee-oh) will be available through U.S. veterinarians within a week.
It gives dog owners an alternative to human anti-anxiety pills, tranquilizers that sedate dogs for many hours and generally unsuccessful behavioral treatments.
Owners of a third of the 70 million dogs in the U.S. report problems with fear of loud noises. Dogs are sometimes so frightened they jump through windows or run into traffic, getting hit by cars.
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