Zoetis launching new doggy med for noise-related anxiety

Fido and Spot may not have to cower under the bed this summer when fireworks and thunderstorms hit, thanks to the first prescription veterinary medicine for treating anxiety over loud noises — a widespread problem that causes property destruction, terrified dogs running away and even life-threatening injuries or euthanasia for some.

Dogs are sometimes so frightened they jump through plate-glass windows, destroy doors while trying to escape a room or run into traffic and get hit by cars.

The anxiety gets worse over time without treatment and is much like posttraumatic stress disorder in humans, said McFarland, a veterinarian who earlier in his career spent a quarter-century working at animal hospitals, including running one of the first after-hours emergency pet hospitals in the country.

Zoetis is a top maker of medicines and vaccines for pets and livestock, including Apoquel for itchy skin from dermatitis and Rimadyl for pain from arthritis and surgery.