Zylkene for Dogs and Cats

Veterinarian Dr. med. vet. Franziska G. explains: Zylkene for dogs and cats

"Zylkene for dogs and cats contains the peptide alpha-casozepine derived from cow milk protein. It acts on the inotropic GABA receptors in the brain and thus has a calming effect. The abbreviation GABA stands for ‘gamma-aminobutyric acid’, a neurotransmitter that reduces the excitability of nerve cells and thus has a calming effect.
In contrast to conventional tranquillisers (sedatives), Zylkene does not have a sedative or sleep-inducing effect - the pet’s ability to react is therefore maintained. Zylkene can help both dogs and cats in short-term stressful situations, as well as when they are generally anxious and repeatedly experience stress in everyday life."
This content is a translation of the original text published on zooplus.de, created by Veterinarian Dr. med. vet. Franziska G., in collaboration with our editorial team. The information provided is for general guidance only and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always consult your vet if you have any concerns about your pet’s health or wellbeing
Veterinarian Dr. med. vet. Franziska G. explains: Zylkene for dogs and cats

"Zylkene for dogs and cats contains the peptide alpha-casozepine derived from cow milk protein. It acts on the inotropic GABA receptors in the brain and thus has a calming effect. The abbreviation GABA stands for ‘gamma-aminobutyric acid’, a neurotransmitter that reduces the excitability of nerve cells and thus has a calming effect.
In contrast to conventional tranquillisers (sedatives), Zylkene does not have a sedative or sleep-inducing effect - the pet’s ability to react is therefore maintained. Zylkene can help both dogs and cats in short-term stressful situations, as well as when they are generally anxious and repeatedly experience stress in everyday life."
This content is a translation of the original text published on zooplus.de, created by Veterinarian Dr. med. vet. Franziska G., in collaboration with our editorial team. The information provided is for general guidance only and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always consult your vet if you have any concerns about your pet’s health or wellbeing
How long does Zylkene take to start working?
According to the manufacturer, Zylkene can combat stress in dogs and cats within 90 minutes of ingestion. If there is no acute stress situation, but the dog or cat is suffering from chronic stress, the effect sets in gradually. The first results then appear within the first fifteen days.
How long does Zylkene take to start working?
According to the manufacturer, Zylkene can combat stress in dogs and cats within 90 minutes of ingestion. If there is no acute stress situation, but the dog or cat is suffering from chronic stress, the effect sets in gradually. The first results then appear within the first fifteen days.
What symptoms do dogs & cats show when they have an anxiety disorder & stress?
Anxious or stressed dogs and cats often show behavioural changes or physical signs that you as a pet owner can recognise by the following signals:
Dogs:
- Restless nature, running around
- Excessive panting
- Howling, whining or barking more often
- Frequently retreating and appearing tense
- Excessive licking, salivating or chewing
- Change in appetite (increase or decrease)
- Defecating or urinating inside
You can find more on this topic here: Anxious dog: What can I do about it?
Cats:
- Hiding more often
- Excessive grooming
- Aggression or irritability
- Reduced appetite
- Inappropriate urination or defecation
You can find more on this topic here: Anxiety in Cats
What symptoms do dogs & cats show when they have an anxiety disorder & stress?
Anxious or stressed dogs and cats often show behavioural changes or physical signs that you as a pet owner can recognise by the following signals:
Dogs:
- Restless nature, running around
- Excessive panting
- Howling, whining or barking more often
- Frequently retreating and appearing tense
- Excessive licking, salivating or chewing
- Change in appetite (increase or decrease)
- Defecating or urinating inside
You can find more on this topic here: Anxious dog: What can I do about it?
Cats:
- Hiding more often
- Excessive grooming
- Aggression or irritability
- Reduced appetite
- Inappropriate urination or defecation
You can find more on this topic here: Anxiety in Cats
How can I help my dog or cat’s stress and anxiety?
If your dog or cat frequently suffers from stress or nervousness, you should discuss this with your vet. They can tell you if your pet needs a calming product, and if so, which of the following are suitable for them:
- Tranquilisers for dogs and Tranquilisiers for cats such as Zylkene capsules, Zylkene Chews or Zylkene Plus
- Anti-stress products for dogs & training aids (e.g. stress-reducing vests) and warm, cozy retreat place for your cat
- Pheromone sprays (e.g. Adaptil for dogs, Feliway for cats)
- Prescription tranquilisers (e.g. benzodiazepines)
- Prescription antidepressants (e.g. trazodone)
In addition to these treatments, consistent behavioural training or targeted behavioural therapy can also be effective.
How can I help my dog or cat’s stress and anxiety?
If your dog or cat frequently suffers from stress or nervousness, you should discuss this with your vet. They can tell you if your pet needs a calming product, and if so, which of the following are suitable for them:
- Tranquilisers for dogs and Tranquilisiers for cats such as Zylkene capsules, Zylkene Chews or Zylkene Plus
- Anti-stress products for dogs & training aids (e.g. stress-reducing vests) and warm, cozy retreat place for your cat
- Pheromone sprays (e.g. Adaptil for dogs, Feliway for cats)
- Prescription tranquilisers (e.g. benzodiazepines)
- Prescription antidepressants (e.g. trazodone)
In addition to these treatments, consistent behavioural training or targeted behavioural therapy can also be effective.
When does it make sense to administer Zylkene?
In the following situations, you can give your dog or cat Zylkene to achieve a calming effect without impairing your pets’ ability to react:
| Situation- | New addition to the family |
|---|---|
A new family member influences the dynamic and can upset your dog or cat's understanding of the hierarchy. | |
| Situation- | Being alone |
Some dogs or cats develop separation anxiety when they are left alone. | |
| Situation- | Change of minder |
A new dog-sitter, for example, can cause your dog stress. | |
| Situation- | Multi-pet household |
If several dogs or cats are together in the one household, this can lead to conflicts that are accompanied by fear or aggression. | |
| Situation- | Vet visits |
A visit to the vet is a stressful experience for many dogs and cats, where stress-reducing measures are particularly important. | |
| Situation- | Overnight vet stays |
A veterinary clinic means an unfamiliar environment for your dog or your cat, which can have a particularly stressful effect on them due to the veterinary procedures. | |
| Situation- | Holidays and travel |
Unfamiliar journeys, long journeys, air travel and new environments can make dogs and cats very anxious. | |
| Situation- | Loud noises |
Loud fireworks on New Year's Eve or thunderstorms are common causes of panic in both dogs and cats. |
Situation- | |
|---|---|
New addition to the family | A new family member influences the dynamic and can upset your dog or cat's understanding of the hierarchy. |
Being alone | Some dogs or cats develop separation anxiety when they are left alone. |
Change of minder | A new dog-sitter, for example, can cause your dog stress. |
Multi-pet household | If several dogs or cats are together in the one household, this can lead to conflicts that are accompanied by fear or aggression. |
Vet visits | A visit to the vet is a stressful experience for many dogs and cats, where stress-reducing measures are particularly important. |
Overnight vet stays | A veterinary clinic means an unfamiliar environment for your dog or your cat, which can have a particularly stressful effect on them due to the veterinary procedures. |
Holidays and travel | Unfamiliar journeys, long journeys, air travel and new environments can make dogs and cats very anxious. |
Loud noises | Loud fireworks on New Year's Eve or thunderstorms are common causes of panic in both dogs and cats. |
When does it make sense to administer Zylkene?
In the following situations, you can give your dog or cat Zylkene to achieve a calming effect without impairing your pets’ ability to react:
| Situation- | New addition to the family |
|---|---|
A new family member influences the dynamic and can upset your dog or cat's understanding of the hierarchy. | |
| Situation- | Being alone |
Some dogs or cats develop separation anxiety when they are left alone. | |
| Situation- | Change of minder |
A new dog-sitter, for example, can cause your dog stress. | |
| Situation- | Multi-pet household |
If several dogs or cats are together in the one household, this can lead to conflicts that are accompanied by fear or aggression. | |
| Situation- | Vet visits |
A visit to the vet is a stressful experience for many dogs and cats, where stress-reducing measures are particularly important. | |
| Situation- | Overnight vet stays |
A veterinary clinic means an unfamiliar environment for your dog or your cat, which can have a particularly stressful effect on them due to the veterinary procedures. | |
| Situation- | Holidays and travel |
Unfamiliar journeys, long journeys, air travel and new environments can make dogs and cats very anxious. | |
| Situation- | Loud noises |
Loud fireworks on New Year's Eve or thunderstorms are common causes of panic in both dogs and cats. |
Situation- | |
|---|---|
New addition to the family | A new family member influences the dynamic and can upset your dog or cat's understanding of the hierarchy. |
Being alone | Some dogs or cats develop separation anxiety when they are left alone. |
Change of minder | A new dog-sitter, for example, can cause your dog stress. |
Multi-pet household | If several dogs or cats are together in the one household, this can lead to conflicts that are accompanied by fear or aggression. |
Vet visits | A visit to the vet is a stressful experience for many dogs and cats, where stress-reducing measures are particularly important. |
Overnight vet stays | A veterinary clinic means an unfamiliar environment for your dog or your cat, which can have a particularly stressful effect on them due to the veterinary procedures. |
Holidays and travel | Unfamiliar journeys, long journeys, air travel and new environments can make dogs and cats very anxious. |
Loud noises | Loud fireworks on New Year's Eve or thunderstorms are common causes of panic in both dogs and cats. |
How do I administer Zylkene?
The dosage can be found in the manufacturer's package leaflet. Open the Zylkene capsule and mix the powder inside into your pet’s food. Alternatively, you can add the powder to a treat or a liquid such as water. You can give Zylkene Chews directly to your pet.
How do I administer Zylkene?
The dosage can be found in the manufacturer's package leaflet. Open the Zylkene capsule and mix the powder inside into your pet’s food. Alternatively, you can add the powder to a treat or a liquid such as water. You can give Zylkene Chews directly to your pet.
What are the side effects of Zylkene?
Zylkene is generally well tolerated and in most cases does not cause any serious side effects. In rare cases, mild side effects such as gastrointestinal issues, increased or decreased appetite or tiredness have been reported.
What are the side effects of Zylkene?
Zylkene is generally well tolerated and in most cases does not cause any serious side effects. In rare cases, mild side effects such as gastrointestinal issues, increased or decreased appetite or tiredness have been reported.
What is the difference between Zylkene and Zylkene Plus?
The difference between Zylkene and Zylkene Plus is that Zylkene Plus contains fish protein hydrolysate in addition to milk proteins and therefore has a heightened effect.
What is the difference between Zylkene and Zylkene Plus?
The difference between Zylkene and Zylkene Plus is that Zylkene Plus contains fish protein hydrolysate in addition to milk proteins and therefore has a heightened effect.






