Zylkene For Dogs [Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, & More]

Stress is just a factor of life for everyone and that includes our dogs! Many stressors for canines include thunderstorms, fireworks, other dogs, young children, and loud noises. Zylkene for dogs is one of the most common natural medicine to soothe pets during such stressful situations.

Knowing how to calm your dog down and relieve anxiety by learning about possible medication is a great first step towards helping your dog remain stress-free—it’s crucial for your pet’s health. Although I myself prefer giving my dogs other natural calming practices like regular exercise, talking in a calm and positive manner, or using CBD oils, having medicines like Zylkene helps.

Zylkene is a natural medicine approved by animal health professionals to help pets cope with their anxiety during different or unusual situations. Find out if this could work for your pup by reading on! 

What is Pet Zylkene?

Unlike other dog anxiety medications that are often synthetic, Zylkene for dogs is a natural way to help calm down pups with anxiety. It has naturally occurring milk protein that gives the calming effects and helps manage behavior problems. It can be used in short increments or for long-term anxiety relief, depending on how your dog reacts to it, what your veterinarian thinks, and the brand chosen. 

Chewy, PetSmart, and other pet stores carry a variety of Zylkene calming supplement for dogs and cats. This selection can be used to relax cats and dogs; offering short-term, non-drowsy stress relief for pets through the use of alpha-casozepine and Zylkene from milk protein.

Before starting any new medication with your dog, speak to a pet care professional. 

Uses of Pet Zylkene and its Benefits

Supplements that contain Zylkene show the best performance when given to pets 2-3 days before a scheduled stressful event. Some dogs may even require earlier administration of the supplements before the event depending on their history of stress and anxiety. 

For example, if July 4th is coming up, try giving your dog the supplements on July 2nd and 3rd, as well, to have the Zylkene in their body well before the trigger of fireworks begins. Giving them the medicine while the event is happening will not give the supplement enough time to work its way around the body to help your dog! 

Zylkene can be administered to your dog in multiple ways. Giving it to them in its original pill form is the most common. Although some dogs do not like to take medication by pills, there are ways you can get them to eat it by using peanut butter, cheese, their favorite dog treat, putting it in their dog food, or using pill pockets. 

If this method does not work for you and your pup, try opening the pill and pouring its contents into your dog’s food or water. If this is done, ensure that your dog finishes their entire meal or water bowl. Although this method is less preferred due to the risk of your dog not finishing and other animals getting into the medication, if done correctly the method can still provide your dog with the calming effects of Zylkene. 

Some Zylkene supplements can also come in the chewable form that resembles a treat for them. This may be easier for older dogs or dogs that do not take pills very well. 

Dosage of Zylkene

The recommended amount of Zylkene for your dog is as follows [1]: 

• Dogs below 10 pounds: 75 milligrams 
• Dogs between 10 to 30 pounds: 225 milligrams 
• Dogs over 30 pounds: 450 milligrams 

Follow the printed administration recommendations of the chosen supplement brand you intend to give them before the first administered dose and check with your veterinarian to confirm. Check to see if the brand chosen has The NASC Quality Seal that shows that the company is committed to quality and the health of pets [2]. 

Remember that dosage depends on your pet’s weight so essentially, small dogs have a different dosage requirement than large dog breeds. Puppies, pregnant dogs, and dogs who are nursing should not be given supplements without being cleared by a pet care professional first. 

Side Effects

Zylkene’s clinically proven calming properties for stressed animals do not have many reported side effects as they are mostly easy even for sensitive stomachs. Most new oral medications given to pets, such as adding Zylkene to your pet’s diet, often cause them to have a few bouts of diarrhea. This should not be a concern, as it will clear up after a day or two. If it does not, contact your local vet. Your dog should not be drowsy or mentally foggy after Zylkene is given to them.

Stressors for Dogs

Stressors all depend on the dog! Here are the most common stressors for our furry friends. 

• Fireworks 
• Gunshots 
• Going to the vet 
• Storms and thunder 
• Moving homes 
• Introducing a new pet  
• First time at a dog park 
• Meeting new dogs 
• Seeing new animals (like horses) 
• Separation from pet owners 
• Death or separations from other pets 
• Pet owners yelling or throwing things in the house 
• Younger children introduced to the household 
• New smells in their area 
• Long car rides 
• Plane rides 
• Being boarded or pet sat 
• Physical discomfort 

Some of these can be avoided, but others (such as moving homes) are unavoidable for the dog. If you are able, working with a trainer or doing at-home training to prepare for these events ahead of time can help your dog better react to the event when the time comes. There are online courses that can be taken to help reduce the effects that many triggers may have on your pet.

Natural Calming Practices

Keeping your dog stress-free should be the first step towards helping them live a better life! There are plenty of ways to help your pup have lower levels of stress that may prevent the need for medication. 

• Daily exercise is a perfect way to help your pet have an outlet for built-up energy. Try taking them to the dog park or on a hike! 
• Stress jackets and security blankets can help your dog have better sleep patterns and relax faster.
• Playing calm music when you are away or during stressful times (thunderstorms, fireworks, etc.) can help distract them while they are being overstimulated. 
• Talk to them softly and positively. This can help calm them down. 
• Spending time with them and playing a game can help them focus on you and not the trigger. 
• Work with a trainer to desensitize your dog to some of their triggers, such as other dogs or loud noises. 
• Check out yoga with your dog! There are online classes you can take that can help both you and your furry friend relax. 
• CBD oil for dogs are another natural way to help your pet stay calm. 
• Look into other medication, as well, if Zylkene is not working for them. 
• As always, check with your local veterinarian if you feel your pet’s behavior and anxiety are a concern. 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What does Zylkene do for dogs? 

Zylkene can help pets have less stress and anxiety during times that may be triggering for them. Giving them this supplement that comes from milk protein can ensure they remain calm even during fireworks and thunderstorms! 

2. How long does Zylkene take to work in dogs? 

It is recommended that Zylkene and other stress relievers are given to pets a few days before the stress-inducing event occurs. Some dogs may require an earlier administration of the supplement to ensure that the anxiety-reducing properties have time to work their way through the dog’s system. 

3. What are the side effects of Zylkene? 

The only reported side effect of Zylkene is diarrhea that will most often clear up in a few days. Diarrhea is a common side effect of most oral medication for pets, as it is a change in their diet that will take time for their body to adjust to. If it does not clear up after 3-4 days, contact your local veterinarian. 

4. Does Zylkene require a prescription? 

No, Zylkene can be purchased both in-store and online without a prescription. It is recommended to speak to your local veterinarian before adding any supplement to your pet’s dog food. The label on the Zylkene bottle will have the warning statements and dosage amounts for you to follow. 

5. How long should I give my pet Zylkene? 

Most Zylkene products are recommended for short-term use, meaning that Zylkene’s calming supplements should be given to pets only to help them through specific events. There are some Zylkene products that are designed for long-term use. Ensure you read the recommendation label on any supplements and speak to your vet before adding it to your dog’s diet. 

6. Is it common for dogs to have anxiety? 

Yes! Your dog having anxiety and stress does not make your family bad pet parents. Some dogs come from shelters or past homes that caused them to have higher levels of stress with certain triggers. Some dogs are just born with more anxiety than others. Separation anxiety is one of the more common types of anxiety and some breeds are more prone to having it, including Labradors, Border Collies, and German Shepherds.