Zylkene- Natural Behavior Treatment

Zylkène

The Natural Way to Treat Animal Behavioural Problems Assoicated with Stress

Zylkene is a food supplement made from a protein found in milk. The active ingredient is a peptide (a simple protein molecule) which is able to bind temporarily to certain receptors in the brain. This has a calming influence which is similar in some ways to tranquilizer drugs such as diazepam (Vallium), but without the side effects.

Zylkene has been clinically proven to help relieve temporary stress in dogs and cats. In fact it is so successful they have now brought out a new human version called Equilibrium in Boots pharmacies.

It is supplied in 3 different sizes of capsule Zylkene 75mg, Zylkene 225mg and Zylkene 450mg, chosen according to the weight of the animal to be treated.

Zylkene Dosage:

Cat                                                                                 1 x Zylkene 75mg Capsule daily
Large Cat / Small dog weighing <10Kg                 2 x Zylkene 75mg Capsules daily
Dogs weighing between 10kg & 20Kg                   1 x Zylkene 225mg Capsule daily
Dogs weighing between 20Kg & 40Kg                  1 x Zylkene 450mg Capsule daily
Dogs weighing over 40Kg                                         2 x Zylkene 450mg Capsules daily
 

The capsules can be opened and sprinkled on food once daily and is highly palatable.

Common causes of stress include:

- Moving house

- Arrival of a new baby or a new pet into the home

- A new cat moving into the outside territory

- Sudden noise e.g. fireworks or thunderstorms (please see our full article on Fireworks and Noise Phobias)

- Cattery or Kennel stay

- Many cats also find living with other cats on a daily basis stressful

Dogs and cats obviously cannot tell us how they are coping, but they can alter their behaviour. There are many different ways pets can show stress including:

- Posture changes e.g. crouching, dilated pupils

- Changed demeanour

- House soiling

- Changes use of their environment e.g. changed resting place, reduced exploration or stopping visiting a certain part of the house

- Changes in pattern of sleeping

- Habits such as excessive licking and grooming

- Reduced play

- Changed interaction with humans or other pets – can be increased or decreased

- Withdrawal behaviours such as hiding more and resting on a higher surface e.g. top of wardrobe rather than a chair