Product Information
Zylkene 75mg is a natural calming supplement for cats and small dogs based on alpha-casozepine, a milk-protein peptide studied in clinical trials and shown to support relaxation without sedation. Each capsule delivers 75 mg of the active and is designed for daily use in pets under approximately 5 kg, supporting them through predictable stressful events (vet visits, fireworks, travel, boarding) or longer-term behaviour change work.
Health Benefits
- Non-sedating natural calming: alpha-casozepine is a milk-derived peptide that supports the same calming pathway in the brain as prescription sedatives, without the drowsiness or wobbly coordination they can cause
- Supports predictable stress events: useful for fireworks, thunderstorms, vet appointments, moving house, the arrival of a new pet, and kennel or cattery boarding
- Pairs well with anxiety management plans: works alongside behaviour change training and prescription anxiety medications in dogs and cats with general anxiety, separation distress, or noise phobia
- Once-daily dosing: capsule given whole or opened and sprinkled onto food; most pets accept it without resistance
- No known side effects or interactions: unlike prescription anxiety medications, Zylkene hasn't been linked to sedation, wobbliness, dependence, or significant drug interactions in clinical studies
- Suitable for cats and dogs: 75 mg capsule is dosed for cats and small dogs up to ~5 kg; larger strengths (225 mg, 450 mg) cover medium and large dogs
Vetoquinol Zylkene is one of the most-prescribed non-prescription anxiety products for dogs and cat anxiety products in Australian vet clinics, supporting pets through stressful events with no sedation and no known side effects.
What It's Used For
- Predictable stress events: fireworks nights, New Year's Eve, severe thunderstorms, vet visits, moving house, the arrival of a new baby or pet, boarding stays — start dosing at least 1 to 2 days before the event when possible
- Travel stress: car travel, road trips, or flights where pets show pacing, panting, or excessive vocalisation
- Behaviour change support: pairs with behaviour training for pets with separation distress, general anxiety, or noise sensitivity
- Multi-pet household tension: supports pets adapting to a new housemate or changes in household routines, alongside slow introductions and giving each pet their own food and water bowls
- Alongside anxiety medication: often used with prescription anxiety medications (e.g. fluoxetine, clomipramine) to provide additional calming without sedation
Ingredients & Composition
The active calming compound is alpha-casozepine, a peptide derived from milk protein, present in the trypsin-hydrolysed bovine casein portion of the formulation. Clinical studies show alpha-casozepine acts on the same calming pathway in the brain that prescription anxiety medications target.
Full composition (per capsule):
- Zylkene powder (77.3%): maltodextrin, casein (trypsin-hydrolysed bovine casein), magnesium stearate
- Capsule shell (22.7%): bovine gelatine
Product Specifications & Care
- Species: Cat and Dog
- Life stage: All life stages from puppy/kitten upwards
- Weight range: 75 mg dosed at ~15 mg/kg, suitable for pets under ~5 kg
- Best for: Cats and small dogs needing situational or chronic calming support without sedation
- Pack size: 30 capsules
- Larger sizes: Zylkene 225 mg for medium dogs (5 to 15 kg) and Zylkene 450 mg for large dogs (15 to 30 kg). Confirm size band against your pet's current weight
- Storage: Cool, dry place; reseal pack after each use; keep out of reach of children
- Prescription required: No (nutritional supplement)
How to Give Zylkene 75mg
Give one capsule daily. The capsule can be administered whole orally, or opened and sprinkled onto your pet's food. Most pets find the powder palatable and accept it readily.
| Body weight | Daily dose | Suggested duration |
|---|---|---|
| Cat (under 5 kg) | 1 capsule of 75 mg | Situational: 1 to 2 days before through to 2 days after. Chronic: 2 to 4 weeks then reassess |
| Small dog (under 5 kg) | 1 capsule of 75 mg | Same protocol as above |
For predictable stressful events, start at least 1 to 2 days beforehand for full effect. The dose can be doubled in exceptionally stressful situations on vet advice. A typical course runs 2 to 4 weeks; longer-term use is safe where required.
Why Dr Jack Ayerbe Recommends It
“Zylkene is one of the few non-prescription calming options with enough clinical data behind it to feel comfortable recommending. It's particularly useful in cats — they're harder to medicate, more sensitive to prescription anxiety medications, and a once-daily capsule that opens onto food is easy to dose. For predictable stress like fireworks or vet visits I tell owners to start two days early; for behaviour change work it sits well alongside prescription anxiety medications and training rather than replacing them. If your pet's anxiety is severe or affecting daily life, Zylkene is a sensible starting point but it isn't a substitute for working with your vet on the underlying causes.”
— Dr. Jack Ayerbe OAM, Veterinarian & Vets Love Pets Partner
Shipping
Non-Prescription Products:
• Free shipping on metro orders over $49+.
• Shipping fee for regional orders & metro orders under $49 will be calculated at checkout.
Prescription Medications:
Shipped separately via express shipping at a flat rate of $9.49, or select free standard shipping*.
Returns
Non-Prescription Products:
We offer a hassle-free return policy within 30 days for unopened items in original condition for exchange or store credit. Refunds are available if the product is faulty or not as described; however, food or treats cannot be returned once opened.
Prescription Medications:
We cannot accept change of mind returns for prescription products, given that there are laws that prohibit the resale of medication. Please make your selections carefully, and double-check your order before submitting.
Palatability Guarantee
Our Palatability Guarantee applies to selected brands, including Advance, Royal Canin, Purina, Hill's and 4CYTE, allowing you to return any unused portion of dry/wet food for an exchange or full refund.
- MBMargaret B.Verified BuyerRated 5 out of 5 starsZylkene capsules
Price was good, delivery was prompt. The tablets are easy to adminster and are achieving what I hoped they would. Very satisfied.
- VELevel 4Vivien E.Verified BuyerRated 4 out of 5 starsZylkene
We have found these to be helpful in reducing our elderly poodles anxiety. It is all natural which is a real bonus.
- CWCarmen W.Verified BuyerRated 5 out of 5 starsZylkene
Good for cat anxiety
- LBLiz B.Verified BuyerRated 5 out of 5 starsZylkene
They calm my 16 yr old cat well
- LHlesley h.Verified BuyerRated 4 out of 5 starspersist with use
i was hesitant to continue giving this to my aging (21) cat. my vet was keen for me to keep it up and it seems to help but took quite a few days to take effect
Frequently Asked Questions
Start Zylkene at least 1 to 2 days before a stressful event for full effect, and continue through to 1 to 2 days after. For long-running stress like moving house, or for ongoing anxiety work, daily use over 2 to 4 weeks gives a clearer picture of how your pet responds.
Zylkene does not sedate pets — it's a non-sedating calming supplement. Pets stay alert and responsive, they just cope better with stress triggers. This is one of the main reasons vets reach for Zylkene as a first-line option before considering prescription anxiety medications.
Zylkene can be given alongside most prescription anxiety medications. The milk-derived peptide works through the same calming pathway in the brain as fluoxetine, sertraline, and trazodone but via a different route, so they don't compete — many vets use them together. Always check with your vet before adding any supplement to a prescribed medication regime.
Zylkene 75 mg capsules are dosed for cats and small dogs up to about 5 kg. For medium dogs 5 to 15 kg use the 225 mg capsule, and for large dogs 15 to 30 kg use the 450 mg capsule. The dose works out at roughly 15 mg of alpha-casozepine per kg of body weight per day — check against your pet's actual weight before ordering.
Zylkene can support pets with severe anxiety or noise phobia, but it isn't a sedative or a prescription anxiety medication. For pets with severe noise phobia, separation distress, or generalised anxiety affecting daily life, the most effective approach combines Zylkene (or similar) with behaviour change training and, when needed, prescription medication from your vet. See Dr Jack's tips for managing anxiety in cats for an example of the kind of behavioural plan that pairs well.
