Stop stress drops for cats – medication features, dosage, effectiveness

Stop stress is a popular sedative for dogs. It has been on the veterinary pharmaceutical market for more than 10 years.

It is believed that Stop-stress is a safe medicine. But it’s not worth giving it like candy with or without reason. The medication contains the substance phenibut - if used incorrectly or excessively, it leads to serious consequences.

From the review you will learn: how Stop Stress works, how effective it is, its disadvantages, and price. I also provided real reviews from dog owners and analogues of the drug.

Composition and release form

Stop-stress is produced by a Russian pharmaceutical company. It produces 2 forms of the drug: tablets and solution.

There are 2 types of Stop Stress tablets for dogs:

• No. 2 (200 mg) for small and medium breeds weighing up to 30 kg, cost 245 rubles;
• No. 5 (500 mg) for large and giant breeds weighing more than 30 kg, average price 315 rubles.

The solution (10%) is more popular with animal owners. It is equipped with a dispenser pipette, making it easier to use and calculate the required dosage. A 15 ml bottle costs an average of 215 rubles.

The composition and effect of the drugs are shown in the table:

In combination, these components relieve anxiety and aggression, calm you down, help you relax and make it easier to endure stressful situations.

Action Stop stress

Refers to combined sedative drugs. Phenibut normalizes metabolism, restores cerebral circulation, enhances the functioning of the nervous system, while calming it. The substance has a pronounced effect against stress - it reduces agitation and eliminates inhibition of the central nervous system. Extracts have a slight calming effect. In the complex the product:

1. Reduces tension;
2. Calms;
3. Eliminates fear;
4. Helps to adapt;
5. Increases resistance to negative factors.

It is considered low-hazard and does not have any negative effects at recommended doses.

Indications for use

Stop-stress is a sedative drug with complex action. It is prescribed for:

• suffered stress;
• sleep and appetite disorders due to neurosis;
• behavioral correction to eliminate phobia or aggression;
• excessive sexual arousal along with hormonal contraceptives.

Another indication for the use of drugs is the prevention of stress in a planned tense situation. It could be:

• moving, Stop stress is used incl. as a remedy for motion sickness;
• New Year's holidays - many dogs are afraid of fireworks;
• family change;
• foster care while the owner is away;
• introducing a new animal or person;
• a trip to the groomer or veterinarian;
• serious medical interventions, etc.

The drug is prescribed by the doctor after examining the dog and making a diagnosis. It is prohibited to independently assume that your dog is stressed and use medication. The owner is only obliged to take the animal to the doctor if alarming symptoms are detected: irritability, ignoring commands, restless behavior or excessive apathy.

Instructions for use and dosage

Tablets and solution are used in the same way:

• forced on the root of the tongue;
• mixed with water - the dog usually drinks the solution themselves, and the tablets are dissolved and administered from a syringe without a needle;
• masked in food - it is advisable to put the medicine in a treat with a strong, pleasant smell for the dog.

But the dosages of different forms of Stop-stress are different. With drops, everything is simple: give twice a day, 2 drops per 1 kg of weight (which corresponds to 10 mg of phenibut per 1,000 g).

Tablets are also given 2 times a day. However, their dosage is more difficult to calculate. It is selected by a veterinarian based on the pet’s weight, characteristics of its health and condition.

Approximate dosages are shown in the table:

When treating behavioral and psychogenic disorders, the drug is given for 2-3 weeks without breaks. If a dose is missed, treatment is started again at the same doses. If necessary, the course is extended to 1 month.

For prevention in case of probable stressful events, Stop Stress is started to be fed 3-5 days before the planned event and continues to be given for another 3-4 days after. If necessary, treatment is extended until signs of anxiety disappear.

How to use it?

When the conversation turns to the use of any drugs - psychogenic or otherwise - by cats, the question always arises - how to force the animal to swallow the medicine? Yes, it contains valerian extract. Usually cats enjoy it with pleasure, but they do not accept Stop Stress voluntarily. Therefore, you have to be cunning.

If the cat refuses to eat or there is simply no time for it, you can act more roughly and simply - having secured the cat, open its mouth and drop the required number of drops on the base of the tongue. The easiest way to do this is to use a pipette or a small syringe without a needle. If a cat can spit out tablets, then this method will definitely not work with drops.

The drug is indicated for the correction of behavioral disorders in pets such as:

• excessive aggression,
• anxiety,
• bad dream,
• increased sexual activity,
• phobias,
• persistent meowing.

To eliminate symptoms, the medicine is given in the required amount for 2-3 weeks. If, after completing the course, the undesirable behavior is restored, then repeated admission according to the same scheme is allowed.

Stop stress can also be used to prevent stress caused by specific causes. This could be, for example, the owners purchasing another pet, moving, traveling, castration, etc. In such cases, treatment should begin 3-5 days before the stressful event and continue 3 days after it.

In a stressful situation and after it, many cats meow loudly and often, causing their owners a lot of anxiety.
Stop Stress Drops will help prevent kinetosis (motion sickness) if given a daily dose an hour before the start of the trip. Application at the time of a pronounced reaction (vomiting, increased salivation, etc.) is ineffective.

Contraindications and side effects

Stop stress is prohibited for dogs:

• pregnant women;
• nursing;
• with diabetes mellitus;
• with tumor diseases;
• suffering from pathologies of the genitourinary system;
• up to 12 months.

Another standard contraindication for all medications is individual intolerance to the components. In this case, the following are possible:

• allergic reactions;
• nausea;
• drowsiness;
• excessive excitement.

Side effects may also include excessive drowsiness. According to the instructions, this reaction is rare. But reviews from dog lovers indicate the opposite - often animals literally fall into a stupor. However, the pet’s condition returns to normal on its own and does not require intervention.

With an overdose, negative reactions intensify. They are stopped with the help of antihistamines and sensitizing drugs.

Advantages and disadvantages

Stop stress has positive and negative sides. Among the advantages:

• the combination of phenibut with medicinal herbs quickly relieves anxiety disorders and eliminates behavioral problems;
• availability - sold in any veterinary pharmacy and pet store;
• wide spectrum of action;
• various forms of release, you can choose the most convenient one.

But there are also disadvantages:

• a large list of possible side effects;
• exacerbations of chronic diseases are likely;
• not suitable for pregnant bitches and puppies up to one year old;
• the drug relaxes the muscles, so it is given with caution before exhibitions: the dog can get “tangled in its paws” in the ring.

There are also reviews about excessive sleepiness of pets and apathy. They literally turn into vegetables: they fall into a dead sleep, do not react to anything, walk with tangled paws and glassy eyes. This usually happens with an overdose, but reactions are possible with half a tablet. After a long sleep, the side effect goes away on its own and does not entail serious negative reactions.

Owner reviews

Driada987: “For the first time, I gave the dog half of the indicated dose and he turned into a rag: he could barely get up, immediately fell, his eyelids drooped, his muscles relaxed. The second time I squeezed in a quarter of the tablet (the norm is 1-2 capsules for large dogs). This time the dog fell asleep in any corner and in any position. He was released only after 6 hours.”

Svetlana: “Everyone who talks about side effects seems to have not followed the dosage. Read the instructions carefully. And for the first time it is better to feed half or a quarter of the dose. Only after a normal reaction increase the amount of the drug. We have behavioral problems, they prescribed a course for a month. We started with ¼ tablet twice a day, after 5 days we increased the dosage to normal. The dog has become calmer, does not bark with or without reason, there is no lethargy, he sleeps as always.”

Victoria: “The vet recommended Stop Stress capsules. The goal is to survive a 4.5 hour plane flight. My bulldog has never flown before, and I’m terribly worried about her. Started taking it 5 days before event X, one tablet per day. Result: glassy eyes, poor coordination, barely able to stand on his paws, legs tangled. Doesn't respond, snores all the time. It is clear that the medication “hit the head.”

Suspension for dogs APICENNA Stop-Stress Plus 50ml

Stop-stress Plus suspension, thanks to the natural amino acids it contains, has a calming effect in stressful situations in dogs, including: during transportation, changing conditions of detention, during exhibitions, and visits to veterinary institutions. • The amino acids L-theanine, tryptophan and glycine have a relaxing effect, causing a feeling of calm and pleasure in animals. • Theanine improves learning and obedience. • Tryptophan relieves nervous tension, eliminates feelings of anxiety and fear, and normalizes sleep. The use of a feed additive helps to reduce increased excitability, unreasonable aggressiveness, unreasonable barking and vocalization, as well as anxiety caused by heat. COMPOSITION AND RELEASE FORM Stop-stress Plus contains as active ingredients in 1 ml: L-theanine 45 - 55 mg, tryptophan 9 - 11 mg, glycine 90 - 110 mg, as well as excipients: polyvinylpyrrolidone 54 - 66 mg, aspasvit C 200 4.5 - 5.5 mg, sodium benzoate 1.35 - 1.65 mg, potassium sorbate 1.35 - 1.65 mg, citric acid 1.35 - 1.65 mg, sodium metabisulfite 0.9 - 1 .1 mg, “Milk chocolate” flavoring 0.9 - 1.1 mg and purified water to 1 ml. Does not contain genetically modified products. The feed additive in appearance is a viscous liquid from light yellow to yellow in color, opalescence is allowed.

PHARMACOLOGICAL PROPERTIES Feed additive Stop-Stress Plus, thanks to the natural amino acids it contains, has a calming effect in stressful situations in dogs, including: during transportation, changing conditions of detention, during exhibitions, and visits to veterinary institutions. The amino acids L-theanine, tryptophan and glycine have a relaxing effect, causing a feeling of calm and pleasure in animals. Theanine improves learning and obedience. Tryptophan relieves nervous tension, eliminates feelings of anxiety and fear, and normalizes sleep. The use of a feed additive helps to reduce increased excitability, unreasonable aggressiveness, unreasonable barking and vocalization, as well as anxiety caused by heat.

INDICATIONS Prescribed for correcting unwanted behavior and increasing the stability of the nervous system in dogs during stressful situations, including during transportation, attending public events, veterinary institutions, and grooming.

DOSES AND METHOD OF APPLICATION: Apply to animals orally, individually with a small amount of treats or injected directly onto the root of the tongue (or into the cheek pouch) using a dispenser syringe in the following daily doses: for dogs - 2 drops of solution per 1 kg of animal weight. The daily dose of the feed additive is divided into two doses and given to the animal in the morning and evening. Approximate doses of Stop Stress Plus, depending on the type and weight of the animal, are presented in the table: • Dogs up to 4 kg: daily dose 2-8 drops, single dose 1-4 • Dogs from 4 to 8 kg: daily dose 5-16 drops, single dose 2-8 • Dogs weighing from 8 to 12 kg: daily dose 16-24 drops, single dose 8-12 • Dogs weighing from 12 to 20 kg: daily dose 12-40 drops, single dose 6-20 Before use bottle with the feed additive should be shaken thoroughly for 1-2 minutes. The feed additive can be used over a long course (up to 3 months) to correct unwanted behavior in animals, including unreasonable aggression, fearfulness, and excessive vocalization. In order to prevent the development of stress reactions in animals (during transportation, arrival of guests, change of environment, departure of the owner, participation in exhibitions and competitions, grooming), the feed additive Stop Stress Plus is used 3-5 days before the expected event and for 1-4 days after its completion.

SIDE EFFECTS When using Stop-Stress Plus in accordance with these instructions, side effects and complications in animals, as a rule, are not observed. If the animal has increased individual sensitivity to the components of the feed additive and allergic reactions occur, the use of the feed additive should be discontinued.

CONTRAINDICATIONS There are no contraindications for use.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS No special precautions are provided. The feed additive Stop Stress Plus is compatible with all feed ingredients, medications and other feed additives. Not intended for use in food producing animals.

PERSONAL PREVENTION MEASURES When working with the Stop-Stress Plus feed additive, you should follow the general rules of personal hygiene and safety precautions provided for when working with feed additives. Keep out of the reach of children. In case of accidental contact of the Stop-Stress Plus feed additive with the skin or mucous membranes of the eyes, they must be washed with plenty of running water. People with hypersensitivity to the components of the feed additive should avoid direct contact with the Stop-Stress Plus feed additive. If allergic reactions occur or if a feed additive accidentally enters the human body, you should immediately contact a medical facility (have instructions for using the feed additive or label with you).

STORAGE CONDITIONS In sealed manufacturer's packaging, in a place protected from direct sunlight, separately from food and feed at a temperature of 0 °C to 25 °C. The shelf life, subject to storage conditions, is 2 years from the date of production, after opening the bottle - 30 days. The feed additive Stop Stress Plus should not be used after the expiration date.

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Analogues of the drug

Stop stress is not the safest drug. There are drugs with fewer side effects. If your dog has negative reactions or is unable to find medication, you can replace it with analogues.

Analogues are better:

Analogues are worse:

List of sedatives for dogs

Reviews from cat owners about the use of Stop Stress drops

You can leave your reviews about the drug Stop - Stress, other users will be interested: Alina:

“My cat and I really like this product. You have to periodically calm your pet. This happens especially often after the summer “vacations”. When animals are forced to hide indoors with the onset of cold weather. Free life is gradually winding down. In such cases, for better adaptation, I give my cat a course of drops. I give it to him with a small piece of food that he likes - a cookie, a sausage. Ice cream. There are no side effects. It takes 2 weeks for a cat to become adequate. Works better than Kota Bayun. The results come slower there.”

Veronica:

“My Jessica and I participate in exhibitions. Of course, this is stressful for the animal. I myself sometimes worry about this matter. I start giving my cat Stop Stress drops a week before. Suspecting nothing, she prepares for a public event, and behaves there quite decently. They help both the cat and me well. I feel calm at the exhibition because my beauty is okay. After the exhibition I continue to drip for 2 days. The product is very good, I don’t observe any side effects.”

Answers to frequently asked questions

They mistakenly gave the dog more medicine than needed. How to remove it from the body?

First of all, you need to give the dog an absorbent: activated carbon, Polyphepan, Polysorb. If warning symptoms occur, consult your doctor.

They gave the dog Stop Stress and an allergy developed. What to do?

If itching, redness, excessive salivation, or breathing problems occur, antihistamines are administered: Suprastin, Tavegil, Loratadine. Polysorb or activated carbon will not be superfluous for the absorption and removal of toxins.

When feeding the drug, the dog salivates profusely, washing away the medicine. What to do?

Disguise the medication with a strong-smelling, strong-tasting treat and feed it to your dog.

The dog has become drowsy, does not react, and falls asleep. What should the owner do?

Usually such reactions go away on their own. Monitor breathing and heartbeat until the animal's condition stabilizes. If the situation worsens, contact your veterinarian.

Pharmacological properties

The combination of useful substances that are part of the veterinary drug will help your pet get rid of aggression, overcome insomnia, improve the functional state of the animal’s brain and blood circulation in its vessels, and reduce restlessness, anxiety, and hyperactivity. Taking the medicine will help the cat adapt to new living conditions, travel without problems and sleep sweetly.

Did you know? Cats sleep for almost 2/3 of the day. If we compare this time with the life expectancy of your pet, then when he turned 12 years old, he slept for 8 of them.

conclusions

Stop stress is a good sedative. But whether it is suitable or not for your dog depends on how the pet tolerates phenibut. Some animals respond well to it, while others develop severe side effects.

I prescribe Stop-Stress only for severe stress and as a premedication for surgical interventions. This is a potent drug. In other cases it will do:

• Cat Bayun, Nutri-Vet Pet Ease, Fospasim - to relieve common anxiety, use them also if you don’t know how the dog will react to Stop Stress and are afraid of adverse reactions;
• Sanal Relax, Fospasim - for behavior correction, psychological problems, recovery from stress.

Let me draw your attention to one more point: do not “slow down” your pet’s natural activity and curiosity with medications. Many people get a pet based only on appearance. City streets are crowded with huskies, huskies, Labradors, dachshunds and shepherd dogs. These are not decorative pets, but hunting, service and working dogs. It is not easy to cope with such breeds, but “suppressing” the potential with sedatives is the same as breaking character.

Related:

1. Sedatives for dogs