Melatonin for Dogs: A Natural Sleep Aid to Calm Your Canine Companion
You’ve heard about the use of melatonin in dogs, haven’t you? Lately, it has caught a lot of interest as a possible solution for various issues our cherished pets may face.
You know, just like how melatonin helps regulate sleep in humans, it seems to have some promising effects on our canine companions too.
From sleep disorders to anxiety, melatonin is being explored as a natural supplement that could help improve their quality of life.
It’s exciting to think that there might be an alternative to traditional medications for our four-legged friends.
Our top pick is Pet Wellbeing Vet-Formulated Pet Melatonin
In this article, we’ll dive into the world of melatonin for dogs, exploring what it can do, the benefits it offers, and some important things to keep in mind to ensure the well-being of our beloved pups. So, let’s get started!
4 Melatonin for Dogs List
We narrowed down the top melatonin dog supplements below:
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Pet Wellbeing Vet-Formulated Pet Melatonin (Best Overall)
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Nootie Progility Advanced Calming Aid (Best for the Immune system)
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PetHonesty’s Hemp Calming Natural Blend with Melatonin (Best Chews for Relaxation)
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Dr. Mercola Gluten-Free Canine Hormone Support (Best for Puppies)
How melatonin affects your dog’s health and well-being?
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1. Pet Wellbeing Vet-Formulated Pet Melatonin
Pet Wellbeing Vet-Formulated Pet Melatonin is specifically formulated for animals that mainly need melatonin supplementation. This product comes in a 4-ounce or 2-ounce bottle.
The supplement would be very helpful for dogs prescribed with melatonin for medical conditions with its ability to accurately dose melatonin.
Just ensure your pet’s intake if he’s under such medication.
Specific Features:
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Liquid supplement
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Bacon-flavored liquid for easy administering
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Available in a 2-ounce and a 4-ounce bottle with a dropper
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Ideal for canines prescribed melatonin
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Great for dogs in need of plain melatonin
Pros
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Can accurately dose the supplement
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Most dogs love the bacon flavor
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Easy to administer
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Most dogs favor its taste
Cons
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More effort is required to ensure the dog takes it
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Not all dogs will respond to it
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One of the higher-priced melatonin choices
Check Pet Wellbeing Vet-Formulated Pet Melatonin for more info. #commissionsearned
2. Nootie Progility Advanced Calming Aid
Help overcome your dog’s anxiety, and boost his immune system the natural way with Nootie Progility Advanced Calming Aid.
This melatonin supplement is specifically designed to mitigate behavioral issues or certain medical conditions in dogs.
The product is formulated with L-tryptophan and L-theanine to lower stress and calm the nerves. This enables your pet to get better sleep aids at night.
It is made with plant-based ingredients such as passionflower, valerian root, chamomile, and lemon balm which may help with its calming effect and relaxation.
Know in depth why supplements and treats like this product help a dog relax here.
Also, the product contains l-theanine, omega-3 fatty acids, and B vitamins which can support your dog’s nervous system and help with stress management.
Specific Features:
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Made with a cold pressing technique that preserves the natural state of nutrients
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Formulated with L-theanine, L-tryptophan, pro-biotics, and vitamin B1
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Infused with probiotics to help strengthen the immune system
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Comes in an airtight container to help keep the product fresh
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Easy to administer and use for training
Pros
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Natural, effective, and safe for dogs
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Boosts immune system
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Results can be noticed within 30 minutes
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Easy to administer
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Easily digestible and palatable
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Can be used in trainin
Cons
- It has a strong smell that some pets may not like
See more here Nootie Progility Advanced Calming Aid #commissionsearned
3. PetHonesty’s Hemp Calming Natural Blend with Melatonin
PetHonesty’s Hemp Calming Natural Blend with Melatonin is an all-natural supplement formulated to help dogs cope with stressful situations and promote less anxious behavior.
The soft melatonin gummies contain a special blend of organic hemp, herbs, natural B vitamins, and melatonin, which help the nerves of a dog relax, and reduce stress and anxiety levels.
The product is great for times when your dog is feeling stressed, such as thunderstorms, car rides, or new environments.
Specific Features:
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Made with organic hemp, herbs, and natural B-vitamins
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Contains melatonin
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Soft chew texture allows for easy consumption
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Grain and Gluten-free
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Made in the USA with high-quality ingredients
Pros
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All-natural, healthy ingredients
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Effective and natural sleep aid
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Easy to administer
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Helps reduce anxiety and stress levels
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Can be used in various situations
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Perfect for times when the dog is feeling especially stressed
Cons
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May take multiple servings to see the results
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Not recommended for pregnant or nursing dogs
Check it out PetHonesty’s Hemp Calming Natural Blend #commissionsearned
4. Dr. Mercola Gluten-Free Canine Hormone Support
While several melatonin-based dietary supplements are not formulated for puppies, Dr. Mercola Gluten-Free Canine Hormone Support can be a good option for any life stage including puppies.
This is a natural dog food supplement that supports natural hormone balance for dogs.
The product is 100% non-GMO and contains pure melatonin, which is a natural hormone necessary for various bodily functions. It is soy-free and gluten-free and comes in a 3.17-ounce container.
Specific features:
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Contains natural melatonin
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Supports natural hormone balance in dogs
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Non-GMO
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Soy-free
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Gluten-free
Pros
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Supports natural hormone balance
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Easy to administer
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All-natural ingredients
Cons
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May be costly for larger dogs
More info Dr. Mercola Gluten-Free Canine Hormone Support here #commissionsearned
How melatonin affects your dog’s health and well-being?
Dog Melatonin Uses and Benefits
The naturally occurring hormone melatonin helps regulate the sleep cycle not just in humans but also in dogs.
Melatonin is commonly used in humans and dogs for its powerful ability in promoting restful sleep and in treating some of chronic anxiety’s underlying causes.
Uses
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Helps dogs sleep more easily and for longer periods, as it increases the ability of the body to adjust to a regular sleep-wake cycle. As the amount of light in the environment decreases at night, melatonin levels rise. This helps to signal the body to fall asleep easier and remain asleep.
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Modulates the body’s stress response, calming dogs who suffer from anxiety or fear associated with regular activities like thunderstorms or fireworks.
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Serves as a supplement for aging dogs. Note that melatonin’s natural production may be decreased because of age and any other conditions.
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It is used to treat dogs with cancer and skin conditions.
Benefits
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Melatonin is safe and non-addictive.
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It improves the health, behavior, and the quality of life in dogs.
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This hormone cortisol works best when combined with other therapies (environmental modifications, behavioral problems training, and diet changes).
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It reduces anxiety and stress.
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Strengthens canine digestion.
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Helps with insomnia.
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Lowers the risk of cancer, and other diseases.
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Regulates wakefulness, body temperature, and dog sleep.
More about the benefits of melatonin in your dog in the article by Jn Reisen at the American Kennel Club’s portal.
Melatonin Dosage for Dogs
The proper dosage of melatonin for canines depends on their size and the specific health condition being treated.
The recommended dosage for dogs is 1 mg per pound of a dog’s weight, administered at bedtime.
If you’re new to using melatonin for your dog, it’s best to start with a lower dose and work up from there.
Adult dogs should be given a dose of 2-5 milligrams per pound when they’re being treated for insomnia or other sleep disorders.
Puppies between 6 and 12 months old should start at 1 milligram per pound until they reach full growth, then move up to 2 milligrams per pound.
For general anxiety and stress relief, a common dose is 0.5 – 3.0mg per 10- 20 pounds of body weight taken once daily.
Melatonin should not be given to dogs under 6 months of age, pregnant or nursing animals, canines with an underlying health condition, or pooches not under veterinary medicine supervision.
If your pet is taking any other medications, or has a history of seizures, consult with your veterinarian before starting a melatonin regimen.
Dogs Melatonin Safety and Side Effects
In dogs, melatonin has been shown to have no harmful side effects and is therefore safe to use.
Melatonin has been used successfully in animals with chronic pain syndromes like hip dysplasia and arthritis.
Studies have shown that very low doses (under 1mg) of melatonin are considered safe for use in many dogs, with minimal to very few melatonin side effects.
Possible side effects can include drowsiness, lethargy, and dry mouth. Melatonin should never be used without the approval of a veterinarian.
Among the other side effects associated with melatonin use that you should be aware of before giving your dog melatonin supplements are:
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Canines may experience drowsiness or lethargy after taking melatonin supplements.
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They may experience blurred vision or difficulty concentrating while taking them.
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Some of them may experience seizures when taking large doses of these products.
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According to Rob Newsom at the Sleep Foundation, among the other serious side effects of melatonin in dogs are cramping, confusion, increased heart rate, itchiness, and fertility issues.
If you are concerned about any of these medications or potential side effects, please talk to your veterinarian before giving your dog any kind of medication or supplement.
FAQs on Dog’s Melatonin Supplements
More information through the following questions and answers by pet owners:
How much melatonin can I give a dog?
If you plan to give your dog this hormone, it is best to talk to your veterinarian first and get proper dosing information.
Can dogs fall asleep with melatonin?
Yes, dogs can take melatonin as a supplement to help them fall asleep more easily.
What can melatonin do to a dog?
Melatonin supplements may help reduce anxiety in dogs and mitigate their sleep issues or sleep problems.
It can also help to regulate a dog’s body clock, enabling them to settle into a routine. In some cases, melatonin has even been known to reduce the severity of separation anxiety in dogs.
Conclusion
By understanding the potential benefits, and reading the reviews of melatonin supplements for cats and dogs, we can ensure that we are using melatonin safely and effectively to help our furry friends get the sleep they need and deserve.
Our Top Pick
We consider Pet Wellbeing Vet-Formulated Pet Melatonin as the best melatonin supplement for dogs as it is specifically formulated to provide dogs prescribed with melatonin.
Although it comes at a high rate yet many dog owners found it effective.
