Melatonin for Dogs: A Natural Sleep Aid to Calm Your Canine Companion

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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

• 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.

• Modulates the body’s stress response, calming dogs who suffer from anxiety or fear associated with regular activities like thunderstorms or fireworks.

• Serves as a supplement for aging dogs. Note that melatonin’s natural production may be decreased because of age and any other conditions.

• It is used to treat dogs with cancer and skin conditions.

Benefits

• Melatonin is safe and non-addictive.

• It improves the health, behavior, and the quality of life in dogs.

• This hormone cortisol works best when combined with other therapies (environmental modifications, behavioral problems training, and diet changes).

• It reduces anxiety and stress.

• Strengthens canine digestion.

• Helps with insomnia.

• Lowers the risk of cancer, and other diseases.

• 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:

• Canines may experience drowsiness or lethargy after taking melatonin supplements.

• They may experience blurred vision or difficulty concentrating while taking them.

• Some of them may experience seizures when taking large doses of these products.

• 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.