Melatonin can be used to help your dog sleep better and even help with hair loss
This is a very safe supplement to give to your dog every day.
Signs that your dog is not tolerating Melatonin are sleepiness and weight gain.
What Is Melatonin for Dogs?
Melatonin is a hormone supplement that is commonly used in both dogs and cats. While these are sold over the counter, and you do not need a prescription from your vet to purchase these supplements, it is best to only give them to your dog after talking about it with your vet.
For certain skin conditions, your vet may have even recommended that you give this supplement to your dog to help. While there is very little research on the uses of Melatonin in dogs, these are some of the uses for Melatonin.
Melatonin is a great supplement to give your dog every day to not only help them sleep better but also help with hair loss. Before giving any supplement, talk to your vet and watch for and GI issues such as vomiting and diarrhea.
What Are the Key Uses Of Dog Melatonin?
There are many reasons that your vet may have recommended that your pet take Melatonin. This is commonly given to dogs who have issues sleeping or to help with hair loss not related to allergies. In cat’s Melatonin is given to help also treat behavioral disorders and suppress their heat cycle. Melatonin is very commonly found in over-the-counter sleep and anxiety supplements for dogs.
Top Picks for Easing Anxiety in Dog
Ease your canine companion’s worries with our top picks for alleviating anxiety in dogs. Our carefully selected products are designed to provide comfort and reassurance, addressing a range of anxiety triggers. From calming pheromone diffusers and stress-relief toys to all-natural calming treats, we’ve compiled a thoughtful list to support your dog’s mental well-being.
Mimics a mother’s natural pheromones to calm down dogs that are experiencing distress
Provides relaxing and soothing fragrance of lavender and chamomile
Works great for vet visits, crating, car travel, fear of thunder, pet and owner separation, reactivity to other animals or people, general fearfulness and other situations that cause anxiety and fear
Helps eliminate problem behaviors such as excessive barking, destruction, jumping, and inappropriate marking that often result from anxiety
Can be used as an area spray or applied directly onto your dog's ThunderShirt to allow the calming pheromones and fragrances to continue to release for an extended period of time to keep your dog cool and collected
Uses pheromone technology that's proven to modify behaviors caused by stress and fear, such as inappropriate marking, chewing, excessive barking, jumping, and destruction.
Releases a pheromone that mimics the one mother dogs produce to calm and soothe puppies, making dogs feel safe and secure.
Helps alleviate problem behaviors caused by stressful situations such as travel, thunderstorms, new pets in the home, new visitors, car rides, and vet visits.
Releases pheromones for 30 days with a pleasant, soothing lavender chamomile fragrance.
Adjusts to fit necks up to 23 inches. Can be used for dogs of all ages and breeds with no long-term side effects.
Melatonin can be given as a liquid, capsule, tablet, or treat. This will be given to your dog by mouth. You can give this with or without food. If your dog shows any GI issues, it would be best to make sure to give the next dosage on a full stomach.
Your vet may also recommend giving your dog a melatonin implant. This would be an injection that they would give to your dog at the vet clinic. This implant is mainly used for dogs with Alopecia X. This is a condition where your dog loses their hair. It is commonly seen in Pomeranians. This implant would last about six months. Some can last for up to one to two years.
Melatonin usually starts to work very fast, and you may see results in as little as two to four hours. For hair loss issues, it can take a few weeks for your dog’s hair to grow back.
How much Melatonin does my dog need?
The exact amount will be based on your dog’s body weight. Small dogs will need about 1mg were large dogs will need 3mgs. You can slowly work up to higher dosages if it does not seem to help your dog with its condition. You should not give Melatonin to your dog more than three times a day.
As you are increasing their dosage, it is best to monitor them for and GI side effects or lethargy. If you notice anything abnormal with your dog, it is best to stop this medication until your dog has improved.
Even though Melatonin is very safe, it is recommended to not give melatonin to puppies under 12 weeks of age. They are developing and growing at this time and there are no studies showing the safety of this medication at this age.
What are the side effects of Melatonin in dogs?
Melatonin is a pretty safe medication to give to your dogs. There is a very wide safety margin meaning that if you accidentally give your dog too much they will usually be okay. While there are not many know side effects, but there are a few that can happen especially if your dog took too much.
If you notice any side effects, you should stop giving this medication and contact your vet. This medication does wear off very quickly. You should notice that this supplement is out of your dog’s system in as little as 24 hours.
If your dog does have any other health issues, it would be best to talk with your vet before starting this medication. This will help make sure that your dog is healthy enough for this medication.
Can I Give my dog Human Melatonin?
Yes, human Melatonin is commonly used for dogs. There are treats made specifically for dogs that contain Melatonin, but the Melatonin that you see at the drug store is okay to give your dog.
Just make sure that there are no artificial sugars such as xylitol, as these are toxic to dogs. Many of the melatonin gummies that people take do contain artificial sugar. When in doubt it is best to not give it to your dog and look for a dog formulated supplement for your dog.
Final Thoughts
If your dog is having trouble sleeping or has anxiety, you should try melatonin supplements. These supplements can help your dog rest and not be as anxious. When your dog first starts to take these supplements, it is best to watch for any issues and contact your vet right away if you notice anything is wrong.
Dr. Sara Ochoa, DVM is a board-certified, licensed, and USDA-accredited small animal and exotic animal veterinarian. Dr. Sara graduated from St. George's University in 2015 with a Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine. Following veterinary school, she joined the team of pet experts at a small animal and exotic veterinary clinic in east Texas, where she treats all species that walk in the hospital. Dr. Sara’s professional interests include surgery and exotic animal medicine. She enjoys developing positive relationships with her clients, sharing her passion for animals, and helping pet parents provide excellent care for their fur babies. She is passionate about helping our four-legged family members return to a happy and healthy life - making her a perfect fit for Alpha Paw’s Board of Pet Experts!
The medical, nutritional, or behavioral advice we provide is intended for informational and educational purposes only. Our editorial content is not a substitute for formal or personalized medical advice from a veterinary professional. Only board-certified veterinary specialists who have examined your pet should diagnose medical conditions, provide personalized treatment, or prescribe appropriate medication. For questions regarding your pet’s health, or if your pet is exhibiting signs of illness, injury, or distress, contact your veterinarian immediately. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on our site.
