If you have a pooch who tends toward anxiety, you may wonder if melatonin is safe for them. In fact, veterinarians prescribe melatonin for dogs to help relieve sleep disorders and mild anxiety, as well as other issues. Read on to find out how melatonin may help dogs. As always, speak with your vet before giving your pet any type of medicine or supplement.
What Is Melatonin?
In mammals, melatonin is a naturally occurring hormone in the brain's pineal gland that regulates sleep cycles, alerting the body to when it's time to sleep and wake up. Melatonin levels are highest at night and lowest during the day.
Most melatonin supplements are synthetic. However, so-called natural melatonin supplements are sourced from animals' pineal glands.
Why Is Melatonin Prescribed for Dogs?
Your vet may prescribe melatonin for your dog if they have:
- Disordered sleep
- Anxiety
- Hair loss
- Cushing's disease
Your vet might also recommend melatonin if your dog has cancer and is going through chemotherapy.
When used to treat sleep or anxiety issues, especially noise phobias triggered by things like fireworks or thunderstorms, melatonin may be prescribed in conjunction with behavior therapy and other non-drug treatments.
Can I Give My Dog Melatonin and Is It Safe?
Now that you know what melatonin can potentially do, you may wonder if you can give your dog melatonin safely? The answer is that you potentially can, but watch for negative side effects and make sure you have approval from your vet first.
The most common side effects your dog may experience from melatonin are extreme drowsiness, fatigue, digestive issues and, in some cases, an increased heart rate. Veterinary Partner says you should never give melatonin to dogs with diabetes, as it may cause insulin resistance.
Also, keep in mind that the Food and Drug Administration doesn't regulate supplements, including melatonin. This can be dangerous, as some supplements may contain xylitol, a sugar substitute that's benign for humans but toxic to dogs. Be sure to thoroughly inspect ingredient labels. In fact, it is best to only by a certain brand recommended by your vet if they suggest that melatonin might be right for your dog.
How Does Melatonin for Dogs Work?
Melatonin's efficacy depends on a few factors: your dog's health, the issue being treated and the duration of treatment.
Sleep
Melatonin supplements may help get a dog's sleep pattern back on track. This can be especially helpful for senior dogs who have cognitive issues and for blind dogs who can't see when it's nighttime or morning.
Tasty Tips
Anxiety
Melatonin also promotes calmness in anxious dogs. Researchers at the British Small Animal Veterinary Congress explain that this is because melatonin "may inhibit dopamine," the feel-good brain chemical. Too much dopamine is linked to anxiety.
Hair Loss
Experts aren't sure exactly how melatonin improves dog hair loss. Dr. Sue Paterson, a specialist in veterinary dermatology, explains for Veterinary Practice that "melatonin may work at a cellular level directly on the hair follicles" or by stimulating growth hormones.
Other Uses of Melatonin for Dogs
For dogs with cancer, melatonin helps alleviate the side effects of chemotherapy and helps promote weight gain, according to Dog Cancer Blog. This is important because chemotherapy drastically reduces appetite.
According to the College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Tennessee, melatonin may also help dogs who have Cushing's disease, which is caused by an overproduction of the hormone cortisol, by reducing cortisol levels.
If you think your dog would benefit from melatonin, speak with your vet to see if it's right for your furry friend.
Related products
Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Weight Small Bites Chicken Recipe Dog Food
Over 70% of dogs lost weight within 10 weeks when fed this nutrition. Delicious food in a small bite size.
Hill's Science Diet Perfect Digestion Large Breed Chicken, Brown Rice & Whole Oats Recipe Dog Food
Science Diet's breakthrough nutrition supports ultimate digestive well-being & healthy microbiome. Delicious food in a large bite size
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Senior Vitality Chicken & Rice Recipe Dog Food
Improves Everyday Ability to Get Up & Go
Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Weight Small & Mini Chicken Recipe dog food
Over 70% of dogs lost weight within 10 weeks when fed this nutrition
Hill's Science Diet Adult No Corn, Wheat, Soy Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe dog food
Supports healthy immune system, digestion, lean muscle & beautiful coat
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Small & Mini Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Dog Food
For the unique nutritional needs of mature Small & Mini dogs
Hill's Science Diet Adult Healthy Cuisine Roasted Chicken, Carrots & Spinach Stew Dog Food
Delicious roasted chicken paired with tender vegetables in a succulent stew
Hill's Science Diet Adult Oral Care Chicken, Rice & Barley Recipe Dog Food
Clinically proven kibble technology to reduce plaque & tartar build-up
Hill's Science Diet Adult Turkey & Barley Dog Food
Turkey & Barley recipe with precisely balanced nutrition to keep adult dogs active and healthy
Hill's Science Diet Adult Small & Mini Beef & Barley Entrée Dog Food
Beef & Barley recipe with precisely balanced nutrition to keep adult dogs active and healthy.
Hill's Science Diet Adult Salmon & Barley Entrée Dog Food
Supports healthy immune system, digestion, lean muscle & beautiful coat
Hill's Science Diet Puppy No Corn, Wheat, Soy Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe
Supports healthy brain, eye, muscle, bone & immune system development in growing puppies
Hill's Science Diet Puppy Savory Stew with Chicken & Vegetables
Chicken & Vegetables recipe with great taste and precisely balanced nutrition to help your puppy build immunity and strong bones
Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Digestion Small & Mini Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Dog Food
Science Diet's breakthrough nutrition supports ultimate digestive well-being & healthy microbiome
Hill's Science Diet Adult Small Bites Chicken & Barley Recipe Dog Food
Supports lean muscle for dogs who prefer smaller kibble
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Senior Vitality Small & Mini Chicken Meal & Rice Recipe Dog Food
Improves Everyday Ability to Get Up & Go
Hill's Science Diet Adult Small & Mini Savory Stew with Beef & Vegetables Dog Food
A delicious complement to the nutrition of Science Diet Small Paws dry dog food
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Entrée Can Variety Pack Dog Food
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Variety Pack
Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Digestion Chicken & Rice Entrée Dog Food
Science Diet's breakthrough nutrition supports ultimate digestive well-being & healthy microbiome
Hill's Science Diet Adult Small Bites No Corn, Wheat, Soy Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe dog food
Supports healthy immune system, digestion, lean muscle & beautiful coat
Related articles
Diabetic Alert Dogs: How They Help Their Owners
Read about two diabetic alert dogs' stories and how they help notify their owners when their blood sugar is out of range.
Tips for the First Few Weeks with Your New Puppy
Ensure that you're meeting all of your new puppy's needs by learning typical puppy behaviors in the home.
Can Dogs Eat Broccoli? (and Is It Safe?)
Learn the facts about whether broccoli is good for your dog, including any health & safety concerns, portion information, preparation tips and more.
What to Expect at Your Puppy's 6-Month Health Check
Every puppy should get a health check-up at six months by a veterinarian to make sure he is healthy. Learn what to expect at your puppy's health check.
Do Dogs Feel Guilt or Shame?
Does shaming your dog have a positive effect, or are you just encouraging more bad behavior? Learn more about how he interprets feelings of guilt & shame.
Teaching an Old Dog New Tricks: A Guide for Senior Training
Is teaching an old dog new tricks really impossible? Discover the truth about this cliche and learn tips for successfully training your senior dog.
Diabetes in Dogs: What You Need to Know
Learn what diabetes mellitus is and what causes it in dogs. Learn the symptoms of diabetes and treatment options if you find out your dog is diagnosed.
Bladder & Urinary Stones in Dogs: What They Are and How They're Treated
Learn about bladder stones in dogs, including common types of stones (struvite vs oxalate), symptoms your dog might show & treatment options from your vet.
How to Deal with Allergies Caused by Your Dog
You may want a dog but are concerned about any allergies you or someone in your family may have.
Dog Carrier Bags: What You Need to Know
Discover helpful tips for choosing the right dog carrier bag or purse for your tiny pup, including safety features to look for & when a dog purse is ideal.
The Importance of Exercise for Your Puppy
Find out why exercising is so important to your puppy's overall healthy by reading through these 4 helpful facts.
Can Dogs Have Celery?
Learn whether celery is bad for your dog, how much is a safe amount, and preparation tips if you think they'll enjoy it as a snack.
Why Do Dogs Sniff Each Other's Butts?
Why do dogs sniff each other's butts? In short: It's their most effective option for a meet and greet. Learn more about this common dog behavior.
Can Dogs Get Braces? (& Are They Safe?)
Learn when braces can be an option for dogs, like when a dog has severe bite or teeth alignment issues, and how they can help dogs chew & eat normally.
Seven Digestive Problems in Dogs & How to Handle Them
Learn about the top digestive & gastrointestinal problems in dogs, such as diarrhoea & malabsorption, and find out how you can help your pet feel better.
What to Do if Your Dog Eats a Dead Bird
Learn about potential health issues that can occur if your dog eats a dead bird, such as bacterial & parasite issues, and signs that can indicate sickness.
What Happens When a Dog Drinks Alcohol?
Learn what happens when a dog drinks alcohol, how serious alcohol can be for his health, and the steps to take if your pup ever sneaks a sip.
Why Your Dog Should Exercise
Learn how much exercise is right for your dog's breed, age & size, as well as how choosing the right dog food affects his ability to exercise & stay active
Giardia in Dogs
Learn how giardia in dogs can wreak havoc on your pet's digestive system, how giardiasis gets diagnosed and how your dog's veterinarian might treat it.
Balanced Dog Foods & When to Change Them
Nutrition is one of the most important components of keeping your dog healthy, so choosing a well-balanced dog food full of nutrients is key. Learn more.
Put your dog on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your dog's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
Put your dog on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your dog's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.