Can I Give My Dog Melatonin?

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.