Uses Of Melatonin For Dogs
Anxiety
Melatonin is sometimes given to dogs who suffer from anxiety, says Dr. Judy Morgan, a holistic veterinarian and author of several books, including From Needles to Natural: Learning Holistic Pet Healing.
The supplement can help ease the symptoms of caused by long days at the office or a family vacation. It can also help a dog mellow out before a potentially stressful experience like a long road trip or a visit to the groomer.
Dr. Marie Haynes, a veterinarian in Ottawa, Canada, says shes also seen melatonin help dogs who have thunderstorm anxieties.
We use it whenever we need some sort of calming effect, she says.
Insomnia
Melatonin is believed to help regulate the internal processes that tell our bodies whether its night or day, time to sleep or time to play. Humans may use melatonin supplements to overcome the insomnia associated with jet lag. It can also help older dogs with cognitive dysfunctions regulate their biorhythms and get a better nights sleep, Morgan says.
Cushing’s Disease
What I use melatonin most commonly for is the treatment of Cushing’s disease, Morgan says. The supplement helps the body block the uptake of increased cortisone caused by a benign tumor on the pituitary gland, she says. Cushings disease can also be caused by a tumor on an adrenal gland. These cases are best treated through surgery, says Dr. Jennifer Coates, a veterinary advisor for petMD.
Alopecia
Dogs That Shouldnt Take Melatonin
There are two cases where you want to be careful giving melatonin to your dog. First, the use of melatonin may not be appropriate for dogs that are diabetic as it can increase insulin resistance.
To search for more information, we found a 1999 study published out of the University College London that showed that melatonin decreased levels of sex hormones in both male and female dogs. As such, you may not want to give your dog melatonin if they are currently being used for breeding. Youll want to talk to your veterinarian about giving pregnant dogs melatonin just to be sure.
When Should I Administer Melatonin
Melatonin takes approximately 30 minutes to kick in, so youll want to administer it to your dog roughly half-an hour before a thunderstorm or any other stressful event you are looking to help your dog manage.
For sleep assistance, melatonins should be provided in the evening. As a rule of thumb, its best to provide the melatonin alongside a meal or snack, since ingesting it on an empty stomach may result in intestinal distress.
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How Does Melatonin Affect Dogs
Melatonin seems to have a calming effect on dogs, like it does on humans. In a study of healthy dogs getting ready for a surgery, those that were given melatonin before the procedure were more calm and required less initial anesthesia.
In addition to calming effects, melatonin has been shown to be beneficial in other ways for canines. In another study of dogs, those who were administered melatonin experienced less initial anesthesia compared to those that did not take melatonin. In a separate study, dogs that were given melatonin after castration were better able to regulate hormones that are usually out of balance after castration.
Can You Give A Dog Melatonin
May 17, 2021//;;by;Estrella Bolton
All dogs can suffer from many of the same medical issues as humans, including;, stress, and disruptive;sleep;patterns. A dogs sleeping position can tell you a lot about how theyre feeling and if theyre stressed or relaxed.;
Many veterinarians recommend prescription medications or antihistamines to alleviate these conditions. However, dogs are like many humans in one respect and can have adverse reactions to a lot of medications. An alternative to prescription drugs is hormones that humans and dogs produce naturally. Although a medical lab can produce melatonin, its naturally made by humans and dogs. The amount of melatonin thats released into the body decreases during the day and increases at night. Production of the hormone decreases in humans and dogs as we age.
Article Summary
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What Is Melatonin Supplement Used For
The primary use of melatonin supplement for dogs is to treat anxiety, both that caused by a triggering event and chronic anxiety. Seeing your pet shiver and cower when theres a storm or being witness to their everyday struggles when you go to work is not easy on the pet owner even less so on the dog himself. Finding a viable solution for your pets anxiety thats not full of chemicals and comes with a serious list of side effects is not always easy, so its easy to see why melatonin for dogs is a popular alternative.;
In addition to its relaxing properties, melatonin for dogs has other uses as well. You can supplement melatonin to improve your pets sleeping patterns, help with seasonal hair alopecia , or symptoms of Cushings disease if your dog has it. If youre unsure if your dog could benefit from melatonin supplements, talk to your veterinarian. A professional that has your dogs health record is the only one that can know for certainty which supplements are needed and which could do more harm than good.;
Melatonin For Dogs: Is It Safe
Melatonin is a hormone that occurs naturally in the bodies of pets and people. As a supplement, it can help us and our canine companions relax, de-stress, and sleep. It may also help with certain medical conditions.
While you should always talk to your veterinarian before introducing any new medications or supplements into your pets health care regime, here are some ways melatonin, when administered properly, can help your dog feel healthier and happier.
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How Should I Give Melatonin To My Dog
Once you and a qualified veterinarian have agreed on a melatonin supplementation plan for your pup, there are many ways you can administer the melatonin.
For dogs with low-frequency doses, try tossing a melatonin treat to get them to take their medicine and enjoy it, too. Dogs who need more frequent doses have tons of options to choose from: there are melatonin tablets, pills, drops, and chewables that all can easily be mixed into dog food or peanut butter.
However, be sure to read the label of any melatonin supplement you give your dog. Some melatonin supplements contain an artificial sweetener calledxylitolwhich is extremely toxic to dogs. If the supplements youve chosen contain xylitol, dont kick yourself. Just cut your losses, get a new bottle, and your four-legged friend may be snoring soundly in no time .
If youre interested in learning more about better ways to care for your pet, head on over to our dog page for regular tips and tidbits on how to keep your dog happy and healthy!
How Does Melatonin Work On Canines
Melatonin works in dogs and humans in a similar way. It regulates your sleep cycle or your circadian rhythm. The natural cycle is that once it gets dark, the body gives a signal to the pineal gland. The pineal gland starts to increase the production of the chemical. This increased melatonin is responsible for making you feel sleepy.
Similarly, the brain also signals the gland when the sun comes up. This way, the gland decreases the production of melatonin, causing you to wake up. This is called the circadian rhythm.
Most people who suffer from sleep disorders do not receive sufficient melatonin. This results in a disrupted sleep cycle which can often lead to a spiral of different diseases. This is also the case with dogs. Their pineal glands might not be producing sufficient melatonin which can cause sleep disorders.
Imagine if your dog was deficient on calcium. Youd probably give him calcium supplements to makeup for the deficiency. Similarly, if your dog is deficient in the production of melatonin, its only common sense that you would give him melatonin supplements.
With proper doses of the drug, youll find that your dogs body can easily regulate its sleep cycle. Youll be sleeping more peacefully knowing that your dog is sleeping peacefully too. Since it induces sleep, it may also be used as a sedative to treat hyperactivity and other behavioral problems.
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When To Give Your Dog Melatonin
For what reason would you give a dog melatonin? Actually, there are a few.
Ultimately, one of the biggest appeals of using melatonin to treat dogs is that its natural.
Some vets have had luck prescribing melatonin to dogs who have conditions such as anxiety, insomnia, Cushings disease, and alopecia. It often lessens some of the symptoms associated with these disorders while producing negligible side effects. Read on to find out more about these disorders and decide whether or not you should talk to your veterinarian about treating your dog with melatonin.
Your Dog Has Anxiety
An estimated;20-40% of dogs;suffer from some level of separation anxiety. Beyond the distress this causes the dog, it can also lead to behavioral issues and unhealthy coping mechanisms. Some owners return from work to discover that their pup has chewed up her bedding or has been obsessively cleaning the same spots on her paws.
In addition to separation anxiety, some dogs experience situational anxiety, from the fear of car rides to the fear of thunderstorms.
Some owners have found success with using melatonin to treat their dogs anxiety. It can help them to mellow it in times of stress, lowering the chances of behavioral problems or unhealthy coping mechanisms.
Your Dog Has Insomnia
Cushings Disease
Alopecia
Melatonin May Be Poisonous
For pet lovers the only disturbing question in their mind is will melatonin hurt a dog. Side effects are rare in the part of melatonins appeal. Melatonin doesnt make your dog drowsy unlike sedatives and tranquilizers help to cure stress and anxiety.
So, you can say that melatonin will not hurt your dog except for some extremely rare cases. Melatonin calms rescue and search dogs before flying as reported by Dr. Aronson.;
Some melatonin products specifically designed for humans may be poisonous to dogs because of the presence of sweetener xylitol, so, only give melatonin supplements specially designed for your dog and will serve its purpose perfectly. If your vet recommends a specific supplement for your dog, go with it!
In the US and Canada, melatonin for dogs is classed as a supplement rather than medicine which comes down to its loose regulation unlike that of Europe and Australia. FDA, Food and Drug Administration loosely regulates melatonin.;
Your vet can come of great help when to choose perfect supplements for your dog as in the market there are poor as well as good quality products mixed up together. Prescribed supplements can be recommended by your vet so that you buy which is the best fit and will not hurt your dog.;
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What Does Dog Melatonin Treat
“Can I give my dog melatonin for anxiety?”
Great, so melatonin is a naturally occurring substance, and it’s shown to be helpful to dogs as well as humans. But when should you consider supplementing your dog with melatonin? What canine conditions respond to melatonin supplements?
Melatonin helps both humans and canines relax, keep calm, and get better quality sleep. The following problems are commonly aided by melatonin supplementation.
Hair Loss And Alopecia
If you notice that your dog is losing too much body hair during certain times of the year or you see thin hair and patches, melatonin can help. Alopecia is hair loss that isn’t allergy-related. Scientists arent sure just how it works – yet – but;studies show;that melatonin can assist dogs who suffer from alopecia to regain their hair.
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Is This Medicine Safe For My Canine
The quick answer is that yes, it is completely safe for dogs just as it is safe for humans. The reason being it is a naturally occurring compound already present in the body. Its quite different from ingesting foreign chemicals.
However, as with all drugs, it is important that you consult with your vet first. They can help you find the accurate dose for your dog. Furthermore, your dog may already be on medications that can react with excessive melatonin or your dog may suffer from some conditions where melatonin can harm them.
So, only your vet can tell you if melatonin is the correct answer to your problems. The key to successful melatonin treatment is proper and accurate doses. Your vet can tell the accurate dose for your dog. It depends on their size and weight as well as the severity of the condition you use the melatonin for.
Although melatonin is non-FDA approved, it is still an over-the-counter drug. You can find it any store or even online. Still, it is important that you consult with your vet and get a prescription for the medicine before you even think about giving it to your dog.
What Is Melatonin For Dogs
Our bodies have various glands that secrete chemicals called hormones. One such gland is the pineal gland. It is basically a small pea-sized gland located in the brain of both animals and humans. The pineal gland secretes the hormone melatonin, which performs various functions in the body.
The chemical is responsible for regulating our need to sleep. It is responsible for telling us when we should sleep and when we should be awake: or, as most experts put it, it helps regulate the circadian rhythm of your body. In case the melatonin does not develop in a sufficient amount, it can lead to sleep problems. Even in humans, insufficient production of the chemical can lead to conditions such as insomnia.
If youve suffered from insomnia, you know how difficult it can be. Now think about your beloved pet who cannot even speak. Not being able to sleep is a fate some say is even worse than death. To combat the insufficient production of melatonin, vets often prescribe the drug.
Even in humans, the drug is used as a natural supplement in the diet to aid sleep. However, thats not all. It can combat other problems as well with as little side effects as possible.
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Consider A Natural Diet
Can dogs have melatonin? The answer is yes, as long as you talk to your vet first and follow her exact orders. Melatonin is a natural supplement that can help your dog build up her health without the use of chemicals or medications.
If you love natural solutions that improve your dogs health, check out Wild Earths collection of;plant-based dog food and treats! We use natural ingredients that youll actually recognize and that will support your dogs physical development and digestive health.
Customers Choice: Pet Wellbeing Pet Melatonin
If your pet is a picky eater or just gets fussy when you try to give him a tablet no matter how good it smells- liquid melatonin supplement is the way to go. You can just mix in a few drops of it in your pets meal or some plain yogurt and theyll be none the wiser and still reap the benefits this calming substance offers. The best part is that this form of melatonin supplement is no less potent than most tablets and chewables on the market one drop contains 3mg of melatonin.
Pros;
- Suited for dogs that get nervous before car trips or storms
- Soft chews easy to administer
Cons
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How Is Melatonin Given In Dogs
Melatonin for dogs can come in a few different forms. Most pet owners choose to stick with pill or capsule form, as it is easiest to give to their furry friends and keep track of the exact dose they are receiving each day. You can easily slip these pills into your dogs favorite treat, and offer extra relaxation for hours to come.
Melatonin for dogs may also come in the form of treat chews. These chews may just contain melatonin, or even other ingredients that are known to promote relaxation in our furry friends. You can also find melatonin in the form of liquid, often coming in a small vial with an eye dropper for administration. You can offer these treats or liquids on their own, or on top of their normal diet.
If your veterinarian is suggesting melatonin for alopecia or other medical conditions not related to behavioral disorders, they may turn to injection or prescription forms of melatonin. These will of course be regulated by your veterinarian, and often administered in a vets office.
How To Give Your Dog Melatonin
If youre going to be giving your pup their melatonin at home, it will generally come in tablet form.
Therefore, just give the medication to your dog in the same way you would any other tablet. This usually involves hiding it in an extra tasty treat.
However, there is also an implant version which is injected under the skin. This releases a steady dose of melatonin into your dogs bloodstream for a set amount of time.
If your dog is having a melatonin implant, it will be inserted by your vet and you wont have to do anything else.
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Signs And Symptoms Of A Melatonin Overdose
While melatonin can have plenty of potential benefits to help your dog overcome a variety of health and behavioral problems, it’s also possible for your pet to have too much of a good thing. Make sure to work out the correct dosage for your pet with your vet, as this will eliminate the risk of overdose.
However, if you’re worried you may have given your dog too much melatonin, or if you think they may have gotten into the medical supplies and helped themselves to an extra dose, make sure you recognize the warning signs and know how to respond. In the case of a mild overdose, the symptoms are unlikely to be overly dramatic. Your pet may have a slightly upset stomach, for example, and also show signs of sleepiness.
Significant overdoses can produce much more serious symptoms and require an urgent response. Signs to keep an eye out for include vomiting and diarrhea, loss of coordination, high blood pressure,;and even seizures.
If you notice any of these symptoms, don’t delay. Contact your vet immediately or call a poison control hotline. You’ll be advised on the best next steps and what you can do to look after your pet.
Body Language
- Weakness
- High blood pressure