Is Nature Made Melatonin Safe For Dogs

Is Your Dog Predisposed To Epilepsy

Epilepsy can occur in any breed, and in mixed breeds as well, but isnt it mostly a purebred thing? The breeds affected include many of the most popular breeds, and in a 1997 survey of American Kennel Club national breed Parent Clubs, 22 breeds reported that epilepsy was one of their top five health concerns. In a collective ranking of 80 diseases, epilepsy came in third.

In a white paper from a symposium on canine epilepsy conducted at the 1997 AKCs Canine Health Foundation Canine Health Conference, it was noted that approximately one to six percent of purebred dogs has a seizure problem and most of this epilepsy seems to be genetic. The incidence of epilepsy varies tremendously by breed, with a very large number of breeds, at least 20, having a high incidence of hereditary epilepsy.

Breeds with an established genetic basis for epilepsy include the Beagle, Belgian Tervuren, German Shepherd, Keeshond, Labrador Retriever, Golden Retreiver, Collie, and Welsh Springer Spaniel. Additional breeds with high numbers of epilepsy that is undoubtedly genetic in nature, but have not been studied in depth, include the Poodle , Boxer, Cocker Spaniel, Dachshund, Irish Setter, Miniature Schnauzer, Saint Bernard, Siberian Husky, and Wire Fox Terrier. The white paper from the 1997 Symposium on Canine Epilepsy states that Whenever enough data have been collected for analysis, the inheritance pattern has to be most compatible with recessive inheritance.

What Is Melatonin Used For In Dogs

Melatonin is currently not licensed for use in dogs, but many veterinarians still recommend it for their patients. This type of off-label use is common for many other medications given to dogs, but it is important to understand that it is riskier than using a medication or supplement that is licensed for use in dogs.

Some of the most common reasons to give your dog melatonin include:

Melatonin For Dog Anxiety

As pet parents, many of us find ourselves asking, What can I give my dog for anxiety? If your dog follows you everywhere due to mega separation anxiety or just tends to be nervous in general, neither of you should have to suffer any longer.;

Ask your veterinarian what melatonin can do for your dog, and with their okay, consider treating your pup to a delicious and soothing supplement containing melatonin to promote calming for both you and your pet.;

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Can You Mix Melatonin With Cbd

Absolutely you can! Not only is this perfectly safe, but melatonin and cannabidiol are natural complements of one another.;

Lets take a moment to talk about CBD it is a cannabinoid extracted from the cannabis plant that does not cause intoxication. This is especially important in dogs since they do not always react well to intoxicating substances and may become aggravated under these circumstances. However, it still has all the medicinal benefits frequently associated with cannabinoids!

So how does CBD work in your dogs body? Well, the same way it works in all mammals : the endocannabinoid system ! The ECS is an incredibly important part of mammalian physiology. Its a control and regulatory network that is comprised of G protein-coupled receptors known specifically as:;

These are located all over the mammalian body and, together with the ECS, are responsible for controlling a whole host of important processes. These include:;

Benefits Of Melatonin For Dogs

Melatonin is widely known as the sleep hormone- everyone knows that a healthy production of melatonin is required to regulate sleep patterns, but not many know that the same goes for our four-legged friends. Not unlike us, dogs rely on melatonin hormone to relax their body and mind enough to go to sleep, and thats where its applicability in treating anxiety comes from. Even though your dog might be producing enough sleep hormone on his own, when melatonin is introduced through a supplement, it will have a calming effect on your pet. Studies have shown that the use of melatonin can increase GABA levels in the brains of animals, which is the same effect strong anxiety medications have . In theory, this would mean that melatonin supplements for dogs offer a viable alternative for meds, but its important to consult your vet before trying anything on your own. Despite being a milder alternative, you can still overdose your pet on melatonin and cause adverse effects, so its best to be cautious when adding this supplement to your pets routine.

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Melatonin Products For Dogs

There is no shortage of over-the-counter melatonin products on the market, and there are even versions marketed specifically for dogs. But some are clearly better than others.

Our top pick for most owners will be these 3 milligram K9 Choice Melatonin tablets, which are priced affordably and receive positive endorsements from most owners. If you have a really small dog, youll probably want to opt for the 1 milligram tablets instead.

If your dog doesnt take pills readily, you may want to go with a liquid product. Wed suggest the;Ironpowers Super Concentrate.

As always, make sure youre shopping for dog-safe supplements that do not contain artificial sweeteners or any other potentially harmful additives.

Sounds Great Whats The Best Melatonin For Dogs

If your vet gives you the OK to try a melatonin supplement, Dr. Nelson says the best melatonin for dogs is dependent on the specific issue you wish to address.

For melatonin for dog anxiety, Dr. Nelson recommends Zesty Paws Stress & Anxiety Calming Bites with Suntheanine & Melatonin, which contains additional ingredients like the amino acid L-Theanine, organic hemp and chamomile. For anxiety, a combination product that contains other calming herbs, amino acids and vitamins in addition to melatonin may enhance the calming effect, she explains. With additional ingredients that include vitamin B and ginger, Dr. Lyon’s Calming Aid with Melatonin is another option to consider.

Dr. Nelson also notes that if youre using melatonin for dog anxiety thats related to vet or grooming appointments, you should give your pup the supplement two hours ahead of the scheduled visit.

For senior dogs with sleep issues, Dr. Nelson recommends NaturVet Senior Advanced Calming Aid Soft Chews. This supplement is formulated to promote rest and relaxation with all-natural ingredients like melatonin, lemon balm and ginger. The soft chews are also gentle enough for senior dogs teeth.

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Is It Safe To Take Melatonin

For melatonin supplements, particularly at doses higher than what the body normally produces, thereâs not enough information yet about possible side effects to have a clear picture of overall safety. Short-term use of melatonin supplements appears to be safe for most people, but information on the long-term safety of supplementing with melatonin is lacking.

Also keep in mind:

• Interactions with medicines

• As with all dietary supplements, people who are taking medicine should consult their health care providers before using melatonin. In particular, people with epilepsy and those taking blood thinner medications need to be under medical supervision when taking melatonin supplements.

Melatonin For Cats Uses And Potential Side Effects

Approved By: Dr. Sara Ochoa, DVM

Certified Content. This article has been fact checked and verified by our veterinary adviser.

Is Melatonin for cats needed?

Natural melatonin is a hormone produced by a part in the brain called the pineal gland. Under normal conditions, this hormone tells the body when it’s time to sleep and when it’s time to get up.

Those with sleep problems may take melatonin supplements in the form of pills, liquids or;chewables. Insomnia, sleep phase disorder and jet lag are all the most common ailments treated with melatonin but there are studies in the works on how well it can affect nighttime blood pressure, Alzheimer’s disease and;amyotrophic;lateral sclerosis.

Odds are your cat sleeps twice as long as you do if not more. However, even the creature that coined the phrase cat nap can be too irritable and restless to relax. She might hate long distance travel even more than you do, jet lag being an absolute torture to a being adverse to any change. Elderly animals may have trouble staying asleep.

Cushing’s disease and separation anxiety can be treated with melatonin. Veterinarians sometimes recommend melatonin for animals suffering hair loss. Could melatonin be right for your cat? You would have to discuss it with your veterinarian, but here are some points concerning the topic you might bring up.

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Melatonin For Canine Cognitive Dysfunction

I prescribe often prescribe melatonin for CCD quite a common disorder in older dogs.

Your senior dog may show signs of sleep disruption, panting and pacing at night. Or he may tend get disoriented or confused, or show other unusual behaviors. He may even have accidents indoors.

Melatonin can help with CCD. Its ability to moderate the sleep-wake cycle can help your senior get a better nights rest. CCD dogs can also feel anxious and, as Ive already commented, melatonin can have a calming effect.

And because melatonin production can decrease with age depletion of the hormone could also be a factor in your dogs CCD.;

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.

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What Is St Johns Wort And How Is It Used

St. Johns wort is a plant that has been recommended as a natural alternative to antidepressants. It is said to sedate, reduce anxiety, improve mood and sleep, and reduce inflammation. It may be useful in compulsive disorders. There have been claims of its effective use in dogs and cats, but no controlled studies. As with pharmaceutical antidepressants, it has been suggested that a period of 3 weeks or longer may be required to achieve therapeutic effects. There are the same contraindications as with other antidepressants. St. Johns wort should not be used in conjunction with other pharmaceutical antidepressants, due to the potential for severe side effects and/or reactions. St. Johns wort may cause increased sensitivity to sunlight.

What Is Actually In Your Dog’s Food

WAIT! BEFORE YOU GO on about your day, ask yourself: Is the dog food you’re feeding your best friend really the best food out there? At its core, theres an unhealthy meat dependency in pet food. Most of the time, meat in your pet food means: Bad ingredients. Bad practices. And bad health.Learn more about clean protein dog food…

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Treating Hair Cycle Arrest Alopecias

Melatonin has been used to treat a range of different hair cycle arrest alopecias in dogs . These are diseases where the normal orderly progression of hair growth through the different phases anagen, catagen and telogen is halted leading to hair loss.

Melatonin has also been shown to be beneficial in some of the tardive onset breed specific follicular dysplasias . The response of this latter group of conditions to melatonin is probably because they represent a cross-over between true dysplastic diseases where hair is lost due to the formation of abnormal hairs and hair cycle arrest alopecia.

Whilst both hair cycle arrest alopecia and the follicular dysplasia are cosmetic diseases, with no concurrent systemic involvement, they are unacceptable clinical manifestations to many owners, especially in the plushcoated breeds such as the Chow chow and Pomeranian.

Although therapy is the preferred option for many owners, it should take into account the benign nature of the disease so that the side-effects of therapy should never be more detrimental than the disease itself.

Many different therapies have been advocated for management of Alopecia X including neutering entire animals, melatonin, methyl testosterone, growth hormone, trilostane, deslorelin acetate or monitoring without specific therapy.

Work by Paradis has shown melatonin is beneficial in some breeds including Dachshunds, Boston terriers and miniature pinschers with pattern baldness.

Hope For Epileptic Dogs

There is no cure for epilepsy, but it can be managed in cases. The only constant that seems to be true in managing this disease is that no two dogs will respond the same way to the same treatment protocol. In researching care for your epileptic dog you may learn about many supplements, aids, and treatments that have helped some dogs. These may or may not help your dog, however, and you should discuss any of them with your veterinarian before administering.

Finding a vet who has had clinical experience with epileptics is also important. Developing a rapport and nurturing that relationship will be essential in the care and well-being of your dog. Epilepsy can be managed, but only with a committed, cohesive team of doctor , owner, and patient.

Finally, while even the best care and management cannot always stop regular seizures, with both conventional and holistic treatments, the frequency and severity of seizures can be reduced. Best of all there is hope, and the great likelihood that my dog Cutter and epileptic dogs like him will lead normal, active, happy lives.

Maureen Finn is a freelance writer from Sammamish, WA. This is her first article for Whole Dog Journal.

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Dog Food Can Have A Serious Impact On Your Dogs Allergies

Did you know that the majority of food based allergies are actually to animal protein based? Thats right, your dog might be allergic to beef, chicken, pork or other animal proteins in their food which may cause a lot of the itching and scratching and hot spots you may have seen.

At Wild Earth, our mission is to make the healthiest dog food on the planet. Wild Earth is a Vet-developed food that is high in plant based proteins, not animal based proteins and provides a complete source of nutrition for our dogs. In fact, in a recent study 43% of dogs feed Wild Earth saw an improvement in itching and scratching and 50% saw an improvement in their dogs skin and coat, these are just some of the many benefits of a high quality, natural and clean plant based protein dog food like Wild Earth.

Many Dogs Suffer From Anxiety Whether From Separation Fireworks Or Other Cues

Most dog owners try non-chemical solutions like positive reinforcements or anxiety vests, but some situations call for administering medicinal help to your furry family member.

Pet stores carry treats and concoctions to help calm your dog, all of which vary in their success as widely as in their ingredients. But for those looking to help your dog relax with an all-natural, human grade solution without breaking the bank, melatonin may be the right choice.

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The Results Of A Study

The National Center for Biotechnology Information given various amounts of melatonin.

Behavior, vitals and urine were examined for excreted concentrations as well as serum levels.;

Based on the results, the following was concluded:

The above is great news!

However, this does not mean dogs can handle the same amounts of melatonin that people can.

Types Of Epileptic Seizures In Dogs

Seizures can occur for a variety of reasons across the whole range of ages, and are the most common neurological disorder found in dogs. Making the diagnosis of canine epilepsy is a process of elimination. If the seizures are caused by a structural abnormality, such as a lesion or brain tumor, they are called secondary. Those caused by injury are called reactive. Seizures whose cause cannot be determined are called primary or idiopathic , and this type, unfortunately, is the most common.

Idiopathic epilepsy in dogs usually occurs between one and five years of age. It affects virtually all breeds and is found regularly in mixed breeds as well. Genetic inheritance is a known contributor to the incidence of this disease. Epileptic dogs should never be bred, and responsible breeders will also remove progenitors of epileptic puppies from the breeding plan.

Epileptic seizures range from mild, even barely noticeable focal or partial seizures to generalized tonic clonic or grand mal seizures. Behaviors commonly seen with focal seizures include facial twitching or blinking , fly biting, muscle tremors, and partial loss of motor control with one or more limbs buckling and an inability to coordinate movement. Focal seizures last from a few seconds to several minutes duration.

The typical tonic clonic seizure lasts from one to three minutes.

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Side Effects Of Melatonin In Dogs

When your dog has had too much melatonin or when your dogs organism doesnt agree with melatonin, they may experience a variety of symptoms, which is why its important not to administer melatonin to dogs without your veterinarians approval.

These are common side-effects of melatonin in dogs:

Drowsiness: the most common side-effect of mild melatonin intoxication is sleepiness. Your dog may feel lethargic or just a little lazier than usual. They may be uninterested in playing or other usual activities.

Upset stomach: another very common side-effect for mild intoxication. It isnt usually very concerning, but you can help your dog by withholding food for a few hours, providing them with lots of water, and feeding them with foods rich in fibers like mashed potatoes, white bread, and canned pumpkin.

Insulin resistance: sometimes overdose of melatonin can cause insulin resistance in diabetic dogs. This means the body is unable to absorb the insulin as well as before and they may need more units to metabolize the same amount of food.

Increased heart rate: melatonin can cause increased heart rate in old dogs, dogs with pre-existing conditions, or simply dogs that are predisposed or more sensible to it.