- Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.
If you’ve ever taken melatonin to get a better night’s sleep, you might wonder whether it could also help calm your dog and improve their rest. The answer is yes: Experts say you can give your dog melatonin.
You can give a dog melatonin if they’re anxious, have trouble sleeping, experience hair loss, or have a specific immune condition, says Dr. Nell Ostermeier, veterinarian and spokesperson with Figo Pet Insurance.
Though melatonin has few risks for dogs, Dr. Ostermeier emphasizes that a safe dosage depends on your dog’s size and why you’re giving it to them. It’s also best to give a dog melatonin only for a specific reason, not as a daily supplement.
Read on to learn more about giving dogs melatonin, including safe dosages, issues it can help with, and how melatonin works.
What Is Melatonin?
“Melatonin is a naturally occurring hormone that is very safe for most dogs,” says Dr. Carol Osborne, DVM and founder of Chagrin Falls Veterinary Center.
Animal and human bodies produce and release melatonin in the brain. The highest levels are released at night, so most people think of melatonin as a sleep hormone. However, it also has a role in other body functions and can treat immune system disorders and skin conditions.
Melatonin supplements provide an extra boost of the hormone, which can have benefits for dogs with certain health conditions.
Is Melatonin Safe For Dogs?
According to Dr. Osborne, melatonin is generally safe, and it’s rare for dogs to experience adverse effects. However, possible side effects include:
- Increased heart rate
- Itching
- Lack of coordination
- Seizure
Safe doses of melatonin usually range from 1 to 6 milligrams (mg) and vary depending on your dog’s body weight. However, it’s best to ask your vet about the right dosage for your dog.
While most dogs can safely take melatonin, Osborne recommends not giving it to elderly dogs with dementia, as it may cause further confusion. She also says to avoid giving melatonin to female dogs during their heat cycle because it could interact with other hormones and negatively affect fertility.
How Does Melatonin Work For Dogs?
Dr. Brad Hinsperger, DVM, director of Kingsdale Animal Hospital, explains that melatonin—both the hormone dogs naturally produce and the supplement—works primarily on the brain receptors that help regulate the sleep-wake cycle.
Melatonin supplements help signal the brain that it’s time to rest. The supplement won’t always make a dog fall asleep directly, but it can promote a sense of calm that helps them rest.
If your dog experiences anxiety, the right dose of melatonin may help them relax without making them sleepy.
Melatonin can also influence the production of other hormones beneficial for skin disorders and other conditions.
According to Dr. Hinsperger, melatonin may help treat:
- Anxiety or stress, including separation anxiety, noise phobia, and more
- Sleep issues related to anxiety, stress, or other health concerns
- Various types of alopecia, an autoimmune disease that causes hair loss
- Follicular disorders that affect hair follicles, including bacterial infections, allergies, and parasites
- Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome (CDS), a condition related to a dog’s brain aging
How To Give Your Dog Melatonin
Dr. Osborne says you can give your dog melatonin in a tablet or capsule. You can also find melatonin chews for dogs. These may be easier to give, especially to picky eaters.
Some dog-specific calming treats or supplements also contain melatonin.
Frequency
“Dogs can usually have melatonin one to three times daily, depending on the condition(s) being treated,” says Grant Little, DVM and Veterinarian Expert at JustAnswer.
For example, if you’re treating nighttime disorders and trouble sleeping, you would usually give your dog melatonin once daily before bedtime. You may need to give melatonin more frequently to dogs with skin conditions and anxiety issues.
Your vet can give you more specific guidance on how often to give your dog melatonin.
Timing
The timing for giving melatonin also varies. Dr. Little recommends the following timelines, based on the concerns you want to address:
- To improve sleep: Several hours before bedtime.
- To reduce anxiety: Several hours before your dog encounters the cause of their anxiety or as soon as you notice they seem anxious.
- To treat a seasonal skin condition: Just before the season starts and daily until it ends.
For other conditions, ask your vet about the best time to give melatonin to your dog.
What If A Dog Eats Human Melatonin?
Melatonin products meant for people may, in some cases, be safe for dogs. However, some products do contain ingredients harmful to dogs, like the sugar substitute xylitol.
If your dog consumes human melatonin, it’s best to call your vet immediately. They’ll likely ask you about the ingredients, expiration date, and dosage of the melatonin your dog ingested. From there, they can recommend the best next steps, from monitoring your dog at home to taking them to the vet’s office for evaluation.
To sum up, melatonin can benefit dogs with sleep issues, anxiety, and some other health concerns, but always check with your vet before giving your dog melatonin. Getting your vet’s OK can help you keep your dog happy, healthy, and safe!