The Benefits of Melatonin for Dogs
If you've ever been kept up at night by your dog's restless pacing and whining, you're not alone. Just like humans, dogs can sometimes have trouble falling—and staying—asleep. In fact, according to a recent survey, nearly half of all dog owners say their pet has experienced some form of sleep disturbance. Fortunately, you can do several things to help your furry friend get a good night's rest. One such option is giving them melatonin.
Melatonin is a hormone that is produced naturally in the body and helps to regulate the sleep-wake cycle. Dogs do produce melatonin, but sometimes they may not produce enough if they are dealing with certain health conditions or age-related issues. Giving your dog supplements can help to increase the levels of melatonin in their system and provide some relief from anxiety or insomnia.
What is Melatonin?
Melatonin is a hormone that plays a role in regulating sleep. It's naturally produced by the pineal gland in the brain and is also found in small amounts in certain foods. When it starts getting dark outside, the body uses light exposure to cue the pineal gland to start producing melatonin. This process helps regulate our natural sleep-wake cycle, also known as our circadian rhythm.
How Does Melatonin Work?
When given in the proper dosage, melatonin supplements can effectively treat anxiety and insomnia in dogs. For anxious dogs, melatonin works by reducing cortisol levels (the stress hormone) and promoting relaxation. It can also help to ease fears associated with thunderstorms, fireworks, car rides, and vet visits. Melatonin for dogs can also be used short-term to help them adjust to changes in schedule such as when their human family goes on vacation and leaves them behind.
As far as insomnia goes, melatonin can help by resetting the dog’s internal clock and increasing the length of time they spend asleep. This is especially helpful for older dogs dealing with age-related issues that impact their sleep. Supplements can also be given to puppies who are having a hard time adjusting to their new home since they may not be producing enough melatonin on their own yet.
What Dosage Should I Give My Dog?
The dosage of melatonin you give your dog will depend on its weight. For most dogs, the recommended dosage is 1 mg per 20 pounds of body weight given about 30 minutes before you want them to sleep or relax. It is important to start with a low dose and increase gradually as needed since too much melatonin can have the opposite effect and result in restlessness or hyperactivity. If you are unsure about what dosage to give your dog, it is best to talk to your veterinarian first before giving any supplements.
Are There Any Side Effects?
Most dogs tolerate melatonin well but there are a few side effects that could occur such as increased thirst, urination, lethargy, and gastrointestinal upset. These side effects are usually mild and go away on their own but if they persist or are severe, it is best to stop giving the supplements and talk to your veterinarian right away.
Melatonin supplements can be a safe and effective way to treat anxiety and insomnia in dogs when given the proper dosage. If you think your dog could benefit from taking melatonin, talk to your veterinarian first to make sure it is the right option for them and get guidance on what dosage to give based on their weight. Most dogs tolerate melatonin well with few side effects but always watch for signs of distress such as increased thirst or urination, lethargy, or gastrointestinal upset after starting supplements and talk to your vet right away if any of these occur.
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