Can Dogs Eat Melatonin?

After a long-long day of work, when you finally get comfortable in that cozy blanket of yours, you hear the unmistakable sound of your dog doing laps around the living room like he’s training for the Doggie Olympics right in your own home. Seems relatable? 

You might be wondering if it’s a ‘Zoomie’ (if you don’t know what that is, we have an entire article about it. Just click on the word)

Either way, you must be thinking about all the ways to get your dog to sleep so that you can attend that early morning meeting that could’ve just been a mail. And melatonin might have come to your mind. But before giving a dose of it to your doggy, here’s everything to know about it. 

Melatonin is a hormone made in the body to regulate the sleep-wake cycle. It basically works according to exposure to lights. Darkness = more melatonin and hence a signal for your body to sleep and vice versa. People with conditions like insomnia or jet lag usually use melatonin supplements to get the body to sleep. It is also used for depression, chronic pain, dementia, and many other conditions. ⁽¹⁾

But is it the same for dogs? Do dogs’ bodies also produce melatonin? And if they do, is it okay for us to give them additional supplements to make them sleep? Let’s find out!

Can Dogs Eat Melatonin Gummies?

A dog’s body functions similarly to that of humans – awake during the day and asleep at night. Even they produce melatonin. It helps them sense the time of the day as well. And just like humans, dogs can also experience sleep issues. They can be caused by chronic pains, fear, stress, anxiety or other cognitive issues. ⁽³⁾

Giving melatonin supplements can have calming effects on your dog. Vets usually prescribe it for addressing problems such as stress and anxiety, sleeping problems, and certain medical conditions in dogs. ⁽³⁾

Dogs experience anxiety due to various factors like phobias, threats, loud noises, etc. As a result, they may show signs like excessive chewing, scratching, destructive behaviors, shaking, shivering, pacing, refusing to eat, etc. These can cause a change in a dog’s sleeping pattern which can be harmful to their overall health. 

Melatonin supplements such as gummies may help address insomnia and other disruptions in a dog’s sleep-wake cycle. Apart from that, these supplements can be used for other problems in dogs as well. These include – ⁽²⁾

There aren’t enough studies available online to conclude the exact effectiveness of melatonin for these conditions though. Some vets even prescribe the supplement to reduce the anesthesia required before surgery, improve the outcomes of cataract surgery and be beneficial as a treatment for canine cancer. 

How Much Melatonin Can a Dog Eat?

One size doesn’t fit all here. The dosage of melatonin supplements for dogs depends on factors like the dog’s weight, medical history, etc. It is highly recommended to take vet advice before administering any kind of supplements to your dog. 

When given as a sleeping aid, some experts suggest giving a dog melatonin every 8 hours at a dose of 0.1 milligrams for each kilogram of the dog’s weight. The per kg dosage can, however, be different for dogs of different sizes. 

For extra small dogs (less than 5 kgs), the prescribed dosage is 0.5 milligrams every 8 hours. For the ones between 5-15 kgs, it is 0.5 – 1.5 milligrams every 8 hours. For medium ones, weighing between 15 to 50 kgs, it is 1.5 – 3 milligrams every 8 hours. For the large and extra-large ones (30-50 kgs and above), the dosage can be 3 – 5 milligrams every 8 hours. ⁽²⁾

Again, we know that you want to sleep at any cost but do consult your vet before putting that gummy in your dog’s mouth. Or else, you may be able to sleep that night but not very peacefully after.  

What To Do If Your Dog Eats Too Much Melatonin

Melatonin is safe only when given in the right quantity and at the right time. If you end up giving more than the prescribed quantity to your dog, there can be some severe damage to your dog’s health. It can include medical conditions like – ⁽²⁾

It is also important for your vet to know the dog’s medical history before prescribing any supplement. It can interact with other ongoing medications and cause further complications. 

Another thing to note here is that melatonin supplements designed for humans often include xylitol, a chemical that is extremely toxic to dogs.  Hence, it becomes important for you to check the label thoroughly before feeding it to your dog. 

More About Spot Pet Insurance

Having a dog at home can be one of the most beautiful things. But at the same time, it comes with its own challenges. We know that some of these challenges end up putting a big dent in your savings. But don’t worry. We have a solution for it. 

With pet health insurance, you can save up to 90% of all vet costs and much more. At Spot Pet, we even have a 24/7 pet telehealth line for all your midnight questions and problems.  

Spot accident and illness plans can be used with any licensed vet in Canada or the U.S. Whether you are home, or traveling to the U.S., veterinary services your pet receives for the diagnosis, treatment, or management of covered conditions can be eligible for reimbursement. Spot’s accident and illness plans can help cover a variety of conditions including broken bones, lacerations, aggression, kidney disease, diabetes, and more. With the addition of Wellness Riders for an extra cost, you can also receive reimbursements for wellness exams, certain vaccinations, dental cleanings, and more. 

Learn more about dog insurance or get a free quote!