Melatonin is a hormone that plays a vital role in humans, but also in dogs. If I want to boost the hormone level, how much Melatonin can i give my dog?
Before we answer the question, let’s have a better understanding of the Melatonin hormone on a dog’s body.
Made by the organ bearing the name pineal gland nestled deep in the brain, Melatonin is best known for regulating sleep cycles. However, it also affects other physiological processes.
Although most dogs create enough hormone on their own, some might benefit from additional doses, as the main hormone appears to help treat several distinct health issues.
Evidence That Melatonin Can Cure Dogs
Although it is taken as a sleeping pill in humans, it is particularly effective in treating a variety of diseases in dogs. Even if it was not approved by the FDA for use with dogs and received the “off-label” standard, many veterinarians recommend the use of Melatonin to treat the following health issues:
Stress
The calming effects of Melatonin may help dogs suffering from separation anxiety, stress from a change in environment or other stress-induced situations. It is very important to treat the cause of stress as well as to manage its symptoms.
Melatonin can help your dog to deal with conditions such as the following:
Phobias
Melatonin helps dogs to cope with situations such as thunderstorms, fireworks and construction work and other similar causes.
Sleep disturbances
Melatonin helps restore a dog’s natural sleep cycle, which can be helpful for those who sleep at odd times or in an unfamiliar environment or for dogs who have trouble sleeping in any condition.
Alopecia-X
Also called black skin infection, this is an hormonal disorder where dogs lose hair and the underlying skin takes on a darker color. Although there is no cure for this disease, many veterinarians have recognized that Melatonin can offer relief to the dog.
Blood coagulation
Melatonin can reduce the rate of blood clotting, so it is sometimes used as a treatment for dogs suffering from bleeding disorders.
How much Melatonin can i give my dog? Consider the common side effects
It is essential to know that Melatonin comes with a few side effects, which means that you should always consult a veterinarian before giving it to your dog for any reason.
Although Melatonin is generally considered safe, there are no scientific studies supporting this perception. Many dog owners believe that a Melatonin intake can result in an excessive level of the hormone in a dog’s body and have major adverse consequences.
However, this argument is not justified because, ultimately, the body produces the amounts of hormones it needs. In addition, Melatonin intake should never be permanent and its use should be re-evaluated on a periodic basis.
Some common side effects of Melatonin that may be observed on dogs include:
- Rapid heart rate
- Itching
- Fertility problems
- Intestinal distress
- Confusion
If your dog has the any of these symptoms, immediately contact your veterinarian and follow his advice.
Your veterinarian can adjust the dose, if symptoms are not severe, but in the most extreme cases, it may be necessary to have a more in-depth examination of your dog at the veterinarian’s office.
How much Melatonin can i give my dog? It depends on the product type
There are different types of Melatonin available, and each has a combination of advantages and disadvantages. Be sure to follow your vet’s advice when making your choice, this professional will tell you what type is best suited to your dog.
Tablets or capsules
Melatonin, which is found on the shelves of retail stores or online, generally comes in tablet or capsule form. It’s often the easiest type to administer, and also safer to use for most dog owners. Some dogs take the drugs without any problems, but it may be more difficult for others. Therefore, you may need to hide the pill in the dog’s food or cover it with something delicious.
Pills and capsules are available in different dosages, make sure you choose one that will meet the veterinarian’s recommendation.
Liquid
A few manufacturers produce a type of Melatonin in a bottle packed with a dropper. The manufacturers of these products recommend to mix it with the dog food.
Injection
Although the tablets are the preferred method type, some vets may suggest injection if your dog suffers from Alopecia-x. Your vet will teach you how to give an injection easily and safely, although it can be intimidating for many owners.
Subcutaneous implant
Some miniature subcutaneous implants can be placed under your dog’s skin. This system gradually releases Melatonin. Implants should be replaced approximately every four weeks.
How much Melatonin can i give my dog?
You should consult your veterinarian and follow the recommended dosage, but the following is an appropriate general rule for tablets and capsules:
- Dogs under 5 kg: 1 milligram
- Dogs of 10 and 24 kg: 1.5 mg
- Dogs between 25 and 45 kg: 3 mg
- Dogs over 45 kg: 3 to 6 mg
Final recommendations
Remember that you must be extremely careful during the administration of Melatonin, particularly with small dogs because slight differences in the dosage could have a more severe impact than on a bigger dog. Keep in mind that Melatonin should not be given to lactating or pregnant females or to puppies less than 12 weeks old.
There is no shortage of Melatonin products on the market today and there are versions made especially for dogs. But some products are better than others.
The best choice for a majority of dog owners will likely be the K9 Choice three milligram Melatonin pills which can be purchased affordably and have received positive reviews from many users. If you have a dog, you will probably want to try the 1 milligram tablets first.
If your dog does not tolerate the pills in the food, you can choose a liquid form.