Making melatonin a part of your pet dog’s daily diet is a good way of improving the health of your dog. There is evidence that this substance, which comes from natural sources, helps treat issues such as how active your dog is generally and temperament. You may be quick to ask: what is this melatonin? How does it function? What the benefits of melatonin?
In this article, we will answer how to safely and properly administer melatonin to your dog, the efficient ways you can get the best out of melatonin supplements, and many more.
Table of Contents
An Overview of Melatonin
that is naturally present in the bodies of humans and dogs. The brain secretes this hormone in little amounts, through the pineal gland, which is the size of a pea, located in the middle part of the brain of humans as well as dogs.
Melatonin is very important in the life of man and dogs as it helps to properly regulate the amount of time spent sleeping and time to spend awake. When the production level of melatonin is affected, insomnia becomes an issue. This is what we experience as humans. We all know how that causes a drastic change in our happy moods and productivity. The same goes for your pet dog.
To deal with sleeping problems, the consumption of melatonin supplements has proven to help humans. Melatonin drug prescription is a very natural and safe way of also dealing with sleeping issues related to a change in time zones from jet lag. The side effects are also very minimal.
How Melatonin Works
Melatonin works on regulating our circadian rhythm. In other words, it works on making sure your sleeping cycle is healthy. When it starts to get dark, the brain automatically secretes melatonin. Thus, with increased production of the hormone by the pineal gland, you fall easily into a slumber at night. When it starts to get closer to dawn and the start of a new day, the melatonin levels drop. This urges you to wake up.
So, dogs suffering from insomnia are basically not producing enough melatonin. This is where giving your dog melatonin supplements does the trick. Your dog will sleep at the right time when needed. Like we stated earlier, it is very safe.
Melatonin supplements are known to treat dogs with the following health issues:
Insomnia
Dogs begin to develop sleeping problems as they get older. This can make them very touchy during the day. So, if you notice your dog is not getting enough sleep, administer melatonin supplements in the proper dose.
Some dogs have low melatonin levels naturally. You can get such dogs to sleep at the right time and the right amount with a supplement of melatonin.
Cushing’s Disease
Dogs that suffer from hormonal imbalances, which increases cortisone levels are diagnosed with Cushing’s disease. It is impossible to treat this disease in dogs by surgical removal of benign tumors in the pituitary gland. So, you must administer melatonin supplements in this case. Tumors in the adrenal gland can also cause this. These tumors could be cancerous in nature or just benign. In this case, a surgical operation is possible.
In general, it is possible to better manage the harmful effects of Cushing’s disease, such as appetite loss, insomnia, and fur loss with the proper dosage of melatonin supplements.
Seasonal Hair Loss
Some dogs experience hair loss with the change of seasons. This condition is known as Alopecia. Though scientists are still yet to know how melatonin helps in preventing this, there is proof that melatonin does help with this condition.
Anxiety and Clinging Issues
Dogs are, by nature, quite anxious or when they are separated from their owners. Melatonin supplements can help you reduce the anxiety levels of dogs in a natural, safe way. The sleep-inducing properties of melatonin helps to soothe the nerves of dogs, especially dogs that have a fear for thunderstorms or very loud, unexpected noises.
So, if you notice your dog has high general anxiety levels or wants to follow you out all day, a dose of melatonin should do the trick.
Side Effects of Melatonin
Though the side effects of melatonin supplements are mild, your dog could suffer from one r two-bit these effects:
- Increased blood sugar levels in diabetic dogs
- Sleepiness
- Digestive tract issues
- Heart rate increase
It is important to note that when sourcing for a good melatonin supplement for your dog, be sure that it does not contain any amount of xylitol. Dogs have been shown to react adversely to the consumption of xylitol in any amount.
You should also observe if your dog shows any allergic reactions to melatonin supplements, quickly consult your vet.
Proper Melatonin Dosage for Dogs
To get your dog the proper dosage of melatonin, it is always advisable to seek the services of a veterinary doctor. Melatonin dosage levels differ with the condition you are treating your dog for. But, the general dosage plan for dogs is as follows:
- Dogs with a weight of fewer than 10 lbs. – 1milligrams
- Dogs with a weight of between 10 and 25 lbs. – 1.5milligrams
- Dogs that weigh between 26 and 100 lbs. – 3milligrams
- Dogs weighing above 100 lbs. are administered between 3 to 6 milligrams
This dosage should be given thrice daily.
Final thoughts
Melatonin supplements are good for treating some health issues faced by your dog. It is very safe when used correctly, and dosages are strictly adhered to. Melatonin products should be free of xylitol. Take the bodyweight of your dog in giving melatonin supplements. The side effects of melatonin are quite mild, but that doesn’t mean you should give your dog an overdose. It is best to go to your animal doctor to get the right dosage and in cases where there has been an overdose, or the wrong melatonin product given.