Like humans, dogs can experience insomnia. However, the condition is rare in canines and usually stems from an underlying illness such as dog dementia. Shifting schedules, time zone changes, and other environmental stimuli might also have your dog’s circadian rhythm out of whack. If your dog has chronic trouble sleeping, your vet might recommend a supplement like melatonin to help them regulate their hormones and promote relaxation.
Melatonin also suppresses cortisol, a stress hormone that can cause alopecia and anxiety at high levels. Although not FDA-approved, melatonin has been anecdotally successful in helping dogs recover from alopecia, relax during stressful events, and get a good night’s sleep. Here’s what pet owners need to know.
👉 Always talk to your vet before introducing a new supplement to your dog to ensure that it won’t interact with existing medications or health conditions.
Melatonin is a hormone that lowers cortisol levels, improves sleep-wake cycles (circadian rhythm), and regulates mood and reproduction. Your dog’s body naturally creates melatonin in the brain’s pineal gland to regulate their sleep cycles. Like humans, melatonin production is stimulated by darkness and stops when it starts to get light.
If your dog doesn’t naturally make enough melatonin, your vet may consider a melatonin supplement. While the chemical can be obtained from microorganisms and animals, it’s typically made synthetically. (Trusted Source)
A melatonin supplement can improve your dog’s sleep and behavioral issues and helps treat Cushing’s disease, alopecia, and cognitive disorders like dementia. Aside from a supplement, you can also give your dog melatonin-rich foods like fish (sardines and salmon), oats, and bananas.
Here are a few melatonin supplements we like:
You can give your dog melatonin meant for humans or animals. As long as the supplement doesn’t contain any harmful ingredients like xylitol, your dog can take a melatonin supplement formulated for humans. Speak with your vet about melatonin and the correct dosage. It’s not safe for pregnant or lactating dogs or puppies 12 weeks or younger.
Melatonin is safe but can interact with some medications. It can reduce the effectiveness of blood pressure drugs and calcium channel blockers. It can also interact with corticosteroids and immunosuppressive medications and increase the risk of bleeding for dogs taking blood thinners.
While melatonin’s side effects are typically mild and rare in the general population, the supplement isn’t recommended for pregnant or lactating animals or dogs younger than 12 weeks old.
Melatonin appears to have a negative impact on fertility. Some cat owners even use it to suppress heat cycles in female cats. Fertility aside, here are some general risks associated with the supplement:
Watch for any of these side effects after giving your dog melatonin. Call your vet if you notice increased restlessness, fast heartbeat, prolonged diarrhea or vomiting, or anything else that’s out of the ordinary.
👉 Always ask your vet which melatonin supplement is safe for dogs. While melatonin itself won’t cause any harm, some supplements contain xylitol, which is toxic to dogs and cats.
In households with many types of pets, giving any supplement can be risky if your dog spits it out and another one tries to get it. However, in the case of melatonin, it’s generally safe for cats and dogs. Before giving your cat melatonin, speak with your vet for the proper dosage and any drug interactions.
When considering melatonin for your pet, follow the dosage instructions on the package. Melatonin dosage is typically determined by size and comes in a variety of forms. Remember that this supplement is not safe for puppies or pregnant or lactating females. Speak with your vet before giving melatonin. It can cause side effects and interact with certain medications your dog is already on.
Your vet may also recommend a different dosage based on your dog’s health. For example, your dog may only need a low dose at bedtime to treat insomnia instead of a higher dose several times a day for alopecia.
If you miss a dose of melatonin, give it to them when you remember. But if you remember when it’s close to the next scheduled dose, skip the one you missed and only give them the next one. Afterward, you can return to your regular schedule. Do not give them more than one dose at a time, and do not give them extra doses.
Your dog should get roughly 12-16 hours of sleep in 24 hours, with most of their slumbers occurring during nighttime. Dogs have shorter sleep cycles than humans, so they might get out of bed every couple of hours during the night. This is normal and shouldn’t be mistaken for a sign of a sleep disorder.
While melatonin may help your dog sleep, here are some other ways to help them get some rest:
Always consult your vet before giving your dog any supplement, including melatonin. Only administer melatonin under a vet’s guidance to be sure it’s safe and appropriate for your pet and their needs. Taking supplements from your own medicine cabinet or purchasing over-the-counter products without professional guidance and advice can endanger your dog.
Melatonin dosage is determined by your dog’s size and the reason for treatment. Always talk to your vet before beginning any new medicine or supplements to make sure it won’t interfere with other drugs. You also shouldn’t give melatonin to pregnant or lactating dogs or puppies younger than 12 weeks.
Unlike most human medicines, a melatonin supplement meant for humans is probably fine to give your dog, in an appropriate dosage, as long as it doesn’t contain xylitol or other toxic ingredients. Ask your vet how much melatonin your dog needs, and let them help you find the best form of melatonin with no dangerous added ingredients.
Store melatonin in a cool, dry, and dark place at room temperature out of direct light. However, each product is unique, so read the package for directions on storage.
If your pet has an adverse reaction or you believe is experiencing an overdose, call the ASPCA 24/7 Poison Control Hotline at 888-426-4435 or the Pet Poison Helpline at 855-764-7661 immediately. Overdose symptoms include vomiting, rapid breathing or heart rate, loss of coordination, seizures, coma, or death.
Melatonin is generally considered a safe supplement for dogs, but it can cause side effects such as tiredness, stomach upset, confusion, or itchiness. While it’s natural for your dog to feel sleepy after taking melatonin, it’s not normal for them to act confused or to suddenly itch all over.
These are typical symptoms of melatonin intolerance. Let your vet know as soon as possible if your dog experiences these side effects so you can discuss alternate treatment options.
