Can Dogs Have Melatonin? What Pet Owners Should Know

Melatonin is a neurohormone that contributes to sleepiness in humans and dogs. Our brains produce melatonin when it starts getting dark. Dogs work the same way.

Many people also take melatonin supplements as a sleep aid. But can dogs do the same? And will they get the same benefits as their human companions?

Newsweek talked to Dr. John Loftus, assistant professor at the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. Learn what he had to say about giving melatonin to dogs, how safe the drug is and how much you should give your dog.

Reasons to Give Your Dog Melatonin

"To my knowledge there are few studies that demonstrate a clear efficacy for melatonin in dogs," Loftus said.

However, there is some anecdotal evidence that it can help dogs in certain situations.

No matter your reasons, always consult with your veterinarian before giving your dog any medication, including melatonin.

Cognitive Dysfunction

"Canine cognitive dysfunction (CCD) is a behavioral syndrome that affects old dogs," according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). It's similar to dementia in humans.

Common symptoms of CCD include:

• Disorientation
• Unusual interactions with humans, other pets and the environment
• Changes in sleep habits
• Going to the bathroom in the house
• Changes in activity levels

According to Loftus, there is some anecdotal evidence that giving your dog melatonin can help mitigate CCD symptoms. However, it won't treat the underlying condition, so be sure to talk to your vet if your dog is showing signs of CCD.

Autoimmune Disorders

Just like humans, dogs have white blood cells that hunt down infections and other foreign objects in their bodies. However, these cells can misfire and turn against healthy canine cells.

According to Loftus, melatonin is sometimes used as an auxiliary medication for dogs with immune system conditions like immune-mediated thrombocytopenia.

However, these illnesses are very serious, and you should never attempt to treat them yourself using melatonin alone. If your dog has an autoimmune disease, consult with your vet about treatment options.

Sleep Aid

The most popular application for human users of melatonin is as a sleep aid, right before bedtime. Dogs may get similar benefits.

However, despite encouraging data for its effectiveness in humans, there is no extensive research on how well melatonin helps dogs sleep. Speak to your vet before giving your dog melatonin as a sleep aid.

Before using melatonin, try proven methods of helping your dog get a good night's sleep, including:

• Exercise them throughout the day. Dogs will sleep better if they burn off all their energy during the day. Take them on walks, to the park and let them run around with other dogs to wear them out.
• Establish a routine. Pick a good bedtime for your dog and stick to it. You can also create rituals leading up to bedtime, like quiet playtime and brushing their teeth.
• Prepare their bed. Dogs will sleep better in a comfortable space. Give them a soft dog bed that's in a dark area with minimal noise and distractions.

Is Melatonin Safe for Dogs?

"It is relatively safe to give," Loftus said, "so many veterinarians might choose to recommend it despite [a lack of] strong efficacy data."

However, remember to consult with your veterinarian before giving your dog melatonin. Some medications can interact poorly with other drugs. For example, if you give your dog Benadryl, you should be cautious giving them other drugs like antidepressants or pain killers because of potential negative interactions.

Also be sure to check your melatonin product's ingredient list before giving it to your dog. Some melatonin gummies for humans include xylitol, a sweetener that is toxic to dogs. Do not give your dog any melatonin supplements containing xylitol.

Melatonin Dosage: How Much Should You Give?

The lack of research on melatonin usage in dogs makes it difficult to identify the ideal dosage range. Some experts recommend 3 to 6 mg of melatonin per day, regardless of your dog's weight.

Consult with your vet before giving your dog melatonin and ask their advice on the ideal dosage. Melatonin is relatively safe, but be mindful of potential side effects and stop giving the supplement immediately if your dog has a negative reaction.

Side Effects of Melatonin for Dogs

We still don't know exactly what side effects melatonin has for dogs. However, the Mayo Clinic reports these side effects in humans:

• Drowsiness in the daytime
• Dizziness
• Headaches
• Nausea

Dogs may experience these or similar side effects, so watch their behavior closely after giving them melatonin.

Melatonin for Dogs FAQs

If you have a question about giving your dog melatonin that isn't covered here, consult with your vet.

Can You Give Melatonin to Puppies?

Melatonin is safe for dogs, but there is no research on its effects on young puppies. It's better to be safe than sorry and avoid giving melatonin to your puppy unless your vet recommends it.

Fortunately, the main reasons to give melatonin to your dog don't apply to puppies. Young animals are less likely to suffer cognitive dysfunction and immune system diseases.

If your puppy needs help sleeping, you should try solutions like exercise and a comfortable bed before turning to melatonin.

Does Melatonin Help Dogs Sleep Better?

Melatonin is a hormone that dogs and humans produce to help them sleep. People can get sleep benefits from taking melatonin supplements, but there is no research duplicating the same effects in dogs.

If your dog needs help sleeping, try practical solutions like exercise and establishing a sleep routine before you give them melatonin.

Can Melatonin Kill a Dog?

Melatonin is a very safe drug and there's no evidence that it kills dogs.

You can keep your dog safe by watching for potential side effects when giving your dog melatonin. Always consult with a vet to make sure melatonin won't lead to any negative interactions with other medications.

About the Expert: Dr. John Loftus is an assistant professor of small animal medicine and nutrition at Cornell University. He earned his DVM from Cornell University and his Ph.D. in Animal Biotechnology and Biomedical Science from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. Dr. Loftus' research focuses on immune-mediated and nutritionally responsive diseases in animals.