Melatonin can help your dog sleep and relieve stress

Two English Setters sleep on day 2 of the Cruft's dog show at the NEC Arena on March 6, 2020 in Birmingham, England. The annual four-day show will see around 20,000 pedigree dogs visit the centre, before the 'Best in Show' is awarded on the final day. (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)
Two English Setters sleep on day 2 of the Cruft's dog show at the NEC Arena on March 6, 2020 in Birmingham, England. The annual four-day show will see around 20,000 pedigree dogs visit the centre, before the 'Best in Show' is awarded on the final day. (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)

Melatonin can benefit your dog too

While most of us are already familiar with the benefits of melatonin in humans, did you know that it also works for our dogs? And it is not just a cure for sleep problems, it is also a great solution if you are looking to help relieve some stress in your pups.

According to Pet Central from Chewy, “when given as a supplement, it can help pets relax, calm anxiety and sleep better. It is also used in treatment of some medical conditions.”

And this is great news if you have a pup that is suffering from anxiety and loss of sleep, as melatonin is a natural remedy. In fact, they are calling this an “over-the-counter recommendation” when it comes to dealing with dogs that are showing aggression.

Dogs can take melatonin to help them sleep and reduce stress, just like humans

Just because your dog can take melatonin, that doesn’t mean you should give it your pup without talking to a veterinarian first. In fact, we always recommend speaking to your pup’s doctor first before adding something new to their routine in terms of supplements and treatments.

Not only does this keep your vet in the loop in terms of what is happening with your dog, but they can also give you information about what to expect when your dog takes the melatonin.

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While side effects are said to be mild in dogs, there are still some effects that you may seen. Your dog may experience an upset stomach, an interruption in their reproductive cycles if it is a female dog, excess itching, and even drowsiness. Considering melatonin helps you and your pup to sleep, the drowsiness is likely to be expected.

It is also important to take into account the fact that there is melatonin on the market that is specific to your dog and their needs. Plus, there is the matter of getting the right dosage level for your pup based on their breed and size.

Although it is definitely a good thing to know that melatonin is safe for dogs, that doesn’t mean we don’t want guidance when giving this to our pups. Your vet will be able to guide you to the right type and dose when it comes to helping to treat your pup for their sleep problems and their stress and anxiety.

Did you know that melatonin was safe for your dog? Would you consider giving it to your pup to treat sleep problems or stress? Tell us what you think in the comments.