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Can You Give a Dog Melatonin? Heres What To Know
Melatonin is an over-the-counter supplement that, in recent years, has become popular with humans for its sleep benefits. But what about using melatonin for dogs?
Melatonin can safely be used in dogs at appropriate doses, and it can actually provide several benefits. Research has shown that melatonin is useful for anxiety and stress, sleep, behavioral disorders, and certain skin conditions in dogs. Additionally, there have been anecdotal reports of its use for some autoimmune conditions.
Heres what to know about melatonin for dogs.
What Is Melatonin?
Melatonin is a hormone normally produced in the pineal gland in the brain. It has been shown to help regulate mood, sleep-wake cycles, and reproduction. The production of melatonin in the body is stimulated by darkness and inhibited by light. This means that both humans and dogs produce melatonin when it gets dark outside and stop producing it when its light outside.
The body has specific melatonin receptors, primarily located in the brain. When melatonin connects to these receptors, they become activated and help youor your dogfall asleep faster.
Can You Give a Dog Melatonin?
Yes, you can give a dog melatonin, and its generally considered extremely safe for them. In the limited studies that have been performed in animals, a toxic dose of melatonin has not been found, meaning a significant amount of the supplement would be needed to cause an overdose.
There are several reasons why you might consider giving melatonin to a dog, including:
Anxiety
Similar to humans, melatonin has been shown to help reduce stress and anxiety in dogs. In fact, its even included as part of the chill protocol, a specific regimen developed by board-certified veterinary behaviorists to help alleviate fear and discomfort in dogs at the hospital. When using melatonin for stress and anxiety, it should be administered at least one to two hours before the anticipated stressful event.
When using melatonin for stress and anxiety, it should be administered at least one to two hours before the anticipated stressful event.
Hair Loss
Aside from its benefits for anxiety and stress, melatonin for dogs has shown promise in addressing alopecia (hair loss) issues. Melatonin can stimulate the hair cycle and can sometimes be helpful for dogs with specific hair loss conditions, such as alopecia X and seasonal flank alopecia. Consult your veterinarian before starting melatonin treatment for any skin-related problems to ensure the proper dosage and suitability for your dogs particular needs.
Autoimmune Disorders
Anecdotally, melatonin has shown benefits in certain cases of immune-mediated thrombocytopeniaan autoimmune condition that leads to the destruction of platelets responsible for blood clotting. Again, please consult your veterinarian before starting melatonin treatment for any autoimmune condition.
Melatonin Dosage for Dogs
As with many medications and supplements in veterinary medicine, the appropriate melatonin dosage for a dog depends on the dogs size and the specific condition being treated. Always consult your veterinarian to determine the best dose for your pet.
How To Give a Dog Melatonin
Melatonin for dogs is given orally and is available in many forms, including tablets, capsules, oral solutions, oral sprays, oral strips, gummies, patches, and tinctures. When choosing a melatonin supplement, there are a few important factors to consider:
Read all ingredients on the label. Some melatonin products, especially gummies, may use the artificial sweetener xylitol to make it taste better. However, xylitol is extremely toxic to dogs, so always avoid giving your pup these products.
In the U.S., the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate over-the-counter supplements as strictly as some other countries do. This can result in a high variability in the quality of the supplement. According to one study of human supplements, as many as 70% of products on the market either lack the listed ingredients or contain contaminants. This is why its best to choose supplements that have been tested and verified by a third party, such as the United States Pharmacopeia (USP).
Tablets and capsules tend to provide the most consistent dosing and are generally preferred when giving melatonin to dogs.
Consider how well your pet takes medication. If your dog is a master at spitting out tablets and capsules, you may want to opt for the liquid form of melatonin.
Always consult your veterinarian before giving any new supplements or medications to your dog.
Side Effects of Melatonin for Dogs
There are limited reports of side effects of melatonin in dogs. So when giving melatonin to your dog, monitor them for potential side effects that are sometimes seen in humans. These may include:
If you notice these signs or any other changes in your pet after starting melatonin, contact your veterinarian immediately.
Drug Interactions
While melatonin is generally safe for dogs, it can interact with certain medications. Melatonin has been found to reduce the effectiveness of drugs used to lower blood pressure, such as clonidine, and calcium channel blockers like amlodipine and diltiazem.
Additionally, melatonin can increase the risk of bleeding in pets taking blood thinners such as warfarin. It may also interfere with the effects of corticosteroids and other immunosuppressive drugs.
Again: Talk to your veterinarian before starting your pet on melatonin.
Melatonin for Dogs FAQs
Can you give dogs melatonin for anxiety?
How much melatonin can I give my dog?
The appropriate melatonin dosage for dogs depends on a few factors, including the size of the pup and what condition the melatonin is being used to treat. Talk to your vet to get a recommended dosage before giving your dog melatonin.
Will dogs sleep with melatonin?
Can you give a dog too much melatonin?
Based on the limited current studies, it would be difficult to overdose on melatonin. Even if your dog were to consume an entire bottle, the main concern would be a formation of a ball of pills in the stomach that could get stuck in the intestinal tract.
Can melatonin kill a dog?
There have been no official reports of severe side effects or death in dogs resulting from melatonin use. Still, always consult your vet before giving your dog melatonin or any other supplement.
Featured Image: Adobe/Masson
WRITTEN BY
Brittany Grenus, DVMVeterinarian
Dr. Brittany Grenus graduated from Tufts Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine in 2018 with her doctorate in veterinary medicine and a...
Metamucil for Dogs: Its Uses, Benefits and Side Effects
HUMANS can take fiber supplements safely as needed, but is Metamucil for dogs safe?
If your dog is like mine, who often gets constipated, you've probably come across the advice to have your dog take fiber.
Our fur babies can suffer from irregular bowel movements just like you and I do.
In fact, constipation is among the top problems of our dogs.
But luckily, you can treat your pooch with Metamucil, a well-known supplement.
But is it safe? Are there any side effects? When exactly should you use it?
In this article, we will go over the following:
- How Metamucil is a great fiber supplement for Dogs
- The Metamucil benefits your dog can get when taking it.
- How Metamucil uses psyllium husk for dogs and why.
So, let's dive in!
Metamucil for Dogs: What is it?
Metamucil is a brand name for psyllium, a fiber often used as a bulk-forming laxative.
Psyllium is a soluble fiber.
This means it passes through your dogs digestive system without being broken down or absorbed.
Instead, psyllium absorbs water and helps regulate a dogs bowel movements.
Sounds good for our dog's tummy, right?
A tiny caveat, though.
If you decide to give your dog Metamucil, make sure to go with the original formula.
You should avoid flavored formulas, especially if they contain chocolate or xylitol.
As you know, these are both toxic for dogs and can lead to severe side effects.
Also, Metamucil is not FDA-approved for dogs.
However, don't fret.
Because experts still prescribe this for treating various gastrointestinal problems, including constipation and diarrhea.
There are several studies and peer-reviewed journals that say psyllium is healthy and full of benefits.
One study confirmed this fiber's role in the gut health of whoever takes it.
Psyllium husk mucilage has activities in intestinal regulation, preventing constipation, diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome, reducing glucose in the post-prandial period and lowering cholesterol.
Andr Monge, et al. (2017)
On top of that, Metamucil is available over the counter.
Frankly, you dont even need a prescription from a vet.
But don't do that.
It is best to consult your veterinarian before starting your dog with psyllium.
ALSO READ:Top 11 Best High-Fiber Dog Food Brands
Benefits of Metamucil for Dogs
As mentioned before, Metamucil is often given to dogs to help with gastrointestinal problems.
Here are some of the most well-known benefits of Metamucil for dogs.
1. Relieving Constipation
Since psyllium is a bulk-forming laxative, it can increase your dogs stool size and help relieve his constipation.
This supplement works by binding itself to partially digested food going through your dogs stomach into his small intestine.
After this, it also helps with the absorption of water.
This means it helps add moisture to your dogs stools which allows him to pass stools easier.
Although performed on humans, a study by Stevens et al. (2008) found that psyllium can improve the total weight, texture, and moisture of stools better than bran.
2. Treating Diarrhea
Does your dog get diarrhea out of nowhere?
Metamucil can help your dog with this, too!
By absorbing more water, it does not only add moisture to your dog's stool, but it also thickens it.
This means the stool slows down their passage through the colon.
But, remember
If your dog has diarrhea, consult your vet first about the cause.
If your vet recommends it, ask him about the dosage, too, before giving your pooch any Metamucil.
3. Has Prebiotic Effects
Prebiotics are compounds found in the dogs intestines.
They are non-digestible and can help good intestinal bacteria grow.
Metamucil is believed to have prebiotic effects.
While psyllium is resistant to fermentation to some extent, some psyllium fibers can be fermented by bacteria in your dogs intestines.
This can lead to the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFA), which positively affect your dogs overall health.
4. Other Benefits
There are a few other benefits of Metamucil, although there isnt much scientific evidence available to back these claims.
However, there have been studies on humans, so we can safely assume that Metamucil has the same or similar effects on dogs.
Dietary fibers from psyllium have been used extensively both as pharmacological supplements, food ingredients, in processed food to aid weight control, to regulation of glucose control for diabetic patients and reducing serum lipid levels in hyperlipidemics.
Dr. Baljit Singh (2007)
For example, studies on humans have shown that psyllium can help lower cholesterol levels, lower blood sugar levels, and help weight loss.
Metamucil for Dogs: How Much to Give Your Dog?
If your dog is constipated or your vet has prescribed Metamucil for his diarrhea, it is important to follow instructions when you give this product to your dog.
Although Metamucil is not dangerous, it can lead to diarrhea if ingested in large amounts.
Generally, the appropriate amount of Metamucil depends on your dogs size, age, and health.
For your reference:
- 1/2 tsp. for >20lbs/9kg small dogs
- 1 tsp. for 20-40lbs/9-18kg medium dogs
- 2 tsp. <40lbs/18kg large dogs
You can put the Metamucil on their meal for easy administration.
However, and we can't this stress enough. Consult your vet for his advice about the exact dosage.
Also, remember that it may take a day or two for you to notice the positive effects of Metamucil.
Does Metamucil for Dogs Have Side Effects?
Metamucil is generally safe, and side effects are minor and rare.
For example, the most common side effect of Metamucil has increased flatulence.
In addition to this, diarrhea is another possible side effect, especially if you give your dog too much of it.
Esophageal and intestinal obstruction can happen if your dog doesnt have free access to water.
Hydration is essential when you give your dog Metamucil, so make sure that he has access to fresh water at all times.
In fact, you need to encourage your pooch to drink more water if you start giving him psyllium.
Common Questions about Metamucil for Dogs
Still unsure about Metamucil for dogs?
The following questions and answers should clear up any doubts you have.
Can I Give Metamucil to My Dog?
Yes, you can give this soluble fiber to your dog.
The ideal dose is about one teaspoon for every five pounds your dog weighs.
Add the Metamucil to your dog's diet.
Can a Dog Have Metamucil for Constipation?
Yes, dog owners can give their pups Metamucil for constipation.
There are also other treatments for constipated dogs, including canned pumpkins.
Your vet can also suggest other remedies.
What's a Good Laxative for Dogs?
If you are dealing with a constipated dog, you can try administering Metamucil.
Other options include canned dog food (thanks to its moisture content), canned pumpkin, and bran cereal (thanks to its insoluble fiber).
Just giving him more water or making sure he gets exercise can also help.
Metamucil for Dogs: Before You Go
So, there you have it.
Metamucil is an effective supplement to treat dog constipation, diarrhea, and other gastrointestinal problems.
And another thing you need to knowMetamucil is safe for our dogs IF they're given the proper dosages.
So feel free to give this to your dog, BUT only after getting your vet's approval!
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