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Keep Rover Restful Right Through the Night with the Best Melatonin for Dogs

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By Jarett Gilpin
Last updated: 13 Jan 2022

Sleep is vital to good health, not only for humans but for their furry friends too. Many humans have been successful in using melatonin, a hormone naturally produced by the body, to help with sleep difficulties. Besides promoting sleep, melatonin can also have a calming effect and assist with anxiety relief. If Fido is keeping you awake at night due to his fear of thunderstorms or insomnia, melatonin for dogs might be the answer for a better night's rest. We’ve sourced the best melatonin for dogs in 2022 to help you give your pet the finest care possible. Whether you need to calm your dog down during travel or want to help him get through a stormy night, these top brands will help your furry bestie get his zen on.

Best Melatonin for Dog Overall
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OraStix
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Runner Up
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Finn Calming Chews
875 reviews
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Honorable Mention
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K9 Peanut Butter Chew
2274 reviews
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Also Consider
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Dr. Oscar
1065 reviews
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Show contents
Comparing the Best Melatonin for Dog in 2022
  • 1 OraStix
  • 2 Finn Calming Chews
  • 3 K9 Peanut Butter Chew
  • 4 Dr. Oscar
  • 5 NaturVet

Best Melatonin for Dogs Buying Guide

When considering melatonin as a calming aid for your dog there are a number of important factors to take into account. You want to make sure you make the best decision for your pet and avoid even the slightest harm at all costs. In this guide, we’ll help you uncover everything you need to know about choosing the best melatonin for dogs. This will help you decipher the different options and determine the best product for your pet’s needs.

What is Melatonin for Dogs?

Melatonin is a hormone that is naturally produced in humans and many animals including dogs and cats. Melatonin is produced and synthesized in the brain by the pineal gland, which is only about 1 millimeter long in dogs. The pineal gland makes use of the melatonin to dictate sleeping and waking times in most vertebrates

How Does Melatonin Affect Dogs?

Melatonin produced in the brain regulates circadian rhythms which is basically the body’s sleep-wake cycle. The pineal gland will, for example, produce more melatonin in response to darkness, encouraging the body to sleep. On the other hand, exposure to light reduces melatonin synthesis, decreasing the desire to sleep.

Melatonin Benefits

Melatonin for dogs has both benefits and side effects to consider. Benefits include:

It’s Natural

Since melatonin occurs naturally in your dog’s body you don’t have to be concerned about introducing something unknown into their sensitive system.

Easy to Use

Melatonin is available in a number of applications and flavors. With such a great variety it is easy to introduce into your pet’s routine and find a product that your dog will like.

Enhances Sleep Quality

Restful sleep is an important part of your dog’s overall health. Melatonin can support your pup's sleeping schedule allowing him to be more energetic during the day.

Promotes Calm

Melatonin can help your pup with stress-related issues and anxiety by decreasing cortisol levels. Whether your dog is hyperactive, experiences separation anxiety, has a fear of travel or thunderstorms, melatonin can promote relaxation.

Melatonin for Dogs Side Effects

Although the side effects are not common, it is still important to monitor your dog closely when introducing melatonin. Always consult your vet regarding any concerns about your dog’s health.

Lethargy

If your dog displays lethargy during the daytime once you start administering melatonin it is an indication that the addition of the extra melatonin combined with their naturally occurring hormones is too much in their system.

Digestive Issues

Some dogs may experience an upset stomach or cramps. Although it is possible that the additional melatonin may cause this, it can also be a result of one of the other ingredients in the product you are using.

Itchiness

Although rare, melatonin or perhaps other added ingredients, can cause skin irritation.

Confusion

Your dog may appear confused from being excessively sleepy. This may be displayed by wandering around aimlessly or forgetting where their food bowl is. If you notice confused behavior in your dog immediately discontinue the use of the melatonin product and see your veterinarian.

Is Melatonin Safe for Dogs?

Melatonin is generally safe for dogs and can be very helpful for dogs who suffer from certain anxiety issues. Studies examining the effect and workings of melatonin in animals are however ongoing. Keep the following important safety tips in mind when giving your dog melatonin:

  • Carefully consider the other ingredients in the product to make sure there are no harmful additions. The artificial sweetener, xylitol, is highly toxic to dogs. Always check the ingredients list first.
  • Do not give melatonin to pets with diabetes since it can cause insulin resistance. This is very dangerous and can be fatal to a dog with diabetes.
  • Ensure that the melatonin is not going to interact with other medications or supplements your dog takes.
  • Melatonin can be risky for cats so be careful if you have cats in your household as well.
  • Melatonin should not be given to dogs or cats with kidney problems or diabetes.
  • Consult your vet before administering any supplements or medications, including melatonin products. They will be able to advise you on possible interactions or safety concerns regarding your specific pet.
  • Monitor your dog closely for subtle changes in their behavior

What is the Recommended Melatonin Dosage for Dogs?

The amount of melatonin your dog will require may depend on the pet’s size, weight, and lifestyle. Always start with a small amount to ensure that your dog does not react negatively to the extra melatonin in its system. Different products will vary in dosages and the quantity they contain per serving. Between 2 mg and 5 mg is generally recommended as being safe.

Doses below 2 mg will have a calming effect which is good for dealing with phobias, restlessness, and anxiety. Higher doses between 3 and 5 mg are useful when dealing with insomnia, constant sleep interruptions, and managing medical conditions such as Cushing’s disease and alopecia.

Form and Flavor

Tablets and chewables are the easiest form of melatonin to give to your dog since they can be enjoyed as treats sneaked into their meals. This means that the flavor is also important. Dogs have sensitive palates and will spit out anything that seems foreign to them. Find a product and flavor that your dog will enjoy so that it is not a negative experience for either of you.

What are Melatonin Combination Formulas for Dogs?

Melatonin-only formulas contain only melatonin as the key active ingredient. Although ideal for dealing with sleep issues, they do not provide many other benefits.

Some other products may include multiple active ingredients such as chamomile, thiamine and L-tryptophan, and hemp oil. These products are ideal for calming as well as aiding sleep.

Comparing the Best Melatonin for Dog in 2022

1

OraStix

– Best Melatonin for Dog Overall
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THE SCOOP

OraStix are great treats with powerful health properties for your dog’s dental and mental well-being. These doggy delicious snack sticks contain natural ingredients including hemp seed, melatonin, chamomile, valerian root, and suntheanine to assist dogs with environmental stress and provide calming support. In addition, these chewy sticks are designed to benefit your dog’s dental health with the inclusion of kelp, peppermint oil, and rosemary extract. Loved by dogs, these treats are useful for calming pets who experience anxiety during thunderstorms, separation, fireworks, and travel.

Pros
  • Suitable for dogs of all ages
  • Supports dental health
  • No artificial flavors or synthetic colors
  • Come in the form of dog treats making it easy for your pet to chew on and enjoy
Cons
  • A full stick, or even half, can be too potent for some smaller dogs causing lethargy and clumsiness
2

Finn Calming Chews

– Runner Up
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THE SCOOP

No need to trick your dog to eat these delicious chews. With real ingredients and natural cheese, beef liver, and bacon flavors integrated into the treat your pet will love chewing on this stress support formula. Each container includes 90 chews with melatonin to help with the relief of anxiety during fireworks, travel, and due to separation. Each chew contains natural soothing herbs such as chamomile, ginger, passionflower, and the amino acids l-theanine and l-tryptophan.

Pros
  • Natural beef liver flavor
  • Contains a variety of natural soothing herbs
  • No added corn, soy, or artificial flavor fillers
Cons
  • Although dogs love the flavor of these treats they are not effective in calming all types of dogs
3

K9 Peanut Butter Chew

– Honorable Mention
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THE SCOOP

K9 provides 120 chewable tablets per container of peanut butter-flavored chews that dogs love. Each tablet contains 3 mg of melatonin providing natural hormone support, promoting calm, and reducing cortisol. The tablets are for administration in adult dogs only with the dosage recommended according to your pet’s weight. These chews also offer adrenal support, promote skin health, and thirst regulation.

Pros
  • Does not contain xylitol
  • Peanut butter flavor
  • Adrenal gland support and cortisol reduction
Cons
  • Contains wheat. The unnatural inactive ingredients do not agree with all dogs and can cause some to feel unwell
4

Dr. Oscar

– Also Consider
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THE SCOOP

More than a sleep aid for your pet, Dr. Oscar’s formula offers a multi-functional supplement to support your dog’s overall wellbeing. With 3 mg of melatonin per tablet, the formula is effective in aiding sleep, however, it also includes valerian root and passionflower for anxiety, lemon balm and l-theanine to reduce agitation, as well as ashwagandha for stress reduction. In addition, chamomile, ginger root, and l-tryptophan aid with night-time waking, and the supplement offers antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits. Dr. Oscar’s sleep aid does not contain soy, gluten, wheat, peanuts, artificial flavorings, or preservatives.

Pros
  • Non-GMO
  • No artificial ingredients
  • Complete formula with a range of natural ingredients to improve calmness, sleep, and combat general stress
Cons
  • Although chewable, these are more like tablets than treats, which may mean you’ll have to bribe your dog to get him to eat them
5

NaturVet

– Best Time-Release
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THE SCOOP

These time-release tablets reduce stress and promote relaxation for stressful situations such as storms, grooming, travel, and separation. NaturalVet’s soft chew calming aid promotes your dog’s normal nervous system function with melatonin, ginger, L-Tryptophan, and thiamine. Suitable for dogs older than 12 weeks, the supplements are available in 30 or 60 tablets. Depending on your dog’s size, he may require ½ to 3 tablets per day. Be sure to consult the usage directions for the best and safest results.

Pros
  • Time-release tablets
  • cGMP compliant
  • Wheat free
  • Enhanced with ginger, L-Tryptophan, and thiamin
Cons
  • Contains wheat. The unnatural inactive ingredients do not agree with all dogs and can cause some to feel unwell

Melatonin for Dog FAQs

Q: Is it safe to give dogs human melatonin?

A: Yes, when administered properly, melatonin is safe for dogs with a recommended dose of 1 mg per 20 pounds of your dogs weight.

Q: What negative effects can melatonin have on a dog?

A: Some brands contain xylitol, which is poisonous to dogs. However, the biggest side effect is drowsiness and rarely digestive issues or an increased heart rate.

Q: How long does melatonin take to calm dogs?

A: Melatonin supplements can take effect between 20 minutes and two hours after ingestion.

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By Jarett Gilpin
Jarett and his vapor wake dog, Toxi, help keep the students and public safe on the University of Notre Dame’s campus. Jarett knows what equipment, food and toys to keep Toxi safe, productive and still able to have fun.
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