Can Dogs Have Melatonin Gummies?

Did you know that dogs, like humans, have physical, mental, and behavioral changes throughout the 24-hour cycle?

They stay active during the day and sleep during the night. It’s common for dogs to face problems that disrupt their sleep, and with these things happening, dog owners often feel inclined to think about getting melatonin supplements for dogs.

Can melatonin gummies help our fur baby just like it assists us in managing our sleep cycles? Can they help our canine companion feel relaxed? While there is a limited amount of information regarding the use of melatonin for dog’s better sleep, there is some encouraging data that supports the idea of using melatonin gummies for dogs.

Melatonin is a naturally produced hormone that manages our sleep-wake cycles and calms us during stressful situations. Melatonin supplements were introduced in the 2000s as a drug that helps with sleep and anxiety.

What are Melatonin Gummies?

Also known as “sleep gummies,” Melatonin gummies are a kind of melatonin supplement that are chewable and easy to eat. They are the most convenient and preferred source of melatonin, a hormone naturally produced in the bodies of mammals. These gummies are available in many shapes and flavors, making it a fun treat of peace.

Melatonin gummies are a quick and effective way to provide a sense of calmness and regulate sleep cycles. They can be super helpful in preventing anxiety and combating sleep-related problems like insomnia.

According to NCCIH, sleep gummies containing melatonin are recommended for adults struggling with their sleep cycles for several reasons. They are considered safe and effective to use during stressful events or when it is difficult to fall asleep.

How Do These Gummies Work?

Melatonin gummies do not make you sleep; they put you in a state of tranquility and provide a sense of calmness that eventually makes you fall asleep. These gummies work within 30 minutes. Melatonin is a naturally produced hormone, but if you are a night owl who needs to wake up early, such as for school or other early morning tasks, or are jet lagged, these gummies can help  you sleep quicker and better. 

How Effective Are Melatonin Gummies for Dogs?

With the limited study performed on this, the effects of melatonin gummies have been shown in dealing with dog anxiety, sleep-related problems, and even hair loss. Dr. Nelson says, “Melatonin can be an over-the-counter recommendation for dogs with aggression and anxiety.”

Let’s dig into the details.

Anxiety: dogs with general stress, separation anxiety, or those who get scared quickly can find comfort and calmness using melatonin gummies. Like humans, melatonin can reduce the stress level and pressure in dogs by providing a sense of calmness. Melatonin tends to calm their nerves, ensuring they do not feel any kind of fear in their surroundings.

Hair loss: Melatonin gummies are surprisingly effective in helping your dog’s hair loss. While the research on this is not thoroughly done, some types of hair loss, such as alopecia X or seasonal flank alopecia, can be treated with these gummies.

Note: consult a professional before treating your dog’s hair loss with melatonin to ensure you give them the proper dosage and make the treatment effective for your furry pal.

Autoimmune disorders: Autoimmune disorders are many. ThenImmune Mediated Thrombocytopenia (IMTP),  is an autoimmune condition that destroys platelets in the body, an essential component in blood clotting, can be treated with melatonin gummies.

Sleep-related problems: similar to humans, dogs can also find sleeping difficult due to multiple factors that disturb their resting hours. Melatonin gummies can help them feel drowsy and fall asleep quickly by encouraging a calm and relaxing feeling.

What Are These Gummies Made Of?

Many brands make melatonin gummies; the ingredients used can vary from brand to brand. However, three main components are used in these sleep gummies to induce a sense of drowsiness.

Melatonin: The main ingredient, melatonin, is a naturally produced hormone that manages our sleep-wake cycles. Melatonin is essential for helping prepare our body for bed when it gets dark and making us feel alert when the sun is out.

Note: Melatonin is generally considered safe for adults and children, but it is essential to remember that you shouldn’t take more than 10 milligrams of melatonin in a day.

L- theanine: without any significant side effects, L- theanine is a stress-relieving amino acid, usually found in tea leaves, that helps reduce anxiety by affecting brain waves and causing a sense of sleepiness. L-theanine is used without any additives, making it safe to ingest.

Cannabidiol (CBD): This is a component found in marijuana, the type of it that does not produce a high. It has anti-anxiety effects and promotes a feeling of calmness. The study done by The Permanente Journal in 2019 stated that CBD can help alleviate anxiety and the sleeplessness caused by it.

How Many Melatonin Gummies Can a Dog Have?

The number of melatonin gummies a dog can have depends on the dosage your dog’s vet prescribes. How many gummies are safe for dogs to have in a day is affected by many factors, such as the size and weight of your dog and why you are giving them these sleep gummies. It is essential to consult a veterinarian for the exact number, but here is an estimate according to their weight:

Pros and Cons of Giving Melatonin Gummies to Dogs:

Pros

No Disturbances During Resting Hours: Melatonin gummies, as mentioned above, help regulate the sleep cycles of our canine buddies. This source of melatonin can help our dogs with issues like struggling to sleep or jet lag. As our dogs age, they can find it hard to fall asleep and start suffering from sleep-related problems.

Helping with Anxiety or Stress: Melatonin gummies can provide a calming effect immediately and help reduce the stress level of our canine companions. Dogs are prone to panicking and becoming anxious when they hear loud noises, which can lead to other severe problems. Dogs with general anxiety, separation anxiety, or any other type of anxiety can find melatonin gummies effective in making them feel calm and relaxed during such stressful events.

Treating Hair Loss: in addition to regulating sleep-wake cycles, melatonin gummies can help prevent and fight seasonal hair loss. While it is still being researched how effective melatonin gummies can be for treating hair loss, some studies suggest that they can help with pattern baldness or alopecia. However, before deciding on treating your canine friend’s hair loss with melatonin gummies, it is essential to consult with a veterinarian.

Cons

Covering up an underlying health complication: it is essential to know what is causing sleep-related issues in your dog. It can be dangerous to rely entirely on melatonin gummies and ignore the underlying problem causing these sleep disturbances.

Allergic reactions: Similar to other mammals, dogs can also have allergic reactions to certain things. They may have an allergic reaction due to the ingredients used in the melatonin gummies.

Wrong Dosage: It is crucial to ensure that they are given the appropriate dosage of melatonin, and according to a new study done recently, gummies usually have an incorrect dose mentioned on their packaging.

Safety Considerations

There are minimal safety concerns about melatonin since it is usually made of a safe component. However, there are some things that you should still take care of before giving melatonin gummies to your dog:

Xylitol: it is vital to give your dog melatonin without xylitol. Xylitol can have negative effects on their health. Melatonin gummies or other supplements that are made for humans contain xylitol, which is highly toxic for dogs; hence, you should only give them sleep gummies that are specifically formulated for dogs.

Please consult with a vet: before deciding on treating any condition or problem in dogs with melatonin gummies, you should consult a veterinarian and ensure it is entirely safe for pets. They can run a test and determine whether your dog has any medical condition that makes melatonin gummies dangerous for your dog. Veterinary Partner says,” You should never give melatonin to dogs with diabetes, as it may cause insulin resistance.”

Potential drawbacks: Keep in mind that you may have to deal with several problems associated with the use of melatonin gummies, such as melatonin diarrhea, which can be caused by dog melatonin overdose or gastrointestinal issues.

Wrapping Up

To wrap things up, yes, melatonin gummies can be used for dogs. However, it is crucial to be cautious and get a consultation from a veterinarian before giving your dog those supplements to ensure they don’t have any underlying health issues that may get affected negatively by using melatonin gummies.

These gummies can cause allergic reactions or gastrointestinal issues in some dogs, making it crucial to only provide them with the correct dosage and not more than thrice a day.

Melatonin gummies can help your dog sleep better, feel calmer during stressful events, and even prevent hair loss. Get veterinarian advice and give them the appropriate dosage, and you are good to go!