10 Mg of melatonin usually doesn’t affect a large dog but can have a significant effect on smaller dogs. The therapeutic dose is 1 mg/10 lbs. of body weight, meaning smaller dogs can overdose on 10 mg of melatonin. Contact your veterinarian if your dog shows symptoms of a melatonin overdose.
Melatonin is a natural hormone secreted by the pineal gland of mammals, including humans and dogs. This secretion helps regulate sleep-wake cycles, sending messages when it’s time for the body to relax and prepare for rest.
For dogs, melatonin is used as a sleeping pill and helps them fight separation anxiety or get over storms or noisy events. Melatonin is also used in the form of melatonin implants for recurring hair loss.
Even though melatonin has all these benefits for dogs, it has to be recommended by your veterinarian.
It is never a good idea to give your pet supplements without understanding what you are giving it.
In this article, you will find out what happens if your dog eats 10 mg of melatonin, if melatonin is safe for dogs, how much melatonin is lethal for a dog, and much more.
What Does Melatonin Do?
Melatonin is a hormone produced by the pineal gland in the brain that acts on the sleep-wake cycles of mammals, including both dogs and humans.
While our bodies naturally produce melatonin at night, some individuals who struggle with disruptions to their sleep pattern—such as insomnia—may be helped by taking melatonin supplements as a natural sleep aid. Additionally, melatonin may be taken preventatively to combat sleeplessness arising from jet lag.
Melatonin can be a good option for people struggling with sleeplessness because it is not habit-forming and its continued use does not result in tolerance unlike certain other sleep aids.
Though melatonin supplements are not FDA approved, they are generally helpful for humans who need help regulating their sleep cycles. While these supplements are not known to be toxic to dogs, it is possible for certain side effects to occur, especially when taken in large doses.
A regular dose of melatonin for a human is about 3-6 milligrams (mg). Side effects of melatonin that may occur from larger doses include extended drowsiness, nausea, and headaches. Though melatonin is meant to be used as a sleep aid, larger doses may also paradoxically hinder the sleep process.
Will Melatonin Hurt My Dog?
In most cases, if your dog’s eaten just one pill (depending on the pill’s dose and your dog’s size), your fur baby should be OK. However, if the dose was too big, then your dog could show these symptoms:
You should always call the vet if you’re worried about any symptoms your dog is showing. Your vet will have the information needed to see if they need to see your dog or not.
What are Melatonin Gummies?
Melatonin gummies are supplements that contain melatonin. They’re made into cute gummy shapes, which are perfect for anyone who has trouble swallowing pills.
Melatonin is a hormone that is used to regulate our sleep cycles. Some people low in this hormone have a very difficult time sleeping. However, if they use the supplement, some people have reported sleeping better than ever. Melatonin helps you fall asleep harder and faster. These are safe for people who may be unable to take sleeping medications.
It’s interesting to note that melatonin is sometimes used to treat dogs. It’s been used to treat anxiety, insomnia, alopecia (hair loss), Cushing’s disease, and more.
FAQ
Can a dog eat a gummy melatonin?
How much melatonin is toxic to dogs?