Your Can dogs take human sleeping pills? What to Know

Rest Easy: Getting the Facts on Pet Safety and Sleep Aids

Tossing and turning; burning the candle at both ends; worrying about that report due tomorrow. No matter what the cause, at some point in our lives many of us will experience trouble sleeping. And different types of sleep aids are often seen an easy solution to this common problem. But one thing that shouldn’t keep you up at night is worrying about your pet’s safety.

The ASPCA Animal Poison Control (APCC) wants to make sure you don’t have to worry, especially if your pet ate something potentially toxic, like a medication or supplement used to help you sleep.

There are several different medications and common sleep aids that may be used to help with sleep, and the problems you may see if your pet gets into them can vary as well. To help keep your pets happy and healthy, it is best to stay informed. That’s why APCC has compiled the information below to give you everything you need to know about your pets and sleep aids.

Over-the-Counter Supplements

Diphenydramine has many uses but is commonly used as an antihistamine and sleep aid for people. It is also used (when appropriately advised by a veterinarian) in dogs and cats for similar reasons. If your pet gets into this substance, lower amounts may just increase tiredness. However, if a larger amount is ingested, health concerns can be more serious and can cause excitation, agitation, an increase in heart rate and body temperature, and tremors. Always check the labels on substances such as these, as sometimes diphenhydramine may be combined with other medications like non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (ibuprofen or naproxen) that can cause stomach ulcers and kidney injury.

Doxylamine is an antihistamine very similar to diphenhydramine with similar concerns. It is not regularly used in dogs and cats, and pet parents should be careful when using products containing this substance around their pets.

Melatonin is a natural hormone that regulates wakefulness. Melatonin is commonly used as a sleep aid, and is sometimes used to treat certain hair disorders, cognitive dysfunction and separation anxiety in dogs, as well as sleep cycle disorders in dogs and cats. Generally, it is very safe, with lethargy and stomach upset being a potential issue in cases of overdose. Be sure to always check the label of any supplements. Some products are formulated with xylitol, which can be very toxic, causing low blood sugar and liver injury in dogs.

Valerian root is an herbal supplement that comes from the plant Valeriana officinalis and generally has a wide margin of safety. Potential issues such as unsteadiness on the feet, low body temperature and sedation can be seen if a pet ingests too much of this substance.

Prescription Medications

Hypnotic medications are a type of medication that includes several common prescription medications including zolpidem, eszopiclone and zaleplon. When pets ingest this class of medication, it can be scary since it does not take much to cause a problem for your pet. However, these are rarely life-threatening ingestions. While some pets may be a bit more tired than normal and unsteady on their feet, oftentimes they will do the opposite of what is expected. Instead of falling asleep, they become agitated and overly active, begin panting and have an increase in their heart rate.

Temazepam, like hypnotic medications, can cause symptoms in your pet, even if a large amount is not ingested. Fortunately, it is rarely life-threatening. Lethargy and unsteadiness on the feet are the most common symptoms, but occasionally agitation or hyperactivity may be seen.

Trazodone is an antidepressant that is also used in dogs to treat a variety of behavioral disorders. If your pet were to ingest too much of this medication, potential symptoms could include lethargy, unsteadiness of the feet, vomiting or diarrhea, increase in heart rate, panting and hyperactivity.

Remember, always check with your veterinarian before giving your pet any medication or supplement, even if the risk factor seems low. Best practice at home to ensure that you don’t encounter any accidental overdoses or ingestions is to be sure to keep all medications, supplements and vitamins in a secure area, up and out of paws’ reach.

If you believe your pet has ingested something potentially toxic, contact your local veterinarian or APCC at (888) 426-4435 immediately.

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Final thoughts on melatonin for dogs

While melatonin is a natural supplement that can be given to dogs, owners should never treat any ailments in their dogs without consulting a trained veterinarian. Studies about melatonins effectiveness for dogs are few, and most successful results are anecdotal.

Theres a tiny chance for adverse reactions when supplementing with melatonin, but potentially an even greater risk when given to dogs already on medication for other illnesses. Pregnant dogs and young puppies must never be given melatonin as this can cause serious issues.

We say this a lot but always consult your vet. When it comes to the health and wellbeing of your canine companion, a vet should naturally be your first point of contact before trying to administer treatment yourself. A vet will know what melatonin dose, if any, is appropriate for your dog and which brand of melatonin supplement to use that doesnt contain ingredients that could harm your dog. Share this Article

What medicine can I give my dog to put him to sleep?

If youve heard of melatonin, the chances are that you or someone you know had some trouble sleeping. So, just what is melatonin? Can dogs take melatonin? And what does it do?

Melatonin is a hormone made inside the body and is usually released at night to prepare the body for sleep. It plays a vital role in regulating the sleep-wake cycle. For this reason, melatonin is commonly used as a short-term treatment for sleep disturbances like jetlag and insomnia. Because its a substance naturally occurring in the body, its often preferred over more chemical sleeping tablets as an initial intervention for sleep problems.

Melatonin generally has a calming effect on the body and can also be used to alleviate anxiety.

But this blog isnt about humans. What about our four-legged canine friends? Can dogs have melatonin? Sure, Rover isnt lying awake at night worrying about that report he needs to finish or tossing and turning because hes just gotten back from a business trip to Australia. But can melatonin be useful for dogs?

Of course, human supplements generally arent safe or appropriate to share with dogs, but is melatonin different?

Most human supplements are not appropriate to share with your pooch. However, melatonin is naturally producing in dogs, and so its considered a safe supplement for canines. Dogs produce melatonin naturally, just like humans do, so supplementation should be safe under the right circumstances and at the correct melatonin dosage for dogs.

While you can give dogs melatonin, we would always encourage you to get supplements specifically formulated for dogs or ask your vet if they recommend any specific brands. Many human melatonin supplements contain xylitol, which is poisonous to dogs, and sometimes also other potentially harmful ingredients. If youre using a brand formulated for humans, make sure you check the ingredient labels thoroughly.

Melatonin for dogs has not been thoroughly studied. Still, VCA claims that giving dogs melatonin can help with a variety of health and behavioral issues. As always, before starting your pup on any supplements, its a good idea to run it past your vet to be absolutely sure that its in the best interests of your dog.

Great, so melatonin is a naturally occurring substance, and its shown to be helpful to dogs as well as humans. But when should you consider supplementing your dog with melatonin? What canine conditions respond to melatonin supplements?

Melatonin helps both humans and canines relax, keep calm, and get better quality sleep. The following problems are commonly aided by melatonin supplementation.

Melatonin generally has soothing properties and is used most often to treat sleep problems and help regulate the natural processes that tell your dog when its time to sleep and when its time to be awake. Older dogs with dementia or other cognitive impairments can benefit from taking melatonin to get better sleep. If you want to find out more about dog sleeping patterns, dont forget to check our article on why some dogs can sleep all day.

The calming properties of melatonin for dogs can be used to ease anxiety. This is particularly useful if your dog experiences separation anxiety or during times that are likely to be stressful for your dog.

Thunderstorms, visits to the veterinarian, relocating, and even a trip in the car can be made less traumatic through the calming properties of melatonin. Any time you need to help your dog stay relaxed and calm, melatonin might be able to help.

Does your dog get seasonal bald patches on either side of the abdomen? If yes, its likely your pup suffers from seasonal alopecia or flank alopecia. Of course, its best to check with your vet, but melatonin may help. Experts arent sure why or how melatonin helps, but given the low probability of adverse effects, its worth a shot if your vet gives the go-ahead.

Melatonin can also treat hyperactivity, Cushings disease, epilepsy, and it can even help dogs undergoing chemotherapy with weight gain. Research also shows that melatonin can be helfpul for alleviating an oxidative stress induced by ovariohysterectomy or calming healthy dogs during the anesthesia induction.

Its crucial to always work with your vet when choosing to make changes to your dogs diet, medication, and supplements. In the case of melatonin, using the correct dosage is essential. If your dog is already on medication for another illness, make sure to contact a veterinarian to ensure that supplementing with melatonin will not cause any interactions.

For a less stressful consultation, you can talk to a vet online using Petcube 24/7 Online Vet that provides instant access to licensed veterinarians ready to answer any questions you might have.