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The simple answer is - YES! If your dog is easily disturbed by loud noises such as thunder or fireworks, you have probably tried mild sedatives and antihistamines. Both made your dog groggy, a little clumsy and did little to relieve the fear. Your dog may not have paced like they did before, but it was due to the fact that he/she was a bit “out of it” - “spaced out” for lack of a better term. Melatonin won’t do this - it exists in your dog’s body naturally.
How Much Melatonin Should I give My Dog?
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In all known instances, Melatonin is perfectly safe for your four legged friend. Depending on your dog’s current medications, health concerns or age, your vet may adjust the dosage. Here are the generally accepted dosages for dogs:
| Dog Size | Melatonin Dosage |
| Small - under 30lb / 13kg | 1.5mg |
|
Medium - Over 30lb/ 13kg-50lb/22kg |
3mg |
| large Breed Dogs Over 50lb/22kg | Up to 9mg |
Just as it varies for humans for humans, melatonin dosage can vary considerably for a dog, but because it is so safe, there is little to be worried about. Large dogs of over 50 pounds have been given up to 9mg of Melatonin with only beneficial effects. You can easily mix the jell with your dog’s food to make up the dosage you need or feed it to him/her on a spoon.
But will your dog take it or smell it and turn away? Fortunately, this product which is made specially for dogs, has some non-active ingredients to give it some flavor and appeal to dogs, including a natural beef and cheese flavor.
Safe and Effective
Melatonin is safe for humans and dogs, as it is a hormone produced in the body naturally. When Melatonin levels are low, sleeplessness and depression can occur. Replacing those missing hormones, can be exactly what your pet needs to overcome fears, anxiety, and poor sleeping habits.
Older Dogs
Older dogs that are in pain due to arthritis, may not get the restful sleep they need. Pain relievers can be hard on your dogs stomach, and can alter the way they interact with their owners. There is a natural alternative, that will not leave your dog dazed and confused - melatonin.
You can safely give melatonin in place of an anxiety medication for dogs. Used as a sleep aid for humans, this hormone produces a deep, relaxed sleep without the fuzzy headed feelings in the morning. Given to your pets, the Melatonin will relax them naturally and safely.
How well do you understand dog sleep? Try our fun quiz!
Yes - dogs can suffer from insomnia. Some breeds are more susceptible than others - English Bulldogs, Dachsunds, Poodles, Dobermans, Beagles and Labrador Retrievers all suffer from an increased risk of dog sleep disorders. A sleep disorder can damage your best friend’s health so do please consult a vet if you suspect your dog is suffering. We will be posting more solutions on this site soon, so do please come back and check.
No - sleep disorders are confined to humans and the great apes. Check our our pet site 
Dogs experience REM sleep just like humans and if REM sleep is disturbed, your dog may not get enough of the sleep it needs, which can lead to serious health and emotional problems.
This is an easy question really, but it does help to know that lack of sleep can multiply the problems your dog is experiencing and that a calming agent may be needed. Anxiety can also cause insomnia in dogs and older dogs are very susceptible because like humans, they produce less melatonin as they age.We’ll be adding more information about this soon - so check back occasionally. We’ll have a few more (apart from melatonin) on this site soon.
Dogs, like humans, can suffer from narcolepsy. experience periods of extreme daytime This means that they suffer from sleepiness and sudden, irresistible urges to sleep that can occur at any time.
Sleep Apnea is a condition whereby a dog or person stops breathing frequently whilst asleep. It is a dangerous condition that also causes snoring. If your dog snores though it does NOT always mean that he has sleep apnea - sometimes, snoring is just snoring. If your dog is overweight though ands snores - he may have sleep apnea - check with your vet.
Dogs are known for pawing at the air while they sleep, but some dogs are very active during REM sleep, and show symptoms of a human disorder called REM behavior disorder. Dogs with this active REM cycle may run into walls, attack objects, or bite, even if they are usually gentle while awake. Different from sleepwalking, these dogs may not seem disoriented if awoken during these active REM periods.
Like humans, Dogs also produce melatonin and it is safe for them. Just check the dosage though on this page and cut the pills up if needed.
Yes, unless you suffer from allergies. Dogs only sleep with people they trust , and being hierarchically minded creatures, they take it as a compliment and privilege to sleep on your bed. But do make sure they haven’t got fleas!
Dogs absorb energy from their food differently than humans do-because their food is a little different. Generally, dogs get a big energy push right after eating, so if you feed your dog late at night, she may be too energetic to get to sleep. Try feeding her earlier, and be sure to let her relieve herself before bedtime.
Yes - a dog will be disturbed by a change in routine or moved furniture etc. Dogs are happiest when the same thing happens everyday in the same way. A small change to you (like moving your bedroom furniture) may seem like a big deal to the dog. He’ll get used to the change with patient and consistent training from you.
Yes - your dog may feel great anxiety because he can no longer see properly. If your dog’s vision is failing, put a night light near his bed to help him see. This might also alleviate the fears of an anxious dog. If he has trouble hearing, play a radio or television for him at night so that he has constant, soothing noise.Loud Noises Anxiety and Fright
My dog is afraid of loud noises, like thunder and fireworks, will Melatonin help? - Yes, Melatonin is a great supplement to give your dog before the fireworks season, or the storms of spring begin.
Antihistamines and Sedatives
Many people use mild sedatives or antihistamines to calm their dogs to stop them from pacing and panting. These substances can make your dog appear to be calmer, more relaxed and seem undisturbed by the loud noises, but your dog may wobble when he/she walks, trip up the stairs and walk around zombie-like under the influence of these substances.
With Melatonin, your dog will not exhibit those unwanted side effects. He/she will be calmer and not notice or react so badly to the loud noises. It is believed that using Melatonin on a regular basis, can also effectively retrain your fearful dog. Once your dog understands the noise does not pose a threat, then it will often no longer react negatively.
Separation Anxiety Relief
Can dogs take melatonin to relieve anxiety? Again, the answer is yes. Many dogs suffer from separation anxiety, situational anxiety, or develop unusual behaviors such as digging the carpet, pacing or whining and panting.
When you walk out of the room, your dog may follow close at your heels whining. They may lay down behind you because they believe you are going to leave them, making it difficult to step backwards without falling.
Frantic Dogs
If you have a dog that tears up the house, or unrolls the toilet paper while you are gone, there is a good chance your dog is not being malicious, but is anxious. It is difficult to leave an anxious dog home alone. Every time you go out of the house, you wonder what will you come home to.
It can be a very stressful experience for your dog and you as well. Adding Melatonin into your dogs diet can remove the anxiety, returning your dog back into the wonderful, loving Fido you remember. Not only will your dog be happier and less anxious, but so will you.
Older Dogs and Arthritis
My older dog has been diagnosed with arthritis, will Melatonin help him sleep better? The answer is yes, but don’t stop any medication your dog is already taking for pain unless your vet advises you to do so. As you know, many older dogs develop arthritis due to age or past injuries. It can often be difficult for them to get comfortable at night, causing sleeplessness. Large, cushy beds can help, along with a medication such as chondroitin
Melatonin can also help, and will greatly help your dog to get a good night’s rest; it helps dogs to readjust their internal time clock, allowing them to sleep at night, rather than pacing the floor and waking sleeping members of your family.
Conclusion
Melatonin can help your dog deal with loud noises, anxious situations and sleep disturbances. It can can also help to prepare your dog for known events that will upset them such as fireworks nights and thunderstorms. If you are moving house and your dog has to be transported, or if you are leaving your beloved companion in kennels while you go on holiday, melatonin can in all cases help to de-stress and relax him/her, giving you both some much needed comfort,
With very little side effects, no prescription being required and reasonably priced, Melatonin could return your once active and happy dog, back to his previous calm and confident state. Finally, if you have been wondering “Can I Give My Dog Melatonin safely to reduce anxiety and help them sleep better?” the answer is simply, yes.
