10 amazing benefits of the sleep hormone for pets!
One of the big benefits of melatonin is decreasing stress/anxiety in our pets.
In our dogs and cats it is linked to a host of chronic diseases: you really should be trying to help your pet if they suffer from anxiety.
We now have a BRAND New supplement which may help any dog that is in need of anxiety relief.
It is here:
10 medical benefits of the sleep hormone for Pets: Melatonin
Melatonin is a hormone secreted by the pineal gland in the brain. The precursor to melatonin is serotonin, a neurotransmitter that’s derived from the amino acid tryptophan.
When it’s dark, the secretion and production of melatonin increases.
When it’s light, the secretion and production of melatonin decreases.
Research over the last decade into cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, multiple sclerosis, sleep disorders, anxiety, chronic pain, and many other conditions, combined with the COVID-19 pandemic, has led to greater awareness of melatonin because of its ability to act as a potent antioxidant, immune-active agent, and mitochondrial regulator.
In veterinary practice we primary used melatonin in dogs and cats for hair loss (alopecia) as most pets don’t have a problem getting to sleep.
But new research has now shown an array of benefits for our dogs and cats.
1 Hair Loss in Dogs – (Alopecia X), Hair Loss for Cats. Melatonin plays a role in the hair growth cycle.
2. Sleep- especially older dogs/cats – with cognitive dysfunction, excessive pacing, yowling at night. Supplementing with melatonin increases sleep quality.
3. Cushing’s Disease (Hyperadrenocorticism) – Melatonin can help decrease the excess cortisol, especially if you can’t afford Trilostane. There are few treatments for Cushing’s Disease, so this should be on your list.
4. Anxiety disorders, ie Separation Anxiety – Melatonin is recognized for it’s anti-anxiety qualities, and studies show it to be beneficial for pets with anxiety.
5. Cancer Prevention and Treatment – The scientific research lineage of utilizing melatonin supplementation in those with cancer dates back at least three decades. Most notable is early research conducted on patients with solid metastatic tumors, in which it was demonstrated that high doses of melatonin were effective in arresting tumor growth and improving quality of life markers. Some clinical studies of colon, breast, renal, brain, and lung cancer suggest that melatonin can support cancer treatment. Iwould definitely use it with my dog/cat if they are to ever get cancer.
6. Cognitive Function – Neurodegenerative conditions share mitochondrial dysfunction in their pathogenesis. Mitochondria, the cellular energy source, are also the target of oxidative damage. Melatonin specifically targets these, hence it helping with cognitive dysfunction.
7. Eye Health – With the retina as the target tissue perceiving light and signaling to the pineal gland, it is of interest to determine the role of melatonin in the retinal-pineal gland axis and related dysfunctions. It may help for inflammatory conditions such as ocular neuritis and uveitis. Some researchers suggest that glaucoma may be a therapeutic target for melatonin.
8. Gastrointestinal Health – Broad therapeutic benefits include melatonin’s role in oral care and digestive function, periodontal inflammation, post-dental surgery, and antioxidant protection against dental materials. Studies have investigated its use in Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infections, gastric and duodenal ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and inflammatory bowel disease. A study indicated that gut bacteria have a circadian clock and respond to melatonin, allowing the bacteria to synchronize with the circadian rhythm.
9. Autoimmune Disease (i.e. Lupus) – Promising, emerging research indicates that melatonin supplementation may have therapeutic benefits for autoimmune conditions, such as multiple sclerosis (MS) and perhaps Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, most likely due to its involvement in anti-inflammatory mechanisms, oxidative stress reduction, and modulation of the gut microbiota. Melatonin is linked to the seasonal relapse rate in patients with MS.
10. Pain and inflammation – Melatonin plays an important role in the regulation of pain since both pain perception as well as melatonin secretion are circadian in nature. In addition, melatonin has been shown to influence pain perception; adequate melatonin equates to less pain. It also can block some of the proinflammatory mediators associated with pain. A systematic review and meta-analysis of thirteen clinical trials, melatonin supplementation was found to decrease inflammatory compounds (TNF-alpha, IL-6, C-reactive protein).
Side Effects
Side effects are few: gastrointestinal, it may impact fertility, it can interact with corticosteroids (make steroids less effective).
Dog and Cat doses:
1mg/10lbs of body weight to a maximum of 6mg, given 1 hour before bedtime.
Best Wishes,
Dr Andrew
P.S. If you have a dog or cat with ANY of the above disorders, you may want to consider melatonin. It’s very safe and well tolerated by pets.
P.P.S. Research has suggested that dogs with fear and anxiety disorders could have a decreased lifespan and increased disease frequency and severity. Anxious dogs may be more vulnerable to diseases, possibly due to the physiological effects of prolonged stress on their bodies. Chronic stress can stimulate hormonal, adrenal, and pituitary systems, which can lead to adverse health outcomes.
Our new supplement WITH Melatonin may help…
