7 Amazing Benefits of Melatonin for Pets

Melatonin, the sleep hormone, has become more widely recognized for its potential benefits in treating various health conditions in pets, including cancer, Cushing’s disease, pain, and inflammation. Not only is it highly effective, but it also comes with minimal side effects. If my dog or cat ever developed cancer, I would definitely consider using melatonin as part of their treatment plan.

Dr. Jones’ Complete Canine Calming Chews (90 Count)

Help your dog manage stress and anxiety naturally with Dr. Jones’ Complete Canine Calming Chews. These savory, chicken-flavored chews are made with all-natural, vegetable-sourced ingredients like l-theanine, chamomile, passion flower, valerian root, ginger root, and melatonin to promote relaxation. Safe for dogs with chicken sensitivities, these chews are free from GMOs, gluten, wheat, corn, soy, and artificial additives. Each jar offers a three-month supply for pets up to 30lbs, making it a wholesome, easy solution for calming your pet during stressful times like car rides, thunderstorms, or vet visits. 

Why Melatonin is Beneficial for Pets

Melatonin is a hormone secreted by the pineal gland in the brain. It’s derived from serotonin, which itself comes from the amino acid tryptophan. The secretion of melatonin increases when it’s dark and decreases when it’s light. Over the last decade, research has highlighted melatonin’s powerful antioxidant, immune-boosting, and mitochondrial-regulating properties. These findings have elevated its use not only for sleep disorders but also for a variety of other conditions.

While melatonin has long been used in veterinary practice for issues like hair loss (alopecia) in pets, new research has uncovered even more potential benefits.

7 Key Benefits of Melatonin for Dogs and Cats

1. Hair Loss in Dogs (Alopecia X) and Cats Melatonin plays a critical role in the hair growth cycle, making it the most effective treatment available for hair loss in pets. If your dog or cat is experiencing alopecia, melatonin might be the solution.

2. Sleep, Especially in Older Pets For older dogs and cats suffering from cognitive dysfunction or exhibiting behaviors like excessive pacing or yowling at night, melatonin can significantly improve sleep quality. It’s particularly helpful for pets that have trouble resting.

3. Cushing’s Disease (Hyperadrenocorticism) Cushing’s disease results from excess cortisol, and melatonin can help reduce this excess. For pet owners who can’t afford Trilostane, melatonin offers a more affordable alternative. Considering that there are few treatments for Cushing’s Disease, melatonin should definitely be on your list of options.

4. Pain and Inflammation Melatonin plays a vital role in pain regulation. Both pain perception and melatonin secretion follow circadian rhythms, meaning melatonin can help reduce pain. Research has shown that melatonin not only decreases inflammatory compounds (such as TNF-alpha and IL-6) but also helps modulate pro-inflammatory mediators. If your pet is in pain, adequate melatonin levels can provide some relief.

5. Cancer Prevention and Treatment Melatonin has been studied for its effects on cancer for over 30 years. Early research showed that high doses of melatonin could halt tumor growth in patients with solid metastatic tumors. Clinical studies on cancers like colon, breast, renal, brain, and lung cancer suggest that melatonin can support cancer treatment. If my pet were diagnosed with cancer, I would certainly use melatonin as part of their care.

6. Autoimmune Diseases (e.g., Lupus) Emerging research suggests that melatonin supplementation may benefit pets with autoimmune conditions like multiple sclerosis (MS) and possibly Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. Melatonin works through its anti-inflammatory properties, oxidative stress reduction, and modulation of gut microbiota. If your pet has an autoimmune disorder, melatonin could be a helpful addition to their treatment plan.

7. Anxiety Disorders (e.g., Separation Anxiety) Melatonin is well-known for its anti-anxiety effects. Studies have shown it to be effective in treating anxiety, particularly separation anxiety in dogs. It also helps alleviate stress caused by noise phobias, such as fireworks or thunderstorms. Dr. Linda Aronson, DVM, published a study in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association showing successful results in about 80% of dogs treated with melatonin.

Side Effects of Melatonin

Fortunately, melatonin is generally safe with few side effects. The most common side effects are mild gastrointestinal issues. It may also impact fertility and interact with corticosteroids, making steroids less effective. However, these side effects are rare.

Melatonin Dosing for Dogs and Cats

For both dogs and cats, the recommended dose is 1mg of melatonin per 10 lbs of body weight, with a maximum dose of 6mg. It should be administered 1 hour before bedtime for best results.

A Special Look at My Dog, Lewis

Here’s our dog, Lewis, looking like he could benefit from melatonin, surrounded by my daughter and her friends! Melatonin has such incredible potential for improving quality of life, especially for pets dealing with stress or illness.

Final Thoughts

Melatonin is an inexpensive and effective remedy for a variety of health conditions in pets. From cancer prevention and treatment to anxiety relief, it’s a versatile supplement that can make a huge difference in your pet’s well-being.

If your dog or cat suffers from any of the conditions mentioned above, I highly recommend considering melatonin as part of their treatment plan.

P.S. Melatonin research continues to grow, and its health benefits for pets are undeniable. If your pet has an autoimmune disorder or another serious condition, consider this simple yet effective remedy.

P.P.S. I’ll be diving deeper into melatonin as it’s a key ingredient in our NEW Dog Calming Chews.