Just like people, dogs experience stress for a number of reasons.
Some dogs feel nervous or anxious as a result of traveling, boarding, fireworks, thunderstorms, age-related cognitive decline or separation.
Symptoms of anxiety in dogs may show in the following ways:
- Panting
- Drooling
- Urinating or defecating in the house
- Barking
- Restlessness or pacing
- Destructive behavior
- Compulsive or repetitive behaviors
- Aggression
In an effort to relieve your dog’s anxiety, an antihistamine or prescription medication may tempt you.
However, these medicines often have intense side effects.
Those seeking a natural remedy for their pet’s anxiety should look no further than melatonin for dogs.
What Is Melatonin?
In humans, melatonin is commonly recommended as a sleep aid.
In pets, melatonin provides similar feelings of relaxation.
Melatonin is a hormone made by the pineal gland in the brain.
The hormone is responsible for letting your body know when it is time to sleep and wake up.
Bodies typically produce more melatonin at night after the sun sets.
Natural sunlight can determine how much bodies make.
How Does Melatonin For Dogs’ Anxiety Work?
After administering, you will notice Melatonin for dogs’ anxiety typically starts working within 10 to 15 minutes.
The effects can last as long as eight hours, depending on the dosage.
As such, many pet parents give their dogs a normal dose of melatonin before bed or a smaller dose before travel.
What Is The Melatonin For Dog Dosage And Side Effects?
Dosing is dependent on size.
For example, dogs weighing less than 10 pounds should consume no more than 1mg.
1.5 mg is the recommended dose for dogs weighing 10 to 25 pounds.
Dogs weighing 26 to 100 pounds can consume 3mg.
3 to 6mg is the recommended dose for dogs weighing more than 100 pounds.
Do not administer melatonin more than three times per day.
When administered correctly, melatonin typically has a low risk of side effects.
However, in rare cases, dogs can experience an upset stomach, itching, confusion, fertility changes or increased heart rate.
Pregnant dogs and puppies should not take melatonin.
Additionally, always consult your veterinarian before administering herbs or supplements to your pet.
Tell your veterinarian if your dog takes any other medications.
Because melatonin has a relatively low-risk rate, it is typically safer than other tranquilizers for dogs.
Administering Melatonin For Dogs
Because melatonin starts working quickly, it is best to administer right before a stressful situation.
For example, if your dog gets anxiety on planes, administer a dose when you arrive at the airport.
For pets with a fear of thunder, give your pup some melatonin when you hear bad weather is approaching.
Give the supplement to dogs with separation anxiety 30 minutes prior to your departure.
Older pups experiencing age-related cognitive decline may benefit from a dose before bedtime.
Then, your pup has time to relax before you leave the house.
Looking for a safe, natural supplement for your pet?
Try Vet Classics Anxiety and Stress Soft Chews.
A complex blend of botanicals to support calming behavior comprise the supplement, including:
- Magnesium
- Passion Flower
- Ginkgo biloba
- Chamomile
- Thiamine (Vitamin B1)
- Niacin (Vitamin B3)
- Pyridoxine (Vitamin B6)
Learn more about Vet Classics Anxiety and Stress Soft Chews.
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