| I found this while searching for something else, on | | | | NOT contain other herbs or nutrients. The usual |
| Google and thought you might find it interesting. | | | | dosage is 3mg for a dog that weighs over 30 |
| From the Peoria Humane Society website: | | | | pounds. In a few cases, very large dogs weighing |
| Melatonin the Marvelous!!! | | | | well over 100 pounds needed 6mg, but that's |
| Amazingly, an effective treatment for | | | | unusual. For dogs that weigh less than 30 pounds, |
| thunderstorm and noise phobias may be an | | | | give 1.5mg. For a tiny dog, reduce the dosage |
| over-the-counter hormone used by humans to | | | | even further. Keep in mind that 1,000 micrograms |
| prevent insomnia. Melatonin, which is produced by | | | | (mcg) is equal to 1 milligram (mg), so a 200mcg |
| the pineal gland, sets the body's internal clock in | | | | pill, which is a common dosage form, contains only |
| response to exposure to light. The body creates | | | | 1/15 of the amount recommended for a large |
| melatonin only in total darkness (the pineal gland | | | | dog. |
| stops production when any part of the body, | | | | Whenever a thunderstorm is predicted, give the |
| even the back of the leg, is exposed to light). In | | | | dog melatonin before you leave for the day. The |
| humans, melatonin has been shown to calm the | | | | supplement remains effective for several hours. |
| nerves, reduce anxiety, relieve panic disorders, | | | | Otherwise, give it whenever thunder seems |
| prevent migraine headaches and facilitate deep | | | | imminent. If the dog becomes agitated, give the |
| sleep. In birds and other animals in the wild, | | | | melatonin immediately. It may not be as effective |
| melatonin levels trigger spring reproduction, fall | | | | on a dog that is already highly aggitated, |
| migration, and winter hibernation. Actually, | | | | however, giving it may prevent the situation form |
| hibernation is what brought melatonin to dogs with | | | | getting worse. Melatonin's benefits may be |
| thunderstorm/noise phobias. | | | | cumulative with a maximum benefit occurring by |
| Melatonin has helped some noise-phobic dogs go | | | | the third day. |
| from being panicked to only mildly concerned with | | | | Are there any dogs that shouldn't take melatonin? |
| thunder or other loud noises such as fireworks | | | | It has been said that you shouldn't give melatonin |
| and gunshots (it has not been found to be | | | | to humans with autoimmune disorders, so check |
| effective in other stressful situations, only when | | | | with your veterinarian before giving it to your dog. |
| noise is a major factor). It isn't a sedative. Your | | | | However, it has been given to dogs with |
| dog will stay awake and alert. Instead of being | | | | autoimmune disease, elderly dogs that had a |
| extremely afraid during a thunderstorm, a dog | | | | number of diseases, dogs with heart problems |
| may just simply stop being afraid. | | | | and dogs with other illnesses, without any serious |
| It is not quite known how melatonin works, but it | | | | side effects. So again, you must consult your |
| has an acute effect on the central nervous | | | | veterinarian before giving it to your dog if it has |
| system's neurotransmitters, which are chemicals | | | | an illness. |
| that transmit nerve impulses. It appears that | | | | The long term safety of melatonin |
| melatonin increases serotonin production and that | | | | supplementation has been debated by physicians |
| it is a major inhibitor of dopamine release. | | | | and many holistic health experts warn against |
| Dopamine and serotonin are the important | | | | taking it for more than ocasional, short term use. |
| neurotransmitters involved in behavior. It may also | | | | However, no clinical trials have been conducted on |
| have something to do with cortisol levels. | | | | its actions in dogs. Over-the-counter melatonin is |
| You may find Melatonin in health food stores, | | | | not recommended for children because any |
| pharmacies and some supermarkets. It comes in | | | | hormone supplement may disrupt the developing |
| a number of forms and a wide variety of | | | | endocrine system, so it is believed that it shouldn't |
| dosages, so make sure to examine the labels | | | | be given to puppies for the same reason. As |
| carefully and select a product that contains the | | | | always consult your veterinarian. |
| proper dosage for dogs. Make sure that it does | | | | That's all for now, folks! |