Home

>

Cat

>

Health & Wellbeing

>

Melatonin in Veterinary Medicine - Facts and Information

Melatonin

Updated on September 10, 2024

Melatonin is a hormone that may calm pets, help reduce stress and anxiety, and might even stimulate hair growth in dogs.

Melatonin

Summary

Used For:

Sleep and behavior disorder in dogs and cats, non-allergic alopecia (hair loss) in dogs, adrenal gland disorders

Brands:

Regulin®

Species:

Dogs, cats, ferrets, horses

Drug type:

Behavior

Pregnancy and lactation:

Not recommended for use in pregnant or lactating animals.

Side effects:

Sedation, potential infertility
 

General description

While Melatonin may not require a prescription, it is important to know supplements are generally not held to the same safety and efficacy standards as prescription medications but still have biological effects on the patient. Review goals and share all vitamins, supplements, medications etc. your pet is taking with your veterinarian to not only set expectations and confirm this treatment route is your best option, but also to help avoid complications. Be sure to follow all instructions provided by your vet carefully and consult your veterinarian with any questions or concerns if they arise. Melatonin as a supplement, does not have significant studies to prove its efficacy on various animal species, however it is a hormone supplement that has anecdotal evidence to support a number of potential uses in animals, including the stimulation of hair growth in dogs, managing sleep disorders, generalized anxiety improvement, managing adrenal disorders in ferrets, and seasonal head shaking syndrome in horses.

Uses

sleep disorders, destructive behavior, fear disorders, separation anxiety, stimulation of hair growth in dogs, seasonal head shaking syndrome in horses, adrenal disorders in ferrets

How it works

Melatonin works by mimicking the natural hormone produced in the body that helps eliminate stress and anxiety, and also promotes hair regrowth.

Dosage

*Information provided below outlines what a typical dose might look like. Always consult your veterinarian on the appropriate dose for your specific animal when using any vitamin, supplement, off-label or prescription products. Some vets may prescribe outside of these ranges based on specific needs of the patient. Dogs: 1 – 12 milligrams per dog 1-3 times per day depending upon the dog’s size and intended use. Cats: 1.5 – 6 milligrams per cat orally 1-2 times a day. Ferrets: 0.5 – 1 milligrams per ferret orally once a day. Horses: 12 – 15 milligrams per horse orally once a day.

Forms

Melatonin tablets are available in a variety of strengths and range from 0.5 to 3 milligram tablets. It may also be available in a liquid or implant form. It can also be found in a variety of different combination supplements. When administering a liquid form be sure to measure carefully to avoid an overdose.

Storage information & handling

Ensure labeled instructions are followed. Tablets or capsules should be stored at room temperature in a tight, light resistant, and childproof container out of the reach of pets and children.

What results can I expect?

The drug should produce a calming effect and may reduce stress and anxiety. Melatonin can also help to stimulate hair growth in certain dogs with non-allergic alopecia (hair loss).

Missed Dosage

For oral administration of melatonin, always try to give the medication dose at the same time each day. If a dose is missed, give it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and give the next dose at the usual time.

Overdose / acute toxicity

Acute overdose may cause vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, and sedation. If you think your pet has had an overdose, seek veterinarian care immediately.

Side effects

Very little information is available regarding side effects as few studies have been performed at this time. Side effects should be uncommon but may include: *Sedation *Weight gain *Changes in fertility that may vary depending on species treated *If an implant is placed, abscess may occur at the implant site *It is possible that side effects associated with human studies/reports of melatonin use may also affect animals.

Contraindications

*Previous sensitivity *Sexually immature animals *Pregnant animals *Liver disease *Kidney disease

Drug interactions

Consult your veterinarian before using melatonin with any other medications, even vitamins and supplements. Benzodiazepines and succinylcholine may interact with melatonin.

Precaution

Avoid use in pregnant or sexually immature animals. Use with caution in animals with existing liver and/or kidney disease.

Laboratory considerations

May reduce cortisol and estradiol levels

Sources

Plumb’s Veterinary Drug Handbook

Related Questions

left image

My dog I heated uses tampon is it an emergency

Unfortunately I'm having a little trouble understand your question as I'm not sure what you mean by "My dog I heated uses tampons..." I'm wondering if Bella ate a tampon or if you wanted to use one on her while she is in heat. I will answer both to be safe. If she ate a tampon, then yes this is a medical emergency and she has to see a vet now. Tampons can easily cause obstructions in the GI tract, especially since they are absorbent and can get large in the stomach from liquid in there. if Bella ate a tampon, you need to take her into a vet immediately to get it removed. If she is on heat, no you cannot use a tampon to control her bleeding. It's not safe to use at all, and are not meant for dogs. You can put a diaper on her to catch any bloody discharge. There are dog specific diapers online and at pets stores, or you can use one made of a human child. Just cut a hole in it for her tail. Hopefully this answers your question. If it doesn't, I'm sorry and ask you post again in the forum for free to it can get answered!

Read More

I have a cat that as a kitten was very ill. We got him from 7 months old. We knew he’d had cat flu prior to him coming here. He is now nearly 5 yrs old. He picks huge fights with our other cat. He keeps urinating and scratching at doors and windows around the house. We allow him to go out via the cat flap unlimited. What is happening to him

I'm glad to see that Pippin has been neutered because this eliminates that possibility of hormone-fueled behavioral changes and aggression. Behavioral changes in cats can occur at any point in time, and could be related to anxiety or stressful situations (even rearranging furniture or introducing new people to the home can be stressful to cats). Without a lot more information and observing Pippin's behaviors, I can't precisely tell you why these changes are occurring. It may be best to consult a veterinary behaviorist in your home so that they can observe everything firsthand. You can also try using calming pheromone collars or diffusers (Feliway is one example), and discussing the use of anxiety medication with Pippin's vet. I hope that all goes well!

Read More

Hi! My cat was recently diagnosed with diabetes. He’s taking insulin and taking antibiotics for a Uti. It’s been 4 weeks and he wobles when he’s walking. He can’t jump up on the bed like he used to.He’s blood sugar is 250 it’s better than it used to. I don’t understand why he’s so wobbly.

Cats can develop what's called diabetic neuropathy, where their hindlegs become progressively weak. The best thing to do is try to get his diabetes under control as quickly as possible. Here is a link describing the conditon: http://www.diabeticcatcare.com/DCCCOK/Neuropathy.htm

Read More

My senior cat has metastized cancer.17 yrs old. My vet gave her predizone1 and one half tabs a day.i wanted to know if i can just stop the meds.

Is there a reason you want to stop the prednisone? I would recommend not stopping it and if you feel it is better to stop the prednisone then I would recommend weaning off of the prednisone. I would discuss how to wean the prednisone with your veterinarian. Thank you for using Boop by Petco.

Read More

My dog has an ear infection

Sorry to hear Marley isn't doing so well with his ears. It is not possible to tell from tge picture tve exact nature of the irritation but if it is indeed infected (typically red, hot, painful and smelly), he will need prescription medication from his regular vet. In the meantime I recommend gently cleaning tge outer war with cotton wool and a pet safe ear cleaner to reduce the build up of wax/discharge

Read More

My dog vomited a pinkish colour. Does this look like blood vomit? She doesn’t have diarrhoea or anything else. Yesterday i fed her plain chicken with rice.

That is very red vomit, however, this color could be linked to a number of things including blood in the vomit, inflammation of the GI tract, having chewed on a toy this color, eaten a food item this color, or gotten into a plant or other item this color. If the vomiting continues, worsens, or other symptoms appear such as a painful or bloated abdomen, diarrhea or blood in the stool, or severe distress, I would schedule a veterinary appointment right away to rule out more severe issues. In the meantime I would continue the bland diet for 24 hours, and monitor for any additional vomiting or illness symptoms.

Read More

right image
image

Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Book Now

Disclaimer

The information contained on this page is for educational purposes only. This medication should only be given under the advice of a veterinarian who has examined your pet under the laws applicable to your state of residence.