Dog Lovers Should Know About Melatonin for Dogs: Not Just for Sleep
What if I told you melatonin could help your dog live longer? Your dog’s lifespan is shorter than humans, averaging only 11 years old. Why do dogs age faster than us? Dogs don’t have a lot of natural defenses. Their skin is thinner than ours, and their bones are more brittle, making them more prone to disease and injury. In addition, Melatonin for dogs: not just for sleep. As it ages, their bodies produce less melatonin and are more susceptible to free radicals and oxidative damage that can lead to heart disease and cancer.
So what does melatonin do for your dog? Here’s a short list:
- Melatonin is a natural hormone in our bodies and helps regulate our circadian rhythms (sleep-wake cycles).
- Dogs can have a similar melatonin production to humans, although their peak levels are much lower than in humans.
- When dogs get older, they may have trouble sleeping at night due to age-related issues. There have been many studies in recent years suggesting that melatonin supplementation could help relieve these symptoms.
- It seems that supplementing with melatonin will increase the amount of melatonin in the body.
- There is no need to give your dog any special diet while taking melatonin; regular diets are fine.
- You should give your dog melatonin for about a week before bedtime to see the results. Start with just 10 mg daily, and work your way up to 15 mg if necessary.
- If you notice that your dog’s behavior changes after starting to take melatonin, you should contact your veterinarian immediately.
Some effects of the hormone melatonin is:
- It promotes a healthier liver.
- It increases muscle mass and keeps muscles lean and muscular.
- It helps reduce inflammation.
- It reduces anxiety and nervousness.
- It boosts serotonin production.
- It helps heal wounds, including burns.
- It improves circulation and oxygenation.
- It decreases pain sensitivity.
- It helps maintain bone density.
Melatonin does more than help our bodies stay awake at night; it also regulates various body systems throughout the day. Melatonin helps regulate the circadian rhythm cycles (sleep-wake cycles), hormones, digestion, energy levels, immune function, and blood pressure. When taken in supplement form, melatonin may have anti-inflammatory effects, improve liver function, speed wound healing, provide antioxidant protection, and boost the immune system. Melatonin is often recommended for pets to treat insomnia, allergies, seizures, arthritis, cancer, and many other conditions.
If all of this sounds good, try melatonin supplements for your dog. You’ll find reputable brands online and in pet stores. Remember that melatonin isn’t a replacement for veterinary care or proper nutrition!