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Do you take melatonin gummies to sleep better at night? Has your dog eaten a melatonin gummy? Then you’ve come to the right place!
What are Melatonin Gummies?
Melatonin gummies are supplements that contain melatonin. They’re made into cute gummy shapes, which are perfect for anyone who has trouble swallowing pills.
Melatonin is a hormone that is used to regulate our sleep cycles. Some people low in this hormone have a very difficult time sleeping. However, if they use the supplement, some people have reported sleeping better than ever. Melatonin helps you fall asleep harder and faster. These are safe for people who may be unable to take sleeping medications.
It’s interesting to note that melatonin is sometimes used to treat dogs. It’s been used to treat anxiety, insomnia, alopecia (hair loss), and more.
Will Melatonin Hurt My Dog?
In most cases, if your dog’s eaten just one pill (depending on the pill’s dose and your dog’s size), your fur baby should be OK. However, if the dose was too big, then your dog could show these symptoms:
- Drowsiness
- Upset stomach
- Loss of coordination
- High blood pressure
- Seizures
You should always call the vet if you’re worried about any symptoms your dog is showing. Your vet will have the information needed to see if they need to see your dog or not.
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Ask a Vet Live NowXylitol in Melatonin Gummies
While most dogs will be OK after eating one melatonin gummy, you’ll want to check the product’s packaging. Take a look at the melatonin bottle and read the label. Did the gummies contain xylitol? If so, then you should call the vet right away. Let them know the dose of the pill, and they’ll let you know if you need to bring your dog in or not.
The problem with xylitol is that it is extremely toxic to dogs and can be fatal.
What Should I Do If My Dog Has Eaten Melatonin?
The first thing to do is not panic. Next, remove any uneaten melatonin gummies from your dog’s mouth. Be sure to pick up any melatonin that may be scattered across the floor.
Try to determine how much melatonin your dog has eaten. You can find dosage information on the product packaging, where it lists how much melatonin is in each gummy. Then try to see if you can tell how many gummies your dog has eaten. Also, try to determine at about what time your dog ate the gummy or gummies. Give all of this information to the vet.
In most cases, a dog may show symptoms within 20-30 minutes after eating the melatonin gummies.
Also, check the product packaging to see if the melatonin gummies contain xylitol.
What is Xylitol?
Xylitol is an artificial sweetener that’s low in calories. The sweetener has become extremely popular in the last few years. It’s used as a sugar substitute in a wide range of products, including gum, peanut butter, and more. While xylitol is considered safe for human consumption, it is extremely toxic to dogs.
Xylitol causes a rapid release of insulin and then a sharp drop in a dog’s blood sugar levels. The result is hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Xylitol can also cause liver failure and death in dogs. Symptoms can appear within 30-60 minutes after it’s eaten.
Symptoms of Xylitol Poisoning in Dogs
You may notice these symptoms if your dog has ingested xylitol, these are mainly caused by a sudden reduction in your dog’s blood sugar levels:
- Tremors
- Vomiting
- Lethargy
- Weakness
- Lack of coordination
- Inability to move
- Seizures
- Collapse
- Coma
Symptoms of xylitol poisoning usually appear within 30 minutes after the dog ingested it; however, they may not appear for up to 12 hours after your dog eats melatonin gummies.
If you notice any of these symptoms in your dog, be sure to call the vet immediately.
While melatonin may be safe for dogs, never give your dog this supplement unless the vet has advised this. And always read the product packaging when your dog does get into something he shouldn’t. The product could contain toxic substances, such as xylitol, that could make him very sick. You could try cbd for pets.
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Aisling O'Keeffe, MVB CertSAM ISFMCertAdvFB
This article has been reviewed and approved by an independent Veterinarian: Aisling qualified as a vet 7 years ago from University College Dublin. She has worked in a mixture of UK small animal hospitals along with Irish practices. She worked for 3 years in a feline-only hospital where she further developed her feline medicine and surgery skills. She currently lives and works in a small animal hospital in Cork, Ireland.
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