Melatonin for Dogs with Cushing’s: Benefits and Guidance

Being a dog parent can be a very difficult situation when you get to know that your dog has Cushing’s disease which results in increased appetite and a loss of hair. Although there are medical treatments available nowadays, many dog owners have opted for melatonin as a natural treatment.

Melatonin is commonly known as a sleeping-inducing medicine but for dogs with Cushing’s disease, it is working rather well for treating its symptoms. If you wish to know if melatonin is suitable for your furry friend and what its role is in this case, then worry not we will cover all the details of using melatonin to treat dogs with Cushing’s disease which includes working the treatment and how to safely use it and any additional options you may have.

What Is Cushing’s Disease in Dogs?

Overview Of Cushing’s Disease

Cushing’s syndrome occurs in dogs because of the production of a certain hormone cortisol from the adrenal gland in excess. This particular hormone is referred to as a stress hormone as it is essential for the body’s functioning and has a lot of different tasks to accomplish. But like any other hormone, an excess of cortisol can lead to a plethora of health problems.

Common Causes

There are several possible reasons as to why dogs develop Cushing’s disease. For starters, it could be due to long-term intake of steroid medications that could cause pituitary-dependent or adrenal-dependent tumors. Regardless of the reason, all dog breeds can be affected, but the chance is higher in smaller-sized dogs and the older geriatric ranges.

Possible Signs of Cushing’s Disease

In order to properly treat your dog, it is essential that you notice Cushing’s disease symptoms at the early stage. The following symptoms are crucial:

• Increased appetite and water intake along with frequent urination.
• Loss of fur and thinning of coat.
• Pudginess or a pot-bellied aspect.
• Lethargy or muscle weakness.
• More frequent skin and urinary bladder infections.

Reach out to a professional if you notice any symptoms or side effects in your dog, as they would be able to assist you with it best.

How Melatonin Helps Dogs with Cushing’s Disease

Melatonin is a type of natural hormone. It is a hormone that is produced by the pineal gland in the body and is most widely known for its role in sleeping and many other essential functions too which it performs.

Benefits of Melatonin for Cushing’s in Dogs

During the treatment of Cushing’s Disease, melatonin works as a moderator in more than one way. This includes:

• Smoothens Hormonal Overdrive: Cortisol production will proceed to a lower sphere due to the control of adrenal overactivity, hence production of excessive cortisol levels will be restrained. 
• Immunomodulation: Antioxidants can enhance immune function in dogs. 
• Improved Sleep Patterns: Canines suffering from panic attacks like sleep deprivation can greatly benefit from melatonin. Many dogs suffering from Cushing’s are restless and melatonin helps alleviate these symptoms, causing sleep. 
• Stimulates Skin, Hair Regrowth, And Repair: It could be beneficial in hair loss and skin infections as it may aid in skin healing and hair regrowth. 

Adrenal Gland Support

It becomes much more effective in conjunction with flaxseed which contains plant compounds known as lignans. These substances assist in the management of adrenal insufficiency in dogs experiencing Cushing symptoms without the use of drugs.

Dosage and Administration of Melatonin for Dogs

Safe Dosage for Dogs with Cushing’s

Dosage is recommended after determining the body size, age, and intensity of the symptoms.

The following is recommended for dogs of variable sizes, as a rule of thumb:  

• Small dogs (10 lbs or less): Melatonin 1 mg, ages 1-2 are recommended to take this twice daily.
• Medium dogs (10–25 lbs): Melatonin of 1mg to up to 3 mg, recommended for both ages 1-2, duration should follow the same twice-a-day rule of thumb.
• Large dogs (Over 25 lbs): 3-6mg, I cannot emphasize how important it is to keep taking it twice on a daily basis.

These numbers feel generous but always remember to consult a vet first. It’s better to be safe than sorry.  

These Dosages can Vary Because of the Following Factors:

• The size of your Dog and how much they weigh.
• If they have Cushing’s disease, then the dose will vary according to the intensity of the symptoms displayed.
• Pre-existing health issues or medication that the Dog is currently consuming.

 Tips for Administering Melatonin

• Pick the plain melatonin supplements that do not have Xylitol because it’s lethal to dogs. 
• Mix it with food so the stomach doesn’t get upset. 
• If consistent, you will surely see the desired results and effects.

Potential Side Effects and Precautions

Side Effects That Are Considered Normal

Melatonin is deemed to be safe for the use of dogs, however, side effects are bound to happen which includes:

• Feeling tired.
• Stomach issues.
• Small changes in behavior (either feeling more calm or more agitated).

Precautions to Keep in Mind

• Before a pet starts the use of melatonin medication, a veterinarian needs to be consulted first. This is important to consider because certain dogs with specific medical conditions like diabetes or bleeding disorders are advised against taking melatonin.
• In cases of severe Cushing’s illness, melatonin is not encouraged to be used in place of pre-existing treatment methods such as medication or therapy.

For other medication or existing health conditions, your doctor will assess whether it can be used as part of the treatment plan or not.

Alternatives to Melatonin for Cushing’s Disease 

I have a friend who has a dog who takes melatonin and it is effective for them, however, it should be noted that there are multiple choices one can choose from.

Additional Cures and Treatments

• Lignans Less is needed to use them with melatonin because they prevent the production of higher amounts of cortisol that is associated with a lack of sleep due to melatonin deficiency.
• Dietary changes which include increased amounts of protein while lowering the consumption of fat can bolster adrenal health.

Prescription Medications 

Prescribed medications should not be consumed without a veterinarian’s assessment such as trilostane (Vetoryl) or mitotane (Lysodren) are more effective with increased severity of symptoms. These medications should always follow a doctor’s guidelines as they can have side effects otherwise.

Enable Your Dog to Flourish   

Owning and taking care of a dog suffering from Cushing’s disease is not an easy thing but natural treatments such as melatonin can help significantly. It is able to help enhance adrenal function and activity and also improves sleep, and coat integrity while continuing to be a safe and effective supplement with a wide use capability but much lesser risk use.

Balanced out, a dog owner will be looking at two completely different dogs. Always take your veterinarian into confidence to make sure that it is appropriate for your dog in the first instance to use melatonin. You will then work together to administer the best possible maintenance to the dog.

Conclusion

In many cases, Cushing’s disease in dogs may present hormonal imbalance, poor sleep, and low overall health. Fortunately, these symptoms can be improved through the use of melatonin with Iafi. According to the veterinarian, melatonin is effective and safe for dogs but it should still be used with attention. With a proper treatment strategy in place, it is still manageable to help your dog live a healthy and happy life while managing Cushing’s disease.

FAQs About Melatonin for Dogs With Cushing’s

1. Can Melatonin Cure Cushing’s Disease in Dogs?

Churwitch 2017 said, that melatonin helps in reducing the symptoms but cannot be used as a treatment for Cushing’s disease, thus means there is no cure for it.

It’s a recommended treatment that can be used to help your dog’s better health.

2. How Long Does It Take to See Results?

With respect to other dogs, some dogs will start responding to treatment within a couple of weeks, while others may take a little longer. In either case, what is important in using this increasingly is that it should be done together with the vet checking for results over time.

3. Can You Take Melatonin With Other Drugs? Is It Safe?

In many cases yes it can be, but my recommendation is always to check with your veterinarian before doing so as you don’t want any side effects.

Sources

• American Kennel Club (AKC) – Cushing’s Disease in Dogs
• PetMD – Melatonin for Dogs: Uses and Benefits