Dog · Canis lupus familiaris · typical adult weight 2.00–80.00 kg
Melatonin is used in dog for Alopecia X, anxiety, Cushing's adjunct. Routes documented in dog: PO. A typical adult dog weighs 2.00–80.00 kg. ExoticRx lists 1 cited dose rule for Melatonin in dog, drawn from published veterinary references. Verify against current literature before clinical use.
Trade names: Melatonin
| Route | Dose | Frequency | Duration | Indication | Evidence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PO | 3–6 mg per dog | q8-12h | Long-term | Alopecia X, anxiety, Cushing's adjunct | Weak | Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 9th Ed |
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These ranges are per kg. Enter your dog's weight to get the precise dose and draw-up volume — unit and concentration math done for you.
Activates MT1 and MT2 receptors. Modulates circadian rhythms, reproductive cyclicity, and coat growth. Anti-adrenal effects via inhibition of cortisol synthesis.
Used for alopecia X (hair loss), Cushing's disease adjunct, and reproductive management in ferrets. Avoid xylitol-containing products. Generally very safe.
Species-specific contraindications and adverse-reaction reports for dog may differ from canine / feline reference data — consult the primary citations listed with each rule.
Why a species-specific page? Melatonin pharmacokinetics differ across species: dose ranges, intervals, and route preferences are not interchangeable. Cross-extrapolation from canine doses is unsafe in dog — the rules above are the citations specific to this species, not generic recommendations.
Sourced from published veterinary references; awaiting credentialed clinical reviewer. See our editorial process. Reference only — not veterinary advice.