Related Products
Related Products
Melatonin: A Natural Ally for Humans and Dogs in Mental Health and Healing
Allen Rippy, Veterinarian, Author
Jul 15, 2025
6 min read
Melatonin, often celebrated as the body’s natural sleep hormone, has emerged as a powerful and versatile tool for both human and canine mental health. Produced by the pineal gland in response to darkness, melatonin helps regulate circadian rhythms—but its benefits go far beyond bedtime.
In humans, research shows melatonin can significantly ease anxiety, especially anticipatory stress before surgery or major life events. Studies have also found it improves sleep quality in those suffering from insomnia or depression, acting not as a sedative, but as a rhythm stabilizer—bringing calm to a body thrown off course. In older adults, melatonin has shown promise in early intervention for mild cognitive impairment and dementia, helping restore natural sleep cycles and potentially slowing neurodegenerative decline.
But here’s where things get really interesting: our dogs benefit from melatonin in many of the same ways.
In veterinary medicine, melatonin is increasingly used to help dogs with anxiety—especially separation anxiety and noise phobias (think thunderstorms or fireworks). It promotes a sense of calm without the side effects of prescription sedatives. Just like in humans, it also helps aging dogs with cognitive dysfunction syndrome (doggie dementia), re-establishing natural sleep-wake patterns and reducing nighttime restlessness.
Melatonin’s antioxidant properties play an added role in overall immune health and inflammation reduction—key benefits for aging dogs and humans alike.
The takeaway? Melatonin isn’t just a sleep supplement. It’s a neurochemical ally in stress relief, cognitive balance, and emotional regulation. Whether in a young adult struggling with anxiety or a senior Lab losing her bearings at night, melatonin gently reminds the body and mind what peace feels like.
As with all supplements, especially for pets, consult your healthcare or veterinary provider before starting melatonin. But for many, this little molecule offers a quiet kind of magic—one night at a time.