Does melatonin calm dogs during thunder storms if they are afraid? Is it safe? Where can it be bought?

Question

I have tried everything else and she continually destroys things such as wooden poles. Plz help!

Answer 1

I use rescue remedy. Pyrs are a pain and I use it for them a lot to crate. You can get rescue remedy at the health food store like GNC. You can also give it to the children. Completely safe.

Only take a few drops the bottle will last a while.
http://www.vitacost.com/productResults.aspx?csrc=PPCADW-remedy_rescue&N=32+2008053

Answer 2

I'd say yes to the melatonin, when you do a Google search for this, the consensus is that it helps a lot with separation anxiety and thunder phobia. Health food stores will have it, I believe the dosage is 3 mg per 20 lbs of dog body weight.
But I would also try to work on the thunder phobia too, don't just give her a pill and hope for the best. There are lots of websites that discuss how to help your dog with this. Playing with your dog may or may not help - if your dog finds playing rewarding, this would work. But if not, you may inadvertently associate the toys and playtime with a fearful situation for the dog.

Answer 3

My boxer dog also go completely mad if there is thunder out side. Also bites her wooden basket to pieces. I found it helps to just keep the dog inside the house and turn up the volume of your music or TV. That actually help my dog to calm down and sleep. Something I will never understand is why my dog leaves the safety of her doghouse and go and hide underneath a bush in our garden, in the soaking rain!

But if you wanna give your dog melatonin you would have to consult the vet for the correct dosage.

Answer 4

Melatonin is a natural sleep aid for humans. I would ask the vet about giving it to my dog.
It can be bought at health food stores or grocery stores that sell organic foods....like Whole Foods Grocery store.
It is meant to be taken only at night to enhance deep sleep rhythm. Not to be taken during the day.
There are many sites on natural pet calming aids that may help you find something for the thunder-storms.

Answer 5

Hi. Melatonin is safe with dogs. It doesn't harm them at all. It's basically the same thing that is in calm pills at petco. But they can only take one pill for every dose. I give it to my shepherd during thunder storms and it helps in moderation. Good luck. O and you can get it at walmart.

Answer 6

don't drug your dog...just play with him! if it storms and you get out the balls and bones and whatever else you have and play some chase of just wrestle on the floor i gurantee you that in time your dog will not freak out at storms, he will think it's playtime and come wagging his tail.

we learned this trick from our dog trainer, even though sawyer, our pup isn't bothered by storms.

same thing if there is something outside that bothers him while on a walk...just distract him and he won't even know it's there.

take care.

Answer 7

do not pet your dog if he is acting nervous during a thunderstorm,,, this will make matters worse as he will construe it as praise for what he is doing ( acting nervous) simple stay calm and let him sit by you during the storm,, preferably have him on a leash and do not make a big deal about the storm yourself

Answer 8

crating is great for dogs that spook during storms. i had a basenji that would go crazy when i left the house -- my neighbors would tell me -- then i discovered crating. melatonin takes about an hour to make it to your brain -- you can buy it at walmart but i doubt it would work in this case.