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Dog ate melatonin with xylitol. Is it toxic? What should I do?
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Dog ate a melatonin pill that I dropped. The pill contains xylitol. Is melatonin safe for him? Will he be okay since xylitol is dangerous for dogs?
2 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Answered By Daniela Jessen, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on December 31st, 2018
Hi,
It is hard to say without more specific information about the dose , concentration of the ingested xylitol. In general a dose of 50 milligrams (mg) of xylitol per pound of body weight (which is 100mg/kg) considered toxic. Xylitol will cause rapid release of insulin which causes a rapid and profound decrease in the level of blood sugar (hypoglycemia), an effect that occurs within 10-60 minutes of eating the xylitol. Untreated, this hypoglycemia can be life-threatening. Signs of hypoglycemia may include: vomiting, weakness, lack of coordination, difficulty walking or standing, lethargy, tremors, seizures and coma.
If your dog ate toxic amount take him to the vet ASAP, if not yet showing signs induction of vomiting may be done and if there are signs he will need immediate treatment.
If you'd like you can post the question again with the amount in the tablet.
With melatonin there are some conditions where it is given to dogs again at the right dose. again more information about the dose is crucial here. I also have no information about your dog body weight but small dog will normally treated with 1 mg tablet and medium dog 1.5mg.
Hope that's help and you can post again with information needed : weight of the dog, dosage of xylitol and melatonin ingested or ask for a private consult.
It is hard to say without more specific information about the dose , concentration of the ingested xylitol. In general a dose of 50 milligrams (mg) of xylitol per pound of body weight (which is 100mg/kg) considered toxic. Xylitol will cause rapid release of insulin which causes a rapid and profound decrease in the level of blood sugar (hypoglycemia), an effect that occurs within 10-60 minutes of eating the xylitol. Untreated, this hypoglycemia can be life-threatening. Signs of hypoglycemia may include: vomiting, weakness, lack of coordination, difficulty walking or standing, lethargy, tremors, seizures and coma.
If your dog ate toxic amount take him to the vet ASAP, if not yet showing signs induction of vomiting may be done and if there are signs he will need immediate treatment.
If you'd like you can post the question again with the amount in the tablet.
With melatonin there are some conditions where it is given to dogs again at the right dose. again more information about the dose is crucial here. I also have no information about your dog body weight but small dog will normally treated with 1 mg tablet and medium dog 1.5mg.
Hope that's help and you can post again with information needed : weight of the dog, dosage of xylitol and melatonin ingested or ask for a private consult.
6Pet Parents found this answer helpfulRelated Answers from Veterinarians
Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS
Veterinarian
Published on March 2nd, 2020
Typically you see signs of xylitol toxicity 15-30 minutes after ingestion. If it's been an hour, she may be ok but monitor Middy tonight closely. Any concerning signs, get her into an ER vet right away. Otherwise, have her seen by her vet tomorrow.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful