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My dog is aggressive at the vet. Can melatonin help with anxiety?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Small (up to 22lb) | Male | neutered | 3 years and 3 months old | 16 lbs

Is melatonin okay to use before vet exam? Dog gets aggressive and anxious during vet visits.

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Rodrigo Roca, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on November 1st, 2018

Hello, thank you for your question.

I’m sorry to hear that visits to the vet are stressful for Luke. Yes, melatonin can be safely given to dogs. There are other medications that can also be used to help with anxiety prior to vet visits (gabapentin, Benadryl, acepromazine). I would recommend contacting your veterinarian to discuss which product they prefer and to get accurate dosing for Luke.

Hope this helps!

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on January 25th, 2020
I agree with your vet, the melatonin would be best. Dogs, especially a large 70 pound dog, would take a very large dose of lorazepam or alprazolam. They metabolize those drugs quickly so a large dose is needed - a small dose would do nothing. While those drugs can be given to dogs, I suggest you ask your vet before giving either of those drugs since they have your dogs entire medical history. It is contraindicated to give Anipryl along with certain antidepressants, opioids and benzodiazepines.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Leigh, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on December 19th, 2016
I am sorry that your dog is having anxiety issues. Melatonin is used by some to treat anxiety. I have had success with Adaptil collar/diffuser and Composure treats. You could try them and see if they help. If not, talk to your vet about Prozac or Trazodone. Some dogs really do need medication to help.

http://www.adaptil.com/us/
http://www.vetriscience.com/index.php?l=product_detail&p=900780060
6Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Jennifer Ladd, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on November 22nd, 2019
How about trying something like Trazodone instead? Trazodone works to increase Seratonin in the brain, and can cause relaxation and even mild sedation at high doses. I prefer to use this for cases of anxiety. If you choose to persist with Melatonin, I would use a reputable company like Thorne.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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