My dog ate melatonin — what should I do?
YELLOW — Call your vet today
What to do now
- Call your regular vet today (or a poison hotline if after hours).
- Watch closely for the symptoms below; if they appear or worsen, go to an emergency vet.
- Remove any remaining material and keep packaging/labels — the vet will want product names and amounts.
- Do not induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control expert tells you to.
- Note the time it was eaten, roughly how much, and your dog's weight.
Why it's a problem
Melatonin itself has a wide safety margin in dogs, but many gummies contain xylitol.
Symptoms to watch for
Sleepiness, mild stomach upset.
When: 1-2 hours
⚠️ If the product contains xylitol -> RED.
Frequently asked questions
Is melatonin dangerous for dogs?
It can be. Melatonin itself has a wide safety margin in dogs, but many gummies contain xylitol. Call your vet today for advice.
What are the symptoms if my dog ate melatonin?
Sleepiness, mild stomach upset.
How soon do symptoms appear after a dog eats melatonin?
1-2 hours
Is there anything else to know about melatonin?
If the product contains xylitol -> RED.
What should I do if my dog ate melatonin?
Call your regular vet today (or a poison hotline if after hours). Watch closely for the symptoms below; if they appear or worsen, go to an emergency vet.
Who can I call for help?
ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888) 426-4435 or Pet Poison Helpline (855) 764-7661, both 24/7 (fees may apply), or your nearest emergency vet.
Dose guidance
No reliable dog-specific threshold is published for home use, so any amount should be discussed with your vet or a poison hotline.
⚖️ Evidence note: No firm overdose threshold published; risk is mostly from xylitol.
Sources
Last verified against these sources: 2026-10-13. Where sources disagree, PawPanic uses the more conservative guidance.
Also known as: melatonin gummies · Category: Medication · Last reviewed 2026-10-14