Melatonin for thunderstorms.

Hello Dr Marie, Buster is 25lbs and not on any medications. He walks over a mile a day and is otherwise healthy. We are away on vacation and there are fireworks all around us and will be for 4 days. He hates them. He shakes and becomes extremely anxious. My Mom said her dog used to take Melatonin for thunderstorms and fireworks. What do you suggest? Thank you in advance for your time and attention. Terry

Thank you for the information. We are going to try the secluded area first. But, if that doesn't work I may try the Melatonin ivy itself. Based on your research tonight, what amount would you suggest I start him with and how often? Did you read about any major side effects I should consider? Thank you.

Thanks for the info. As an attorney, I'm aware that you cannot prescribe, but it was good to discuss our options. If we decide to use the melatonin, I'll let you know how it goes. Before contacting you, I searched the net on the subject and saw that people do use it as an option, but you can't always trust the Internet and you can rarely get ahold of my Vet! So, it was nice to have your expertise available to us. I'll also keep you in mind for future questions. I think I added you to my iPhone after reading about you in "Woman's World" magazine. Have a great weekend.

Well unfortunately, Buster did not respond well to the closet seclusion. He suffered all day Saturday due to firecrackers and other noise-makers. He was very anxious, shaking and unable to relax at all. So, we did give him 1mg of Melatonin at about 8:30 pm on Saturday. As a result, Buster learned what it truly felt like to relax on vacation! It was really amazing! Within half an hour of taking the med, he became very calm while still awake, and within the hour he even ate his food that he'd been ignoring for 2 days. He remained calm, yet alert, for the rest of the night. He lounged around indoors; he never resumed his usual shaking and never once sought to be picked up or tried to get out of the house or yard - all of which he had been doing almost non-stop during the noise previously. During the fireworks' finale, he picked up his head and looked around for a minute, but that was it. It was like a little miracle! There were no noticable side effects, and the next morning he was very well-rested and extra frisky. It was really very nice. It changed our whole weekend. We gave him another mg on Sunday eve when the noise began and again Monday night with the same results. He was a bit anxious when outside near the noise, but indoors it was as if nothing was happening even though the noise was easily heard indoors and had previously greatly upset him. I will use it again for the next fireworks and for any expected prolonged thunderstorms. Thanks for your help.