Essential Oils and Melatonin as Functional Ingredients in Dogs

August 2022 in “ Animals ”

Domingo Ruiz-Cano, Ginés Sánchez-Carrasco, Amina El Mihyaoui, Marino B. Arnao

essential oils melatonin seasonal alopecia hair regrowth skin health EOs

TLDR Essential oils may improve dogs' health and melatonin can help with their sleep and anxiety, but both should be used carefully.

The review discusses the potential health benefits of essential oils (EOs) and melatonin in dogs. EOs, plant-based compounds, have antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, and antiparasitic properties, and can regulate metabolic functions. They have been used to improve general health and specific therapies for liver, renal, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, muscular-joint, and skin health in dogs. Melatonin, a hormone regulating sleep-wake cycles, has potential beneficial effects in various diseases and disorders. It has been used to treat seasonal alopecia, anxiety, and sleep disorders in dogs. In one study, a Boxer dog showed partial hair regrowth in 2 months and complete regeneration at 4 months after receiving 6 mg of melatonin per day. However, results have been inconsistent in other studies. Both EOs and melatonin should be used with proper regulation due to potential side effects.

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research Revisiting the Role of Melatonin in Human Melanocyte Physiology: A Skin Context Perspective

26 citations , March 2022 in “Journal of pineal research”

Melatonin affects skin and hair color and protects skin cells, with potential benefits for hair growth and skin health.

research Topical Melatonin for Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia

39 citations , October 2012 in “International Journal of Trichology”

Melatonin solution helps treat hair loss in men and women.

research Atypical Cushing's Syndrome in Dogs: Arguments For and Against

22 citations , March 2010 in “The Veterinary clinics of North America. Small animal practice/Veterinary clinics of North America. Small animal practice”

The cause of atypical Cushing's syndrome in dogs, possibly linked to sex hormones, is not yet proven.

research Melatonin in the Skin: Synthesis, Metabolism, and Functions

252 citations , January 2008 in “Trends in Endocrinology and Metabolism”

Melatonin in the skin helps protect against damage from stress and UV rays, and could be used to treat certain skin conditions.

research Melatonin and the Hair Follicle

109 citations , October 2007 in “Journal of pineal research”

Melatonin helps regulate hair growth and protects the hair follicle from stress.

research Estrogen Receptor Evaluation in Pomeranian Dogs with Hair Cycle Arrest (Alopecia X) on Melatonin Supplementation

20 citations , August 2006 in “Veterinary dermatology”

Melatonin helped some Pomeranian dogs regrow hair, but it wasn't linked to estrogen receptors.

research The Impact of Body Site, Topical Melatonin, and Brushing on Hair Regrowth After Clipping Normal Siberian Husky Dogs

17 citations , February 2006 in “Veterinary Dermatology”

Topical melatonin and brushing did not affect hair regrowth in Siberian Huskies.

research On the Role of Melatonin in Skin Physiology and Pathology

222 citations , January 2005 in “Endocrine journal”

Melatonin is important for skin health and protection, and can be made by the skin or applied to it.

research Adrenal Steroid Hormone Concentrations in Dogs with Hair Cycle Arrest (Alopecia X) Before and During Treatment with Melatonin and Mitotane

52 citations , October 2004 in “Veterinary dermatology”

Melatonin and mitotane treatment led to hair re-growth in 62% of dogs with Alopecia X, but this was not always linked to normal hormone levels.

research Melatonin Increases Anagen Hair Rate in Women With Androgenetic Alopecia or Diffuse Alopecia: Results of a Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

78 citations , February 2004 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

Melatonin helps hair growth in women with hair loss.

research Concurrent Follicular Dysplasia and Interface Dermatitis in Boxer Dogs

9 citations , June 2003 in “Veterinary dermatology”

Boxer dogs may have a genetic skin condition that worsens seasonally and can be treated with certain medications.