How To Give Dogs Vitamin C
Your dog can get sick, just like you can. There is a common cure for illnesses in both humans and dogs: Vitamin C. Vitamin C is used for curing colds in humans, but according to Vetinfo.com, it is also valuable in treating and preventing diseases such as feline leukemia, hip dysplasia and urinary tract infections in dogs.
Provide 250 milligrams of Vitamin C supplements per day to a dog that weighs 50 pounds. Adjust the dosage according to the dog’s weight, at a rate of five milligrams per pound. Be sure to spread the dosage throughout the day. To prevent digestion problems, give your dog half of its dosage twice a day. These doses should be at least six hours apart.
Crush the supplements and add them to your dog’s normal meals. Most dogs will not take pills like humans do and may need to have them added to their food to be taken.
Give Vitamin C supplements to puppies. Some breeds are very susceptible to hip dysplasia, so early prevention is important. The supplements can be given as soon as the puppy begins to eat solid food, but remember to give the dosage of supplements based on the puppy’s weight.
Administer supplements to pregnant dogs, preventing their pups from getting hip dysplasia as they age. As long as you use a safe dose, the mother can continue to receive doses, even through nursing.
Vitamin C Dosage Guidelines
These are not hard and fast rules, but they will give you a rough idea about the right dosage of vitamin C for your pet:
For cats, puppies, or small dogs, a daily dose of 250mg is about right.
Medium-sized dogs will do well with about 500mg of vitamin C each day.
For large dogs, about 750mg of vitamin C daily should do it.
Senior dogs require the largest amount of Vitamin C because their immune systems are weakening. A daily dose of 500mg to 1000mg per 40 – 50lbs of body weight is a standard dose for aging dogs.
Cats are typically ok to take between 150mg and 500mg of vitamin C a day.
NOTE: Remember to check with your vet before adding any new supplements into your pets diet.
Vitamin C Dosage In Dogs
There is no established dose recommendation for dogs. Researches propose doses of 30mg to 100mg, but none are concrete. Some researchers are adamant that vitamin C supplements offer little benefit to healthy dogs, while other sources suggest that it can significantly help to support your dogs health. Whether you use vitamin C is ultimately your decision as an owner, so be sure to research the benefits and negatives before giving supplements to your dog.
There are two forms of vitamin C that are most recommended: calcium ascorbate and sodium ascorbate. These forms are the most gentle forms of vitamin C. They also produce fewer side effects like heartburn and diarrhea.
Also Check: What Happens When You Take To Much Vitamin C
Do Dogs Need A Vitamin C Supplement
Unlike humans, dogs do produce their own vitamin C with the help of their liverbut in some cases an additional supplement can have multiple health benefits. Proponents suggest that while a vitamin C supplement typically isn’t necessary for healthy dogs, they can benefit canines who are sick or stressed. Physical stress in particular can deplete your dog’s levels of vitamin C, so dogs who hunt, herd, and track could benefit from an additional vitamin C boost in their diet.
From powders to flavored bite-size treats, there are tons of ways to add a dose of vitamin C to your dog’s diet. Check in with your veterinarian about adding a vitamin supplement, and be sure to pay attention to dosage recommendationstoo much vitamin C can cause diarrhea in dogs. For a selection of high-quality and pet-safe vitamin C supplements for dogs, check out our list below.
Should Dogs Who Are Given Fish Oil Be Supplemented With Vitamin E
You may have read about the benefits of fish oil for dogs, but you may not be aware of its exact effects on your dogs body. As with many things in life, too much of a good thing can lead to many problems. And even if you heard about giving vitamin E to dogs on top of giving fish oil, you may not know why, even though you feel compelled to give it, just because.
An explanation can be found from a study published by the Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences. The paragraph states:
Besides these positive effects of fish oil, increased levels of long-chain n-3 fatty acids may render membranes more susceptible to oxidation and may increase the requirement for antioxidants.
Vitamin E is known for being an antioxidant. Antioxidants play a major role in protecting cells from toxic free radicals, known for contributing to several conditions such as aging, cancer, and cardiovascular disease in humans.
Perhaps one of the most dramatic stories concerning fish oil in dogs is one published by Dogs Naturally Magazine. An owner had given her 3-year-old Neapolitan mastiff eight fish oil capsules when the dog was unable to get up. Her research led to the assumption that her dog may have suffered from a vitamin E deficiency. This was further proven as, once her dog was given vitamin E, the symptoms disappeared. The entire story can be found on the owners post on Dog Forums.
Also Check: What Is Best Vitamin C To Take
Don’t Miss: What Vitamins Will Help With Fatigue
Giving Your Dog Vitamin C
Holistic veterinarians routinely prescribe vitamin C for a wide variety of illnesses, such as kennel cough, cancer, respiratory infections, bacterial infections, and abscesses. Vitamin C plays a crucial role in collagen production, making it especially good for slowing degenerative joint diseases, hip dysplasia, and spinal disorders. Vitamin C is also a preventative and immune booster. Some vets recommend giving the vitamin to dogs both before and after vaccination and to pregnant and lactating dogs that have been exposed to contagious diseases.
How Much Vitamin C Do Pets Need
Too much vitamin C can give your pet diarrhea. Too little and they may not reap all the benefits of vitamin C.
Your pets age and size will typically determine how much vitamin C they need. That said, if youre introducing a vitamin C supplement into their diet, you may want to chat with your vet about choosing the right dosage.
Read Also: What Does Vitamin A Do For Your Body
Customer Questions & Answers
Disclaimer: While we work to ensure that product information is correct, on occasion manufacturers may alter their ingredient lists. Actual product packaging and materials may contain more and/or different information than that shown on our Web site. We recommend that you do not solely rely on the information presented and that you always read labels, warnings, and directions before using or consuming a product. For additional information about a product, please contact the manufacturer. Content on this site is for reference purposes and is not intended to substitute for advice given by a physician, pharmacist, or other licensed health-care professional. You should not use this information as self-diagnosis or for treating a health problem or disease. Contact your health-care provider immediately if you suspect that you have a medical problem. Information and statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or health condition. Amazon.com assumes no liability for inaccuracies or misstatements about products.
Vitamin C For Dogs: Are There Benefits
Ascorbic acid was isolated and identified as the nutrient that prevented scurvy in the early 1900s. Scientists discovered that humans are among the few animals that cannot make vitamin C on their own and have to get it from an outside source like vegetables, fresh fruits, or vitamin C supplements regularly to avoid illness. Unlike humans, dogs can generate vitamin C on their own, and due to this fact, veterinarian nutritionists have long deemed it unnecessary to supplement vitamin C in a dogs diet. Up until a couple of years ago, very few dog food makers added vitamin C to their products- or if they do, it was for the vitamins preservative nature and not for the nutrition.
Read Also: How Much Should You Take Vitamin D
Does Your Dog Need Multivitamins
Most dogs dont really need multivitamins as long as they are fed a high-quality, balanced diet. However, some dogs have health problems and need a bit of a nutritional boost that multivitamins can provide, especially dogs that suffer from certain vitamin deficiencies. Dogs need vitamins to stay healthy and vitamin supplements are one way to ensure that your dog receives the essential nutrients it needs.
Multivitamins wont affect all dogs the same way. Some dogs will benefit more from taking multivitamins than others. This is especially true for senior dogs that need multivitamins to help in the prevention of common age-related health problems, like blindness and arthritis.
Puppies can also benefit from multivitamins because they can improve their appetites and help them develop into strong, healthy dogs.
Before you start giving your dog multivitamins, discuss this with your vet. He can give you advice on vitamins that your dog may benefit from and help you resolve any potential dilemmas regarding multivitamins. After all, certain vitamins can have a detrimental effect on your dogs health in high doses, so talk with your vet to prevent any unwanted side effects.
Keep Reading To Learn:
According to Wikipedia:
Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid and ascorbate, is a vitamin found in various foods and sold as a dietary supplement. It is used to prevent and treat scurvy. Vitamin C is an essential nutrient involved in the repair of tissue and the enzymatic production of certain neurotransmitters.
OK, wait. Dogs and cats dont get scurvy. And they can produce their own vitamin C–something we mere-mortal humans cant do. So why do we need to give our pets a vitamin C supplement?
Stay with us, well get to that. But first, lets get back to exploring the definition of vitamin C.
Vitamin C helps build strong bones and joints, and promotes a strong immune system.
It is a powerful antioxidant. In its purest form , it serves as an acidifier of pH in the body.
In plain English:
Acidifiers are inorganic chemicals that, put into a human body, either produce or become acid. These chemicals increase the level of gastric acid in the stomach when ingested, thus decreasing the stomach pH.
Read Also: Vitamin C With Rose Hips Benefits
Where To Get Real Vitamins For Your Dog
Real vitamins are found in real food. However, if you’re making homemade dog food meals, due to calorie counting, it might be harder to make those dishes balanced and include all essential vitamins without overfeeding the dog .
Still, there’s a way to do that and Samantha published a video explaining which supplements are to be used in homemade recipes.
When it comes to specific foods that are full of vitamins, great sources are both lean and fatty fish , liver. Then, it’s also veggies and fruits in moderation. There are also herbs like alfalfa, nettle, garlic , and kemp that you can include in your dog’s meals without adding too many calories.
If you wish to feed your dog a well-balanced diet of homemade meals, the most optimal option might to be mix kibble with home prepared foods. That way you get the goods from both worlds.
But what if your vet prescribes your pooch vitamin supplements for a specific reason, such as to prevent a development of inherited disorders or help deal with a disease? The option of buying vitamins in supplement form is still there, but make sure that these come from reputable manufacturers, are well reviewed and vet recommended.
Do Puppies Need Vitamin C
Simply feeding your puppy a high-quality, balanced pet food should provide the nutrition they need. This includes vitamin C, as much of their supply is made in their own bodies. Its also important to note that its easy to overdose a puppy on vitamins. Giving additional vitamins can do more harm than good. If you are concerned about your puppys health, always ask your veterinarian for advice.
Recommended Reading: How Do One A Day Vitamins Work
Best Vitamin C Supplements
It is important to check with your vet before using any supplements for your dog. Do not forego traditional treatments. It is not always possible to correctly diagnose your pets problem from home, and vitamin supplements sometimes aggravate pre-existing conditions. For this reason, its vital that you only use supplements as they were intended as supplements, not as substitutions. With that being said, there are several factors to consider when choosing a supplement:
- Be wary of bold claims. This includes promises to alleviate illnesses like cancer and parvovirus.
- Look for certification. Do any organizations approve this product?
- What form does the supplement come in? Does your dog prefer tablets or powder?
Which Vitamins Are Essential For Pups
There are two main classes of vitaminswater-soluble and fat soluble and just like you, your dog benefits from both. Water-soluble vitamins are associated with metabolism and making sure dogs can use nutrients for energy, while fat-soluble vitamins are for structural and functional things, like bone formation, cell membrane functioning, vision, says Dr. Saker.
Water-soluble B vitamins help with energy production and intermediary metabolism. Unlike humans, dogs dont really need vitamin C a pathway in their bodies produces it for them. Vitamin A helps maintain your dogs vision beta carotene is important for supporting the GI tract. Vitamin D helps a dogs body regulate calcium, build strong bones, and maintain a healthy immune system and Vitamin E serves as an antioxidant, while K supports blood-clotting proteins.
You May Like: Is Vitamin D3 Good For Your Eyes
Vitamin C And Bioflavonoids
Bioflavonoids are powerful phyto-compounds that, when taken together with vitamin C, can help with the uptake and absorption of the vitamin because they prevent the vitamin from being broken down in the body.
In other words, bioflavonoids increase the efficacy of vitamin C.
Even by themselves, bioflavonoids can help strengthen capillary walls. They are also beneficial to dogs with inflammatory conditions, such as IBD, and arthritis.
So, if you want to get the most out of a vitamin C supplement, get one that has bioflavonoids in it.
Here’s one natural vitamin C supplement with bioflavonoids:
Vitamin C Deficiency Symptoms In Dogs
True vitamin C deficiency is rare in dogs. This because dogs produce enough vitamin C by themselves. Even with some liver damage, dogs appear to produce their own vitamin C sufficiently. However, severe hepatic necrosis and chronic hepatic insufficiency can cause a deficiency. This is because the liver produces vitamin C if the liver cannot function correctly due to a chronic condition, the production of this essential vitamin decreases. Because dogs make their own vitamin C, the effects of a true deficiency are not often written about.
Don’t Miss: How Many Milligrams Of Vitamin D Should I Take
Different Forms Of Vitamin C For Your Dog
Vitamin C comes in multiple forms to give to your dog. From salts known as mineral ascorbates to oil-soluble forms, each form of vitamin C provides your dog with different benefits and absorption rates. Available in powders, tablets, and tinctures, most are administered orally. Some vitamin C forms are considered better than others, so here are the forms of vitamin C available to administer to your dog.
Ascorbic acid. Most similar to the naturally occurring vitamin C, ascorbic acid is known for its tart taste and crystalline form. Often used in vitamin C pills for humans, this form isnt efficiently bioavailable to your dog, meaning it doesnt absorb well into their system. If given to your dog in high concentrations, it can result in diarrhea. To prevent intestinal distress, consider administering in smaller doses, multiple times a day.
Ascorbyl palmitate. This form of vitamin C is the only oil-soluble form and is capable of working together with antioxidants. Ascorbyl palmitate works best when taken orally and is considered more efficient than the ascorbic acid form of vitamin C.
Calcium ascorbate. PH-neutral, this form of vitamin C is easily absorbed and gentle on your dogs system. It helps provide relief from stress and arthritis. Plus, it has the fewest side effects.
Does Your Dog Need Vitamins
You pop a multivitamin every morningso should your pup be doing the same? It might seem logical, since dogs benefit from eating a diet thats similar to humans in quality of ingredients. Many of the vitamins important to our bodies play the same roles in metabolism and structural functioning in our pets, says Korinn Saker, DVM, Ph.D., an associate professor of clinical nutrition at North Carolina State University. But while they need certain vitamins, they dont necessarily need to take one. Find out which are most crucial for your canine and ensure hes always getting the right amount of all of them.
You May Like: What Is Vitamin C Used For In Skin Care
Vitamin C: Should You Supplement Your Dog
Save on pet insurance for your pet
You don’t have to choose between your pet and your wallet when it comes to expensive vet visits. Prepare ahead of time for unexpected vet bills by finding the pawfect pet insurance.
People must eat foods rich in vitamin C rich in order to stay healthy. Not so our dogs.
Unlike people, dogs aren’t dependent on vitamin C being supplied in food. Instead, our furry friends have a metabolism that makes their own vitamin C, when given the raw ingredients. This means dogs don’t get human deficiency diseases such as scurvy and it’s also why pet food manufacturers rarely added vitamin C to their recipes .
But, holistic veterinarians regularly encourage pet parents to supplement their dog’s diet with this essential nutrient. How can the supplementation of a nutrient a dog’s body makes on their own be of benefit to your best buddy? Let’s take a look at the whys, wherefores, and potential pitfalls of vitamin C supplements.
