Can i give my dog vitamin d3?
If you’re a dog owner, you want to take the best possible care of your furry friend. You feed them healthy food, provide them with toys and walks, and do everything in your power to keep their tails wagging. But when it comes to supplements, there can be confusion about which ones are safe for dogs. One question that comes up frequently is whether or not it’s okay to give dogs vitamin D3.
What is Vitamin D3?
Before we dive in any further, let’s get clear on what vitamin D3 actually is. It’s a fat-soluble secosteroid that helps regulate calcium and phosphorous levels in the body, among other functions. We humans produce it naturally through exposure to sunlight – did someone say ‘beach day’? – or by consuming certain foods like fatty fish and egg yolks.
I know some of you may be thinking “okay cool but I just wanna know if my pooch should be taking this” Don’t worry, let me break it down easily:
Vitamin D3 helps dogs with their bone health as well as immune function.
Too little vitamin d can result in muscle weakness
Which seem similar? Absolutely! However only one involves goofy limbs
Plus cancer patients have been known to use potentially non-toxic doses
So basically getting enough vitamin d for our furballs is important too!
Is It Safe To Give Dogs Vitamin D3?
The short answer is…it depends! Like anything else regarding your pup’s care- always consult your vet first before introducing something new into his life .
It might seem harmless since both humans AND pigeons enjoy basking under the sun- errr getting enough dose of Vitamin d let alone spending $50+ purchasing an over-the-counter supplement without guidance can lead major problems for Fido.
Signs Of Overdose
some symptoms include vomiting, appetite loss, thirstiness as well as drooling. It is important to act on these symptoms quickly by contacting your vet
So now that you understand the dangers of taking too much of a good thing, let’s talk about dosages.
How Much Vitamin D3 Can I Give My Dog?
Here again, you must consult your vet for guidance but let’s examine some figures
Via Dosage Chart
Check out this chart to give yourself an idea about appropriate dosing:
Dogs Weight | Dose (Daily) |
---|---|
2kg or less | 80-160 IU |
< 5 kgs | (1)400IU Capsule/week or 40IU/Daily |
< 6 - 15 kgs | (1)400IU Capsule/day Or (2)2000IU Capsules. |
16-25kgs
()
For those not fluent in veterinary medicine,this lil chart breaks down how much vitamin d3 you should give your precious companion. It varies by kg and includes therapeutic foods some of the time. ConclusionIn conclusion, giving your dog vitamin D3 is generally safe when done under careful research and guidance . Just remember to always consult with a licensed veterinarian before giving any supplements like any other herb or spice (for all my Giada De Laurentiis fans). You want what’s best for your furry friend., keep their furry tails wagging! Come back in the future for more fun, useful advice on pet care. |