Be Careful Dosing Your Pet Dog
Again, poisoning is possible and especially with human-grade products.
Play it safe by sticking to conservative amounts. Here is a basic rule of thumb:
0. The maximum dosage for your dog is 1 mg for every 2 pounds of body weight.
Prior to administering vitamin D, consult your veterinarian or choose a canine-specific supplement.
Too Much Vitamin D is Toxic to Dogs
Vitamin D deficiencies in dogs can cause health problems over time, but so can an oversupply. Because vitamin D is fat soluble, it accumulates in body fat. Overdoses can be toxic and even fatal.
The majority of canine deaths linked to vitamin D are caused by the ingestion of rodenticides, which are poisons used to control rats, mice, and other rodents, as well as the unintentional ingestion of prescription drugs that contain vitamin D, such as topical treatments for human skin conditions like psoriasis.
In the United States, cholecalciferol (synthetic vitamin D3) was authorized as a rodenticide in 1984. Too much calcium in the blood as a result of toxic doses can harm the central nervous system, muscles, GI tract, cardiovascular system, and kidneys.
Overdoses of vitamin D from food and supplements are possible, though they are less frequent. Anorexia (extreme weight loss and loss of appetite), excessive thirst, urination, drooling, and vomiting, muscle weakness, soft tissue mineralization, and lameness are all symptoms of excessive vitamin D intake. Excessive vitamin D in growing dogs can interfere with healthy skeletal development due to increased calcium and phosphate absorption.
Due to an excessive amount of vitamin D3 caused by a feed-mixing error, DVM Nutri-Balance High Protein Dog Food and Golden Sun Feeds Hi-Pro Hunter Dog Food were recalled in 1999. At least 25 dogs were sickened and killed as a result of this.
Due to an incorrect formulation in the vitamin premix, Royal Canin Veterinary Diet recalled four products seven years later. Clinical signs of vitamin D3 toxicity were reported in six dogs and five cats.
Due to a sequencing error at the dry-ingredients supplier in 2010, Blue Buffalo had to recall packages of its Wilderness Chicken, Basics Salmon, and Large Breed Adult Chicken dry dog foods. As a result, the dog formulas’ vitamin D levels were elevated to unsafe levels. The mistake caused vitamin D3 toxicity in at least 36 dogs.
Four cans of Fromm Family Pet Food were voluntarily recalled in March 2016 after an analysis by the company revealed that these diets might contain too much vitamin D3.
Forms of vitamin D for dogs
There are two main types of vitamin D: vitamin D2 and vitamin D3. The main distinction is between each type’s source (animals vs. plants.
Fungi and yeasts are included in vitamin D2, a source of vitamin D that is derived from plants.
Vitamin D3 is an animal-based source of vitamin D. This form of vitamin D is twice as effective at raising levels in the bloodstream.
Each type has unique properties that benefit your dogs health. Usually, the amount of vitamin D required for healthy dogs is included in dog foods. However, the following are some secure options for your dog if you’re looking for other natural food sources:
FAQ
How much vitamin D is safe for a dog?
A kilogram of adult dog food should, in accordance with their recommendations, contain no less than 500 international units (0 0125 mg) but no more than 3,000 international units (0. 075 mg) of vitamin D per day. No more than 100–120 ng/ml of vitamin D should be present in dog vitamin supplements per day.
Does 2000 IU vitamin D hurt dogs?
When a dog or other animal consumes too much vitamin D, unlike with water-soluble vitamins, the excess does not quickly pass through the urine. Instead, it’s stored in fat tissue and the liver. Vitamin D overdose can cause kidney failure and even death.
What does too much vitamin D do to a dog?
Smaller doses are typically associated with nausea, diarrhea, increased drinking and urination, abdominal pain, depression, and loss of appetite. Increased levels of calcium and phosphorus brought on by higher doses could lead to kidney failure.
What are the symptoms of vitamin D deficiency in dogs?
Vitamin D receptors are present in the tissues, and decreased vitamin D status is linked to additional canine cancers, including lymphoma. Lethargy, excessive thirst, excessive drooling, joint disease, and weight loss are all signs of deficiency. As high doses can be dangerous, a test must always be administered.