Vitamin c for dogs. Best vitamin c for dogs, benefits, side effects

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Vitamin C for dogs is paramount to canines as it is to humans. Here are more reasons why you should administer Vitamin C to your dog. Learn more on the benefits, side effects and the best forms of vitamin C for your dog. 

Can I give my Dog Vitamin C?





Dogs like many other animals are able to produce their own vitamin C, but studies have shown that there are things that can bring about the depletion of vitamin C in dogs and so the need for the dog to been given vitamin C arises.

vitamin c for dogs
Is vitamin c for dogs necessary

Here are some of the known causes of Vitamin C depletion in dogs:

Stress is the most commonly known cause. Stress may be emotional or physical pressure such as hard work, growth, gestation, lactation, etc.

  • Vaccination

Some forms of vaccination can lead to the reduction of vitamin C in dogs.

  • Injuries or illness

Injuries can also slow down vitamin C production. You may need to visit a vet to know if your dog needs vitamin C.

  • Surgery
  • Starvation
  • Dogs genetics

Although it is not necessary to give your dog vitamin C, Studies have shown that vitamin C supplements on your dog’s diets offers lifetime benefits. This includes quick and easy recovery from injuries or illness. It also gives your dog the ability to resist diseases more.

Vitamin C tablets for dogs
Tablets and chewable vitamin C are the commonest forms of vitamin C for dogs

Problems Due to Vitamin C Deficiency in Dogs

Vitamin C deficiency has been reported to bring about several symptoms to dogs and also ill health. Scurvy is a disease caused by Vitamin C deficiency- it’s associated with a canine disease known as hypertrophic osteodystrophy (HOD). Dogs with this type of illness may show symptoms such as swollen gum, anemia, bleeding from the mouth and bloody urine.

Here are other symptoms associated with vitamin C deficiency:

  • Loss of teeth
  • Bone weakness
  • Slow healing of injuries
  • Joint pain when the dog is moving about
  • Bleeding
  • Dog having bad behavior
  • Muscles becoming weaker
  • Stress

Benefits of Vitamin C for Dogs

While dogs synthesize their vitamin C, there are benefits that come with that come with giving vitamin C supplements. Direct administration or adding them into your dog’s diet will offer both immediate and longtime benefits.

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Benefits of Vitamin C for Dogs
Benefits of Vitamin C for Dogs

1. Vitamin C for Dogs with Cancer

Vitamin C is very helpful to the dogs during cancer treatment. It possess properties help in control the spread of cancer. It also helps reduce the effects from chemotherapy. So here are reasons for vitamin C for dogs with cancer:

Canine cancer results in low generation of Vitamin C. Since it is necessary for your dog to have vitamin C at one time in the lives, it is necessary to give supplements to maintain this balance.

Cancer treatment will make your dog inactive, fatigued, and nauseated. Giving Vitamin C supplements will offer more strength, improve its appetite, and gets rid of nausea and fatigue.

The anti-oxidant properties slow down the growth of cells. For some cases, it is even more effective if mixed with Vitamin E and Selenium. The mixture also has excellent anti- inflammatory properties which can benefit the dog.

2. Arthritis

Vitamin C is necessary for the synthesis of collagen and cartilage. These are important constituents during bone formation and joining of joints in the dog’s body.

Vitamin C acts as an antioxidant hence its crucial in preventing apoptosis thus arthritis. This is made possible through inhibiting enzymes that catalyze programmed cell death.

Hip dysplasia that translates to abnormal development of hip joints.

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A study was done on dogs that had hip dysplasia. Vitamin C supplements were given during the weaning period. It was observed that the condition improved and finally without surgery.

This led to championing in the use of vitamin C to cure various joint diseases and illnesses. Significant amounts of Vitamin C metabolites which are substances essential to a body’s metabolic processes are required in rebuilding diseased joint tissue.

3. Give Vitamin C for Dogs with Allergies

Vitamin C can be very useful for dogs with allergies. It reducese activities from free radicals which hastens healing. Vitamin C is rich in antihistamines which help to counter allergies.

Allergies occur when an allergen-antibody complex causes the immune system to release histamine and other allergy chemicals. Vitamin C comes to help by stabilizing the immune system hence less reduction of histamine which leads to allergic symptoms.

4. Parvovirus

Parvovirus is a very dangerous virus. Several studies have shown that dogs have a 50-50 chance of survival when they infected by this virus.Vitamin C comes in handy while the dog is recovering from this illness.

It helps to strengthen the immune and digestive system that got weak as a result of the virus. Generation of vitamin C is also hindered as a result of the parvovirus, making vitamin C supplements necessary.

5. UTI

Urinary tract health is essential to a dog. Increased doses of Vitamin C make the urine more acidic. This prevents the growth of bacteria hence infection prevention.The antioxidants will also help fight off Urinary tract illnesses.

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6. Canine Distemper

Canine Distemper is a contagious viral disease that affects a variety of animals including dogs. Symptoms include, dog vomiting, persistent coughing, and diarrhea. This is because the virus attacks the gastrointestinal, respiratory, and nervous systems.

In the treatment of distemper, vitamin C is very helpful it acts as an all-sided virucidal. It has healing and regenerative abilities. Vitamin C is crucial to blood circulation and immune function making it excellent for dogs recovery from canine distemper.

7. Ears/ Ear Infections

Anti-inflammatory abilities of Vitamin C can help to reduce inflammation which is a very common effect of canine ear infection. It also keeps the immune system proper and strong which helps to ward off infection.

8. Pain, Skin, and Toxins

Vitamin C has other many benefits it’s also a pain reliever. It also helps in skin problems “itching skin or Mange”. It is an antioxidant, that helps fade away toxins in the dog’s blood and tissues.

9. Bones, Tissue and Teeth

When a dog is aging the bones, and teeth weaken a little more over time. Vitamin C which plays a major factor in collagen formation can be vital in keeping the bones, teeth healthy. It is also important for body tissues and muscles.

10. Kennel Cough

An effective home remedy that makes natural pet treatment in place of antibiotics. Vitamin C boosts the immune system and fights infection enabling the dog to fight a kennel cough efficiently and quicker.

Productive therapy is directly related to sufficient large doses of Vitamin C. Vitamin C boost the immune system of the dog’s body, making the dog healthier and stronger.

I have seen dogs that walked with limps, or could not get up the stairs rebound beautifully with mega controlled doses of this vitamin, and if your dogs are prone to urinary tract problems, this amazing vitamin is sometimes a total lifesaver!

Best Vitamin C for Dogs/ Forms of Vitamin C for Dogs

There are various ways of giving vitamin C to your dog. These include- injections, powder form or tablets. Mostly it depends on your vet’s prescription or how your dogs like it.

Vitamin C is well served raw if it’s natural when you cook anything that contains the vitamin C, it’s destroyed and as a result, there is no vitamin C remaining in the diet. Below are several ways on how to give dog vitamin C.

Is Human Vitamin C good for Dogs?

Well, some people may like to give their dog their own vitamin C. However, this is not advisable because dogs have more HCI acid in their stomachs. This makes it makes it difficult to digest acidic products.

human vitamin c for dogs
Is human vitamin c safe for dogs?

The best thing would be to buffer the Vitamin C from Ascorbic Acid form (Humans consumed vitamin C) to Calcium Ascorbate. But this is only for the products that end up on the dog’s diet. In injection, it’s not necessary for buffing to calcium ascorbate.

Vitamin C Rich Foods for Dogs/ Good Source of Vitamin C

Vitamin C rich foods such as fruits and vegetables can be given in controlled amounts. This will help maintain a balance of this essential vitamin in your dog’s system.

Powder

Powder forms of vitamin C should be mixed with liquid forms of dog food. This also helps to hide the taste of vitamin C making it easier for the dog to consume.

Tablets

Tablets are a little bit harder in hiding or administering to the dog. You can use cheese or buttercream if the dog likes the taste. Cheese will hide the taste of the tablet very well.

Chewable Vitamin C

Dogs do favor this method over many other forms because it is in their nature to chew things. Chewable vitamin C products are mixed with other ingredients that the dog likes. This makes it sweeter for the dog. However, it’s not as common as for powder or liquid form.

Liquid Vitamin C

It’s like the powder form- it can be mixed very easily in the dog’s diet even more than the powder form.

Vitamin C Injection for Dogs

The vets give vitamin C injections if your dog is not traumatized by needles? It’s the quickest and efficient way in getting Vitamin C into the dog’s blood especially in cases of deficiency.

Vitamin C injection for dogs
Vitamin C injection for dogs

Powder and Liquid form are the most efficient forms of vitamin C for dogs. This favors even puppies as it can be easily taken orally since they do not have to chew or swallow large pills.

Vitamin C for Dogs Dosage

The Dosage of Vitamin C should be administered cautiously. Side effects may arise from incorrect dosages especially if given on higher side.

Once you know what problem your dog might be facing, it is best to know his weight and age. This makes it easier to calculate dosages.

Here is Vitamin C dosages/ amounts that are appropriate as an immune booster or when you dog suffers from minor problems e.g. ear infection, itchy skin, etc.

  • Puppies and Small Dogs:

2 – 10 pounds                  250-450 mg per day

11 – 25 pounds                500-950 mg per day

  • Medium and Large-sized Dogs:

26 – 50 pounds                1000-1950 mg per day

51 – 100 pounds        2000-3500 mg per day

  • Senior Dogs:

Over 100 pounds              up to 4,000 mg per day

It’s good practice to check with the vet so that he is able to calculate the exact amount. Since dogs need vitamin C for different purposes, the dosages will vary.

Keep adjusting the dosage depending on the effects it has on the dog. For example, if it has stomach upsets or diarrhea because of the dosage reduce the amount gradually until diarrhea or gas stops.

Side Effects of Vitamin C for Dogs

Vitamin C side effects only come about if you give the dog excess uncontrolled supplements of Vitamin C. The most common side effect of giving vitamin C overdose is irritable bowel syndrome. This presents as diarrhea, gas and abdominal pain. It is commonly associated with anxiety, stress, and depression.

As long as you administer proper dosages, you will not have to worry about any side effects.

Where to Get Vitamin C for Dogs

You can easily get vitamin C for dogs from your local stalls, pets stores and more conveniently- online.

Before purchasing any of these products, it is best to do a thorough research on which products are best.

Here are some of the common Vitamin C for dogs products;

  • Petsmart
  • Petco
  • Ester Vitamin C for Dogs
  • GNLD Vitamin C for Dogs
  • Holistic Vitamin C
  • Halo Vitamin C

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