Content
- What is Vitamin C?
- What is vitamin C for dogs?
- Dosage of vitamin C for dogs
- How to give vitamin C to dogs
- Vitamin C Side Effects for Dogs
- Can I give human vitamin C to dogs
Vitamin C is a micronutrient that fulfills important and very diverse functions that keep the dog's body in perfect condition. There is usually no deficiency of this vitamin, which is partly capable of being synthesized by the dog itself, so if we find that he needs supplementation, we should always go to the vet first.
In this article by PeritoAnimal, we will explain how vitamin C for dogs works - doses and what is it for. We will detail in which cases it can be useful and what happens if we exceed its dosage.
What is Vitamin C?
vitamins are micronutrients that are essential in small amounts so that the dog's body can successfully carry out its vital functions. They are essential because the dog cannot manufacture them on its own from other nutrients. This means that it is essential that your dog get vitamin C in his food.
Vitamin C is found in two forms: as Ascorbic acid, which is best known, or as dehydroascorbic acid. Ascorbic is generated by dogs from glucose. In general, the amount you produce may be enough to cover your needs, but it will depend on many factors.
Vitamins are divided into two groups according to the substance in which they are diluted. So we talk about fat-soluble vitamins, which will be dissolved in fats, and water soluble vitamins, as is the case with vitamin C, which we are dealing with. As their name suggests, they dissolve in water. For this reason, the body can store them for a long time, which implies that, if there is a shortage, the effects will be noticed immediately. Likewise, these vitamins are eliminated in the urine.
Vitamin C for dogs will participate in different processes in the body. Basically, is involved in muscle formation, From blood vessels, From bones and of the teeth. In addition, it helps to correctly absorb iron and participates in the healing process.
What is vitamin C for dogs?
We usually associate vitamin C with a antioxidant effect, fighting free radicals and reducing oxidative damage, but its consumption offers other important advantages. These are the most notable beneficial effects of vitamin C on the body of puppies:
- Prevents the appearance of kidney stones.
- Favors the health of the urinary tract.
- Reduces the signs of hip dysplasia.
- Participate in bone formation, as it is necessary for collagen, which is one of the components of bone and connective tissue and dentin.
- encourages collagen production, which is also critical for the maintenance of the skin and ligaments. Therefore, vitamin C is beneficial for dogs with allergies and dermatitis.
- Along with other vitamins, such as E, and minerals such as selenium, it can slow the progression of arthritis. As an antioxidant, it slows cartilage degeneration.
- Contributes to the oxidative stress reduction that produce different diseases, for example, those related to the liver. In these cases, vitamin C is often combined with other antioxidants.
- It is also recommended for dogs convalescing or showing signs of stress.
- Finally, it helps in cases of bleeding caused by capillary fragility.
You may also be interested in this other article that explains the benefits of B-complex for dogs.
Dosage of vitamin C for dogs
The proper dose of vitamin C for dogs can be provided. through food or supplementation. In this case, only the veterinarian can prescribe its use and the dosage best suited to the characteristics of our dog. In general, it will depend on which vitamin C you choose.
Vitamin C supplements for dogs can be sold in liquid form. The milliliters to be administered will depend on the dog's weight and the brand the veterinarian prescribes. Vitamin C can also be found in pill form. The amount needed will be established as in liquid form. In both cases, it can be given one or more times a day. It is also marketed as an injectable solution.
Finally, vitamin C is not a mandatory reporting ingredient in rations, so it may not be found in the list of components. If we are interested in knowing the exact data, we will have to contact the manufacturer directly.
How to give vitamin C to dogs
In general, by opting for a quality diet suited to the vital circumstances of each moment, we are providing all the vitamin C for dogs that they need. Marketed diets generally cover all nutritional needs without having to add any supplements. Also, there are Vitamin C dog foods that can be integrated into the diet. The following stand out:
- Viscera, like the liver.
- several fruits, such as papaya. It is typical to mention lemon, orange or strawberry as fruits with vitamin C for dogs, however, not all dogs like them due to their flavor and aroma, which is part of the smells they hate the most.
- vegetables like broccoli.
- Parsley.
Find out in this video which are the best fruits for dogs, some of them with a high amount of vitamin C:
Vitamin C Side Effects for Dogs
As already mentioned, vitamin C, being water-soluble, is easily eliminated through the urine, so that it does not accumulate in the body. It reaches a saturation threshold and, at that moment, it is eliminated without changes through the kidneys. Therefore, its consumption, even if at some point the recommended dose is exceeded, will not have negative consequences for the dog.
In conclusion, vitamin C has a very low toxicity and is considered practically harmless. The main problem that could be generated is that the disposal of the surplus will acidify the urine. On the other hand, in very high doses, they could trigger diarrhea, which will stop as soon as the excess of this vitamin is removed.
Can I give human vitamin C to dogs
It is important for you to know that all types of medications and supplements that we take have been tested over and over again so that they can be ingested providing benefits to our health. Offering such drugs to other species, such as dogs, can be something very dangerous.
However, if you, like thousands of people, ask yourself: after all, can I give human vitamin C to dogs? Yes. Be aware that it is possible, but it is recommended to talk to a veterinarian first. This should only be done in specific situations and after professional evaluation.
If you want to read more articles similar to Vitamin C for dogs - Doses and what is it for, we recommend that you enter our Balanced Diets section.