Dog vitamins and supplements, Is it necessary?

Vitamins are essential for your dog. They help their body to function effortlessly, regulate digestion and support muscle growth. If you take a daily multivitamin pill then you will wonder whether to give the same for your pet. Vitamins are vital for a healthy dog. Its deficiency can cause serious life-threatening conditions.

The good news is that puppies and adult dogs receive their daily dose of vitamins and supplements from their regular dog food. So, giving them extra supplements will only cause them more harm than good as an overdose of vitamins can cause a whole set of problems.

There are two kinds of vitamins. Fat soluble and water soluble. So, the excess water-soluble vitamins like the vitamin C and B1 are removed from the body through urination and do not cause any long-term health problems. On the other hand, fat-soluble vitamins get accumulated in the lever and fatty tissue and an overdose of it can cause serious health issues.

For instance, puppies of a larger breed can have skeletal issues when they consume too much calcium. An excess of vitamin A can cause dehydration, joint problems and damage blood vessels. An overdose of vitamin D can cause bone damage, muscle atrophy and a poor appetite.

So, when does a dog benefit from a vitamin supplement?

• Your vet will prescribe a single vitamin supplement when your pet suffers from a particular vitamin or mineral deficiency and not a multivitamin.
• If your dog suffers from a disease that can be treated with a supplement.
• If you feed your pet a home cooked meal then getting a perfectly balanced diet is dicey. So, a regular dose of multivitamins will help you tackle the problem.
• Dogs with joint problems, especially senior dogs, often benefit from having a vitamin supplement to ease their problem.

It is always a good idea to consult your pet before feeding your pet any vitamin supplements as they will help you figure which one your pet requires according to their age and medical history.