Vitamin D deficiency in dogs
Among essential nutrients, vitamin D is one of the most important Vitamin required for dogs. It is vital for growing dogs. Vitamin D is a fat soluble vitamin. It is synthesized in the body when they are exposed to sunlight.
The primary function of vitamin D is to enhance the absorption of calcium and phosphorus.Many drugs can interfere with metabolism of vitamin D and cause its deficiency.
Two forms of vitamin D plays important role in physiological functions. They are Vitamin D2 (ergosterol) and vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol).
The following are the symptoms of vitamin D deficiency:
- Softening of Bones that appear weak and are easily broken
- Thin and irregular tooth enamel
- Rickets can be seen in puppies
- Osteomalacia can be seen in adult dogs
( Rickets and Osteomalacia are not specifically related to vitamin D deficiency. It can caused by deficiency of Calcium or Phosphorus or an imbalance between them.)
Deficiency can be diagnosed on the basis of the history of your pet’s daily diet that would state if the diet was deficient in calcium,phosphorus or vitamin D. If your pet has not been exposed much to the sun they have higher chances of falling prey to vitamin D deficiency.
A well balanced nutritional meal, the type recommended by your vet, should be provided to your pet. Vitamin D supplements are easily available in the market and must be administered to your pet only under your vet’s guidance and approval .
Administration of vitamin supplements in your pet’s diet or giving them injections is necessary only when exposure to the sunlight is not possible. To get their daily dose of vitamin D puppies and adult dogs should be exposed to sunlight for a while every day.
Fish oil and egg yolks are good sources of Vitamin D which can be made a part of your pet’s daily diet to avoid vitamin D deficiency.
