Vitamin A deficiency in dogs
Vitamins are essential nutrients that are required by the body for the functioning of all the vital organs. Vitamin A is a fat soluble vitamin and has antioxidant properties. It plays a major role in building a strong vision, healthy skin, neurological functioning and has anti aging properties.
Dogs that have vitamin A deficiency have hampered growth and female dogs have reproductive difficulties. So, vitamin A is an essential canine vitamin that is needed for a healthy coat, nervous system and strong muscles and teeth.
The following are the symptoms of vitamin A deficiency:
- Lack of appetite
- Weight loss
- Poor body growth
- Night Blindness
- Dryness of conjunctiva
- Sore eyes or eyes that appear red and itchy
- May cause infection to the gums
- Chronic liver diseases may occur
- Intestinal diseases
- Leads to sudden, irregular movement of body caused by involuntary contraction of muscles
- Dogs may also turn deaf
Deficiency can be diagnosed on the basis of diet history, signs and symptoms. To counter the deficiency a well balanced nutritional diet, the kind recommended by your vet, must be provided to your pet. Liver is a rich source of vitamin A that can be served to your pet daily. You can also give them vitamin A supplements. All these must be served an approximate dosage that is prescribed by your vet.
The following are the sources of vitamin A which can be incorporated to your pet’s diet:
- Meat such as Liver
- Liver oil
- Carrots
- Corn meal
- Tomato
- Leafy vegetables such as Spinach
- Fish oil
- Eggs
