Can Dogs Take Vitamin C To Boost Immunity

Many pet owners give dogs Vitamin C to boost their immune systems. In fact, Vitamin C is added to many dog foods (in part, as a preservative) and is often prescribed by veterinarians to boost immunity. Dogs do produce their own supply Vitamin C, but some believe they can't always produce enough to meet all their dietary needs. Of course, many factors can impact your dog's immune system, and Vitamin C supplementation is one of many possible solutions. Though most contend it doesn't hurt to give your dog Vitamin C, there are several options available for boosting immunity.

Dogs and Vitamin C

Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant, antiviral and toxin fighter, and plays an important role in your dog's immune system. It is also essential for muscle and joint health due to its collagen-building abilities, and important to urinary health as well. Of course, dogs synthesize their own supply of Vitamin C, approximately 40 mg per 2.2 pounds of body weight per day. But some experts believe factors such as stress, toxins, pregnancy, injury or illness can deplete that supply, causing deficiencies. Symptoms of Vitamin C deficiency in dogs include muscle weakness, gum disease, bad breath, bleeding and bone weakness. If your dog is exhibiting symptoms of deficiency or undergoing stress, check with your veterinarian to see if Vitamin C supplementation is warranted.

Many dog owners and breeders supplement their dogs' diets with Vitamin C during times of physiological stress, such as during pregnancy, illness or injury. Proper dosage, however, varies depending upon the dog's breed, age and weight. When giving your dog Vitamin C, it's best to consult your veterinarian for specific dosage instructions.

Some pet owners and pet health experts also recommend daily Vitamin C supplementation to maintain your dog's health. This issue, however, is hotly debated. Though Vitamin C is water soluble and cannot become toxic to your dog, many believe too much Vitamin C can cause kidney stones and affect a dog's natural ability to produce Vitamin C on its own.

Some forms of Vitamin C can be harsh on a dog's stomach. Ester-C is a Vitamin C supplement designed to be more easily absorbed by a dog's systems and less acidic than many other Vitamin C supplements.

Immunity Boosters for Dogs

Other than Vitamin C supplementation, there are several ways to boost your dog's immunity. Feeding him a well-balanced diet, for instance, is a big step in the right direction. An easy way to do this is by looking for the AAFCO-certified label on the foods you feed him, and when possible choosing premium brands which offer even better nutrition with less filler and preservatives. Many dog foods even include Vitamin C, though Vitamin C is not a nutritional requirement for "complete and balanced" dog food. Other important immunity nutrients to look for in your dog's food is zinc, folic acid, vitamin E, selium and B-complex.

Tags: Vitamin supplementation, immune system, immunity Dogs, Many owners, supply Vitamin, their supply