Top Tips for Safe Dog Calcium Supplements - Keep Your P
What are the most common cases of poisoning in dogs?
Contrary to popular belief, it's not rat poison or xylitol; it's calcium poisoning. Unlike other types of poisoning, calcium toxicity often starts with subtle symptoms like dry heaving, vomiting, and diarrhea, which can be easily overlooked by pet owners.
As the calcium intake reaches a critical level, the latestage symptoms of calcium poisoning can manifest, including symptoms like hematuria, melena, abdominal pain, tremors, dehydration, and rapid breathing. These issues can eventually damage the kidneys, leading to severe diseases such as kidney failure in dogs.
Why do dogs suffer from calcium poisoning?
The most common reason is the unrestricted supplementation of calcium in their diet.
As to why many dog owners believe their pets need calcium, the reasons are complex and cannot be summed up in a few words. There are already few people who take the time to properly care for their dogs, and even fewer who take the time to learn about the necessary knowledge.
Moreover, calcium supplements are not like other prescription medications; they can be easily purchased at any pet store. This makes it less likely for owners to follow medical advice on dosage.
Just ask your veterinarian: 'How should I administer dog calcium supplements? How long should I continue them?' A competent vet, besides informing you about the dosage, will also advise against frequent use.
Of course, calcium poisoning in dogs is not only caused by owners' unrestricted feeding of calcium supplements but also by the presence of Vitamin D3 in these supplements. Vitamin D3 aids in calcium absorption and increases the body's calcium storage. It can be seen as a helpful companion to calcium supplements, but as the saying goes, too much of a good thing can be bad. Vitamin D3 is actually a major contributor to calcium poisoning in dogs.
How can you tell if a dog is suffering from calcium poisoning?
If you have been supplementing your dog with calcium, such as various calcium tablets or liquid calcium, and they frequently show signs like excessive sleepiness, increased water consumption, and vomiting, it's time to take them to the vet for a checkup. A simple blood test can provide the answer in no time. Additionally, if you find your dog has eaten an entire bottle of calcium supplements when you're not around, it's crucial to have them examined promptly.
