Vitamin C is a micronutrient that performs important and diverse functions that keep our dog's body in perfect condition. There are usually no deficiencies of this vitamin, which is partly capable of synthesizing the dog itself, so if we think that it needs supplementation, we should always go to the vet first.
In this article on our site we are going to explain how vitamin C works for dogs, in which cases it can be useful and what happens if we exceed your dosage.
What is vitamin C?
Vitamins are micronutrients that are essential in small quantities so that the dog's body can carry out its vital functions successfully. They are essential because the dog cannot make them on its own from other nutrients. This means that it is essential that you eat them in your diet. Although, in the case of vitamin C, it is found in two forms: as ascorbic acid, better known, or as dehydroascorbic acid. Dogs can generate ascorbic acid from glucose. In general, the amount they produce can be enough to cover their needs, but it will depend on multiple factors.
Vitamins are divided into two groups according to the substance in which they are diluted. Thus, we speak of fat-soluble vitamins, which dissolve in fat, and water-soluble vitamins, as is the case of vitamin C that concerns us. As the name suggests, they dissolve in water. For this reason, the body will not be able to store them for a long time, which means that, if there is a deficiency, its effects will be noticed immediately. Likewise, these vitamins are eliminated in the urine.
Vitamin C for dogs will participate in different processes in the body. Basically, intervenes in the formation of the muscles, of the blood vessels, of the bones and of the teeth In addition, it helps to absorb iron correctly and participates in the processes of cicatrization.
What is vitamin C for dogs for?
We usually associate vitamin C with an antioxidant effect, fighting free radicals and reducing oxidative damage, but its consumption offers other important advantages. These are the most outstanding beneficial effects of vitamin C in the body of dogs:
- Prevents the appearance of kidney stones.
- Promotes urinary tract he alth.
- Reduces signs of hip dysplasia.
- Participates in bone formation, as it is needed for collagen, which is one of the components of bone tissue and conjunctive and dentine.
- Stimulates the production of collagen, which is also essential for the maintenance of the skin and ligaments. Therefore, vitamin C is beneficial for dogs with allergies or dermatitis.
- Together with other vitamins, such as E, and minerals such as selenium, it could reduce the progression of arthritis. As an antioxidant, it delays cartilage degeneration.
- Contributes to reducing oxidative stress caused by different diseases, for example, those related to the liver. In these cases, vitamin C is often combined with other antioxidants.
- It is also recommended for convalescent dogs or those showing signs of stress.
- Finally, it helps in cases of bleeding caused by capillary fragility.
Dose of vitamin C for dogs
The adequate dose of vitamin C for our dog can be provided through food or by resorting to supplements In this case, only the veterinarian can prescribe its use and the most appropriate dosage for the characteristics of our dog. In general, it will depend on the vitamin C chosen.
Vitamin C supplements for dogs can be marketed in liquid form. The milliliters to administer will depend on the weight of the dog and the brand that the veterinarian prescribes. Vitamin C can also be found in tablets. The necessary quantity will be established in the same way as in the liquid presentation. In both cases it can be given once or more times a day It is also marketed as an injectable solution.
Finally, vitamin C is not a mandatory declaration ingredient in feed, so we may not find it in the list of components. If we are interested in knowing the exact data we will have to contact the manufacturer directly.
How to give a dog vitamin C?
In general, by choosing a quality diet appropriate to the vital circumstances of each moment, we will be providing all the vitamin C for dogs that our dog needs. Commercialized diets usually cover all nutritional needs without having to add any supplements. In addition, there are vitamin C foods for dogs that can be integrated into the diet. The following stand out:
- Guts, such as liver.
- Various fruits, such as papaya. It is typical to cite lemon, orange or strawberry as fruits with vitamin C for dogs, however, not all dogs like them due to their flavor and aroma, which is part of the smells they hate the most.
- Vegetables such as broccoli.
- Parsley.
Discover in this video which are the best fruits for dogs, some of them with a high amount of vitamin C:
Vitamin C Side Effects for Dogs
As we have mentioned, vitamin C, being water soluble, is easily eliminated through the urine, so that it does not accumulate in the body. It reaches a saturation threshold and, at that moment, it is eliminated unchanged by the kidneys. Therefore, its consumption, even if the recommended dose is exceeded at some point, will not have negative consequences for the dog.
In conclusion, vitamin C has very low toxicity and is considered practically harmless. The main problem that could be generated is that the elimination of the excess will acidify the urine. On the other hand, at very high doses diarrhea could be triggered, which will subside as soon as the excess of this vitamin is withdrawn.
