Vitamin supplements for dogs - all you need to know

Does the endless list of dog vitamins online leave you perplexed? We get you. Dog vitamins is often a subject that even veterinarians often find themselves constantly researching about, and whilst dog vitamins have their own benefits, it is necessary to ensure that you feed your dog the right amount and at the right time. Read along to know more about vitamin tablets for dogs - what, when, and why. 

What are dog vitamins?
Vitamins are essential micronutrients found in different types of food. In order for your dog to stay healthy and free of most diseases, vitamins along with other nutrients are crucial - they boost immunity, promote healthy skin, and repair cells. In short, they are your dog’s go-to powerhouse. Dog vitamins are either syrups or capsules that are synthesised with essential vitamins necessary not only for healthy growth of the body, but also the mind - vitamin tablets for dogs are also known to improve and maintain healthy cognitive function in dogs. 

Should I give my dog vitamins?
Feeding your dog vitamins largely depends on their diet - dogs that are fed packaged food rarely require vitamins since their food is already fortified with necessary nutrients. Contrarily, dogs that are on homemade diets require vitamins simply because most homemade diets do not adequately meet their required daily nutrient intake. That said, at this point, you’re probably wondering - what kind of vitamins should I give my dog? Dog vitamins are available as, but aren’t limited to, multivitamins, bone and joint supplements, skin and coat supplements, prebiotic and probiotic supplements, antioxidant supplements, immunity supplements, and calming supplements. Overwhelmed? Don’t be. It isn’t necessary for you to feed your dog every vitamin that’s out there - just like how we, humans, don’t eat every vitamin supplement that’s available. Dog vitamins are best fed as per what your veterinarian has prescribed after a physical examination of your dog. For instance, a puppy would be given multivitamins for him/her to grow into a healthy adult, whereas a senior dog would most likely require bone and joint supplements to help them age well. Whilst dog vitamins are most often as per body condition, supplements for strong immunity and healthy digestion are often taken without any pre-existing ailment after consulting a vet. 

When to feed my dog vitamins?
Vitamins are best fed during or after a meal. For dogs who are picky eaters, you can choose to add the dog vitamin syrup or tablet to their favorite food. That brings us to a rather tricky question - should I give my dog vitamins every day? Dogs on homemade diets most often require vitamins everyday to meet their required daily nutritional intake. However, certain veterinarians may ask you to feed your dog supplements every other day, twice a week, or once week - this largely depends on your dog’s diet and existing body condition. 

What supplements should I give my dog? Can I give my dog human vitamins?
Now, there’s a big NO. Would you take doggy supplements? Likewise, your dog cannot take human supplements. Dog vitamins are made for dog’s digestive system, whereas human supplements are made for our digestive systems, and while that may not seem very different, ingestion of human supplements often leads to abdominal swelling, tremors, seizures and so on. The best way to determine which supplement your dog needs most is to get him/her checked at the vet. Once a physical examination is performed, your veterinarian will be able to determine whether your dog needs something as basic as multivitamins or something more targeted such as calcium supplements. More often than not, physical examinations, and in some cases, x-rays and blood work are more than sufficient to determines that best vitamins for your dog. With an increasing number of dogs suffering from hip and elbow dysplasia as they age, we can’t help but think - are joint supplements good for dogs? And, when should they be given? The best person to answer this question is a veterinarian. A physical examination along with an x-ray of your dog’s hip and joints is the best indicator to determine whether or not dog needs to be put on joint supplements. A common misconception amongst many is that joint and calcium supplements are the same, when in reality, joint supplements strengthen joints and calcium supplements primarily strengthen bones, while some strengthen joints as well. So, can I give my dog calcium supplements? Yes, you can. Dogs on homemade diets benefit from calcium supplements contribute to growth and maintenance of healthy bones and teeth, whilst also ensuring cardiovascular strength, muscle function, and cognitive support. 

Do you know what vitamin deficiency causes hair loss in dogs?
A vitamin so common, yet often ignored - zinc. Zinc deficiency is known to cause hair fall and hair loss. This, in addition to vitamin D deficiency results in dull, brittle fur that refuses grow well. Likewise, most pet parents often have the following question in mind - can dogs have vitamin C? Well, yes, they can. Vitamin C is a power antioxidant that is known to reduce inflation and slow down cognitive ageing. However, it’s important to note here that dog’s livers can naturally synthesize vitamin C, hence before deciding whether or not your dog needs vitamin C, it is best to check with a veterinarian. 

How should I feed my dog vitamins?
Vitamins can be fed orally, mixed with food, or in some cases applied topically. Capsules, tablets, and syrups are either mixed with food or given orally through a syringe. The mode of feeding depends largely on how comfortable your dog is with ingesting the tablet/syrup as is and how comfortable you are with feeding through a syringe. Contrarily, certain dog vitamins like vitamin E can be applied topically by rubbing in onto your dog’s skin to help soothe dryness and itchiness. So next time this pops into your head - can I rub vitamin e oil on my dog's skin? Rest assured that nothing can go wrong as long as it is done using the right amount and as advised by a veterinarian. 

We often wait until under the wire to realize that our dogs are suffering from nutritional deficiencies. In such cases, the road back to healthy skin and coat is often longer than prevention of such deficiencies. Which is why, if your dog is on a homemade diet, ensure you speak to your veterinarian for vitamins to keep them healthy - inside out!