Why do dogs suffer from calcium deficiency
There are many reasons for calcium deficiency in dogs, which can be mainly divided into the following categories:
1. Reasons for staple food: the wrong way to choose the staple food , will cause calcium deficiency in dogs. For example, we choose dog food that is not high in calcium, or we always give the dog liver and raw meat. Animal livers, in particular, contain high concentrations of vitamin A, which inhibit calcium absorption.
2. The dog’s absorption function and transformation function are poor: if the calcium content of the food is sufficient, the problem of the dog itself must be considered. Some dogs with bad stomachs have poor absorption capacity and poor appetite, so the absorption of calcium is naturally pitiful. There are also some dogs whose transformation function is not good. They obviously absorb calcium, but they are excreted because of poor transformation.
3. Parasites grow: the nutrients in the body are absorbed or affected by the parasites.
Symptoms of calcium deficiency in dogs
When these 9 symptoms appear, most of the dogs are deficient caused by calcium.
That is: weak legs, O-shaped legs and X-shaped legs, ears that are not erect, hip dysplasia, postpartum paralysis, convulsions, panting, joint swelling, limping on the body, osteoporosis and easy fractures , long double rows of teeth.
The lack of calcium in puppies will affect growth and development, and some may even cause joint deformation, causing trouble for walking.
4-6 months old dog is when teeth grow, calcium deficiency will slow down the growth of permanent teeth, deciduous teeth will not fall out, and finally cause oral problems.
Adult male dogs will consume a lot of calcium during mating, and female dogs should also supplement calcium when they are pregnant with puppies to help their babies develop.
Older dogs may suffer from osteoporosis, and their ability to absorb calcium is also relatively poor. Without calcium supplementation, the risk of fractures will increase.
How to supplement calcium for dogs
The methods of calcium supplementation can be summarized into 3 kinds, and the effective time is generally for about 1 month. We need to determine whether the dog’s symptoms are caused by calcium deficiency, and other reasons such as trauma should be treated by filming in time.
1. Diet: Choose dog food with high calcium content, or drink some goat milk.
2. Drug treatment: Grind calcium tablets into powder and mix them with dog food.
3. Sun exposure and more exercise: It will promote the absorption of calcium.
Note: Calcium deficiency caused by parasites should be dewormed in time. All in all, correct calcium supplementation should be nutritionally balanced. While supplementing calcium, don’t forget the intake of vitamins.
