Multivitamins for a Puppy

Puppies normally need more vitamins than adult dogs to make them healthier during their period of rapid growth and development. Multivitamins, aside from nutrients included in commercial dog food, can give a puppy the entire supplement it needs to grow properly. Today's pet industry offers several types of multivitamin, with each type offering a specific vitamin and effect.

  1. Fat-soluble Vitamins

    • Fat-soluble variants contain vitamins A, D, E and K. Vitamin A ensures supple skin and hair, good vision and optimum growth. Vitamin D keeps the puppy's teeth and bones strong. Vitamin E guarantees a healthy reproductive system and guards against brown-bowel syndrome, which can damage multiple organs including the liver and pancreas. Vitamin K, ordinarily synthesized in the puppy's own body, prevents hemorrhaging and impaired clotting if the puppy gets injured.

    Water-soluble Vitamins

    • Water-soluble types contain vitamin C, B-vitamins, biotin, folic acid and niacin. Vitamin C boosts the immune system and renews damaged cells. Vitamin B1 sustains healthy nerves and reflexes and keeps the puppy strong, while vitamin B2 ensures the puppy's growth and keeps the eyes and heart functioning properly.

      Vitamin B5 and biotin maintain healthy hair, normal aging and normal bowel movement. B6 keeps the blood healthy and safeguards against skin infections and inadequate growth. B12 and folic acid keep the blood cells healthy and nurtures the bone marrow, while niacin keeps the puppy's gums and appetite healthy.

    Deficiencies

    • Lack of any of the multivitamins can result in several conditions, including unhealthy digestion, irregular bowel movement, prolonged bleeding, delayed recovery from sickness, poor vision and a weak integumentary system. The puppy's immune system can also be compromised because of poor blood circulation and low appetite.

    Excessive Vitamins

    • Just as deficiency can prove to be a serious problem, excess vitamins in the puppy's system can also be detrimental. Giving a higher dosage than what is recommended or not following instructions on multivitamin administration can be toxic.