Potassium is a vital mineral for your dog's health. Potassium levels can cause serious health issues if they are not in the correct range. Some of these include weakness, lethargy, tremors, skin hyperpigmentation and even cardiac arrest. A major symptom of an out-of-balance potassium level is an increase in restlessness and nervousness.
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Importance
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Potassium is vital for many of your dog's bodily functions. It is concentrated in large amounts within cells and assists in ensuring proper enzyme functioning. This mineral helps regulate body fluid and balances it throughout the body. It also is an important in certain metabolic and muscle processes. It is also a major actor in the regulation of the nervous system in your dog, and as such helps maintain a sense of calm in your animal.
Potassium in Your Dog's Diet
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Potassium is in many foods that dogs eat. Therefore, most dogs will not suffer from potassium deficiency. A way to ensure enough potassium intake in a healthy dog is to feed him complete dog foods. When you buy your pet's food, make sure that it is made up of at least 0.6 percent potassium.
Potassium Deficiency
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Potassium deficiency in a dog is usually due more to loss of potassium than an intake deficiency. Potassium can be depleted in dogs that have burns, kidney disease, and chronic gastrointestinal issues such as diarrhea and/or vomiting. This can also occur in animals who are on long-term diuretics. One of the main symptoms of insufficient amounts of potassium is an increase in nervousness.
Potassium Toxicity
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Potassium toxicity (too much potassium) is not an issue in animals who have normally functioning kidneys, even with excessive consumption of this mineral. The problem with toxicity usually is due to an underlying condition called Addison's disease. Addison's is a disease of the adrenal gland that decreases the amount of a potassium-regulating hormone. Nervousness is not usually a symptom of this problem. However, one symptom is shivering or muscle tremors. This may appear to be nerves, but is actually a musculoskeletal issue.
Consult Your Veterinarian
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If your pet appears to have an increase in anxiousness without any obvious external stressors, you should consult your veterinarian. Any change in behavior, mental status or health can be a warning signal that medical intervention is necessary. If the diagnosis is a potassium issue, your vet will educate you on how to supplement your pet's diet effectively to initiate recovery.
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