Just like you, your canine friends need vitamins for optimal health. It is important to feed your dog a high-quality dog food that contains all the needed nutrients. Since your dog's specific vitamin needs will vary with size, age, breed and overall health, it is important to consult with your veterinarian before supplementing your dog's diet with extra vitamins. If your dog eats only dry food, or lower quality food, he is probably not getting enough vitamins and needs supplements.
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Types
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There are two basic types of vitamins, fat soluble and water soluble. Fat-soluble vitamins are stored in lipocytes, which are fat storage cells. The body can then draw upon them as needed. Water-soluble vitamins are not stored in the body except in very small amounts; they must be obtained from the diet on a regular basis. High doses of the fat-soluble vitamins can lead to toxicity. The water-soluble vitamins are Vitamin C and the B vitamins. The fat-soluble ones are Vitamin A, Vitamin D, Vitamin E and Vitamin K.
Vitamin A
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Vitamin A is essential for maintaining healthy skin, hair, muscles, eyes and nerves. A deficiency of this vitamin can cause night blindness, growth retardation, hair loss and loss of reproductive capability. Vitamin A is stored and secreted by the liver, but newborn puppies are born without liver storage. The mother's colostrum (first milk) is rich in Vitamin A and other substances needed by newborns. This is one reason newborns must be allowed to nurse for at least the first six weeks of life before going to a new home.
Vitamin D
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Vitamin D is important for skeletal growth, muscle control and nerve function. It also helps with regulation of calcium and phosphorous levels. It can be obtained from the sun, dairy products and fish liver oil. A deficiency can cause rickets and prevent permanent teeth from coming in.
Vitamin E
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This vitamin is vital in cell membrane formation, cell respiration and metabolism. It is also an antioxidant. Deficiency in Vitamin E causes cell damage and death in skeletal muscle, heart, liver and nerves. It can also cause Brown Bowel Syndrome, in which the bowels ulcerate, hemorrhage and degenerate.
Vitamin K
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Vitamin K is needed for blood clotting. Too little Vitamin K leads to death by hemorrhage. It is found in leafy green vegetables and egg yolks.
Vitamin C
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This vitamin promotes proper healing and has been shown to be beneficial in dogs suffering from hip dysplasia. Vitamin C also helps reduce kidney stones and maintain a healthy urinary tract. Too little Vitamin C can lead to gum disease, poor bone formation, atherosclerosis and cancer. Vitamin C shows promise in treating arthritis and relieving pain.
B Vitamins
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The B vitamins are a group of related vitamins that contribute to normal growth and energy levels. They are also needed to keep the nervous system working properly. High stress levels, as well as extremely cold weather, deplete Vitamin B and Vitamin C.
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