All dogs process Vitamin C internally, not requiring Vitamin C supplements until they get older or are considered nutritionally deficient. Kidney stones form in dogs with highly acidic urinary tracts, with doses of Vitamin C used in its treatment and cure. Vitamin C has ascorbic acid in it, so dogs with normal levels of Vitamin C or dogs with low levels of Vitamin C that take a supplement will probably not have kidney stones. This is because Vitamin C will acidify the dog's urine, dissolving the stone and preventing its formation in the urine.
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Advantages and Disadvantages of Vitamin C
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Vitamin C offers advantages and disadvantages for your dog. Typically most dog owners will give Vitamin C to their pets to relieve symptoms of distemper and hip dysplasia, help heal after broken bones or surgery, prevent infection of the urinary tract and prevent formation of stones. However, Vitamin C can kill healthy cells through pro-oxidation, as does Vitamin K; an excess of Vitamin C can decrease Vitamin B12 levels; too much Vitamin C can enhance tumors in the body; and too much Vitamin C will increase oxidative-free levels of iron.
Signs of Kidney Stones in Dogs
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Before placing the dog on Vitamin C, first observe the dog for signs of kidney stones. Some signs are blood in the urine, vomiting, a "dribbling" urination, painful urination, urinating in unusual places (in the middle of the bed or kitchen floor), irritation of the urinary tract or inability to urinate. If the dog is pad- or paper-trained, blood in the urine is the first sign seen. Dogs who are taken outside to toilet at least three times a day are less apt to get kidney stones than dogs who remain inside with no exercise.
Dog Urine and Kidney Function
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For clean urine catches, make sure the dog has been off antibiotics for at least two weeks. Watching the color of a dog's urine is the responsibility of the pet owner, as urine color is an excellent indicator of how her kidneys are functioning. If the urine becomes overly concentrated or crystallizes, stones have formed or will form. The first urine of the day should be light yellow. If this urine is orange or dark yellow, concentrating is occurring with the body conserving fluids. No color in the urine means renal failure, as the urine is too dilute. Clear urine throughout the day is acceptable. Blood in the urine requires an immediate trip to the vet.
Vitamin C Dog Dosage
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The correct dosage of Vitamin C for your dog varies. Vitamin C doses for dogs depends on such factors as the dog's age and health. Because dogs make their own Vitamin C, most of the time this vitamin supplement is not given to them. Once blood tests show a problem, or you feel a supplement is needed for poor food quality or poor skin quality, the average dosage is 250 mg to 500 mg. twice daily.
Natural Sources of Vitamin C for Dogs
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Many people choose to give their dogs natural sources of Vitamin C, mixing fresh vegetables and fruits with their dry food. Dogs should be offered food twice a day. Leave their bowl of food in front of them for about 20 minutes; then pick it up while leaving fresh water down all day. A good source of Vitamin C is apple cider vinegar, poured into their water or a bowl of milk. The dosage for the vinegar is one teaspoon per 10 pounds of the dog's weight.
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