Calcium is an important element involved in many vital processes of the body of dogs. Its intake into the body is very important for the formation of teeth and bones, also affects blood coagulation and heart rate. The lack of this element in the animal’s body leads to the appearance of many diseases.
The role of calcium in the body of the dog
Calcium gluconate for dogs, just like phosphorus, is an important element, without which no animal can do. Thanks to the intake of these elements, the teeth and bones become strong and strong.
Calcium for dogs is vital
For your information! The animal at any age needs regular intake of calcium into the body. For example, in the puppies, when the necessary portion of the elements is obtained, the skeleton has properly developing during the period of intensive growth, but in dogs of more mature age, bones are strengthened and painful sensations are eliminated.
Other vital processes also depend on the intake of calcium into the body of the pet, such as:
- Contraction of the heart muscles;
- Blood coagulation;
- Improvement of the condition of wool, claws, teeth and bones;
- Cell growth.
Causes of calcium deficiency in the dog's body
There may be several reasons why a lack of this element in the body can occur. Each of them has negative consequences for the animal, but the presence of several at once in most cases leads to death:
- An unbalanced diet in which there are no necessary vitamins and elements. The risk group most often includes puppies or young animals. For example, if the food of the animal consists exclusively of food of plant origin, then it cannot fully saturate the body of the pet with all useful components, including calcium and phosphorus. During such a power, a lack of a mineral occurs, which is especially noticeable on dogs of large breeds;
- A disease such as tetany occurs most often in bitches during the birth and postpartum period, as well as during lactation. At this time, the animal experiences an acute lack of calcium in the body, because all its reserves were used up during pregnancy. Dogs of small breeds are most susceptible to the appearance of the disease;
- The presence of an endocrine disease, as a result, the synthesis of the hormone decreases, due to which calcium absorption occurs.
The main symptoms of an element deficiency include:
- Apathetic state;
- Fragility and fragility of bones;
- Poor appetite;
- Fever and shortness of breath;
- Tachycardia;
- Diarrhea, vomiting;
- Increased aggressiveness.
Calcium is especially important for large breed dogs, as they suffer from joint pain.
Symptoms of calcium deficiency in dogs
In the body of a dog, all processes are interconnected and if there is a lack of one substance, then this in turn leads to a lack of the second. During a violation of the metabolic process in an animal, diseases such as rickets, eclampsia and bone thinning can occur.
If your pet exhibits any of the following symptoms, contact your veterinarian immediately:
- Violation of coordination of movement;
- Noticeable trembling of the limbs;
- Anxiety;
- Fear of the world.
For your information! Most often, females suffer from a lack of calcium during lactation, because all of it enters the milk, and then into the puppy's body. But if they have noticed a developmental delay or have problems with teeth, bones, then the veterinarian additionally prescribes vitamins and supplements.
Calcium for puppies and dogs on natural food
If the puppy is breastfed, it is quite difficult to track the amount of calcium supplied to the body. For example, if an animal sits on one meat, then in order for the body to receive the necessary daily dose of this element, 30 kg of meat must be eaten per day.
A lot of calcium is found in vegetables and fruits, but giving them to a puppy as the main diet will not work, so if the animal is breast-fed, he is additionally prescribed vitamins or special complexes for dogs, which contain the necessary portion of calcium and other important elements.
Healthy foods
In order for calcium for puppies and adult dogs to come in the required amount, it is recommended to introduce bone meal or powder from crushed eggs into the diet.
Calcium content in foods
Important! The absorption of calcium occurs only with phosphorus and vitamin D, so it is necessary to ensure that these substances enter the body daily.
It is important for puppies and dogs up to three years to give calcified cottage cheese, but it is forbidden for adult dogs to give dairy products, because their body does not absorb such food. A lot of calcium is also contained in peas, beans, oatmeal and nuts.
How much calcium is contained in natural stern
With natural feeding, the animal does not receive the necessary portion of calcium, so you need to add vitamins prescribed by the veterinarian.
The largest amount of calcium is contained in the melted cheese, cottage cheese, broinze, almonds, mustard, pistachios. In a little smaller amount it is present in oatmeal, barley, peas, walnuts, cream, sour cream and beans.
Nutrition standards
Regardless of the power method, dogs should have a strict diet corresponding to the age of the puppy:
- From birth to 2 months – 6 times a day;
- From 2 to 4 months – 5 times;
- From 4 to 6 months – 4 times;
- From 6 months to 1 year – 3 times a day.
Next, the dog is fed twice a day – in the morning and evening. At a time it is necessary to give a small amount of food, but it should be well balanced and nutritious.
What calcium to give a dog: an overview of additives
Calcium for dogs of large and medium breeds is as important as for small ones, so it is important to monitor and not bring the animal to the appearance of problems in the formation of the skeleton or with the joints. The use of natural additives with calcium will help ensure the rational intake of all the necessary substances in the body.
"Exel Calcium"
This is an additive for puppies and adult dogs, thanks to which the full health of bones and teeth is ensured. Veterinarians recommend using Excel Calcium especially during the active growth of puppies and during pregnancy. The composition includes phosphorus and vitamin D, contributing to the absorption of calcium in the body.
"Unitabs Calcium Plus"
An additive that is recommended for use for puppies from three months of age. Its reception will help strengthen the musculoskeletal system, improve metabolism and accelerate the growth of the animal.
For your information! The product can be combined with the use of other drugs or additives.
"Canvit" with calcium and gelatin
A feed supplement recommended by veterinarians for calcium and phosphorus deficiency in the body. The drug is well absorbed by the body and is very important for the development of the skeleton, joints, tendons, teeth, muscles and cartilage. The drug is extremely necessary during the growth period of the animal, as well as for pregnant dogs and during lactation. It is used to prevent the occurrence of musculoskeletal diseases and during the aging of the animal.
"Volmar"
The drug contains amino acids, probiotics, vitamins, as well as macro- and microelements. Each component complements the action of each other, due to which it has a positive effect on the body. "Volmar" is necessary for the proper development of ligaments, muscles and connective tissues.
Feeding Large Breed Puppies
"Phytocalcevit"
A natural supplement containing a large number of macro- and microelements. The complex has a wide range of applications:
- Prevention of hypovitaminosis and beriberi;
- Replenishes the lack of vitamins and minerals in the body;
- Prevents the occurrence of rickets and other problems during the growth of the puppy;
- Increases immunity to the penetration of viruses;
- Improves the work of internal organs during the bearing of puppies and during lactation.
Phytocalcevit for dogs
Supplement for dogs, used for both prevention and treatment. The complex contains natural herbs that saturate the body with vitamins and nutrients. The drug will help strengthen the joints and improve the exchange of cartilage.
Veterinarians recommend using the complex for adult dogs and for those that lead an active lifestyle.
"Beafar"
Vitamin and mineral supplement that saturates the body of the animal with calcium and other important minerals. Taking the supplement will strengthen the skeleton and teeth of the animal, as well as improve the coat.
Note! Recommended for use in small puppies, pregnant women and dogs during lactation.
Excess substance
Problems in an animal can arise not only during a shortage of calcium in the body, but also during its excess, because the excess is not excreted from the body naturally, but circulates all the time through the body, as a result of which it is deposited in cartilage or bone tissues.
As a result of excess calcium in the body, diseases such as osteochondrosis, bone curvature and hypertrophic osteodystrophy occur. In addition, an excess of this element does not allow other components to be absorbed, as a result of which mineral deficiency develops.
Recommendations from veterinarians
To obtain the required amount of calcium, it is recommended to use premium food. It is produced divided into several categories, each of which corresponds to the weight, age and health of the dog. The recommended dosage for dogs is indicated in the instructions on each package. In this case, there is no need to additionally purchase complex additives.
If the animal is on natural feeding, then it does not receive the necessary daily portion of calcium, then an additional intake of complex supplements is necessary.
It is important to remember that uncontrolled intake of calcium can lead to many health problems, so it must be taken strictly according to the recommendations of the veterinarian.
