Can Dogs Take Vitamin C to Boost Immunity?
• Step 1:Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant, antiviral and toxin fighter, and plays an important role in your dog’s immune system. It is also essential for muscle and joint health due to its collagen-building abilities, and important to urinary health as well. Of course, dogs synthesize their own supply of Vitamin C, approximately 40 mg per 2.2 pounds of body weight per day. But some experts believe factors such as stress, toxins, pregnancy, injury or illness can deplete that supply, causing deficiencies. Symptoms of Vitamin C deficiency in dogs include muscle weakness, gum disease, bad breath, bleeding and bone weakness. If your dog is exhibiting symptoms of deficiency or undergoing stress, check with your veterinarian to see if Vitamin C supplementation is warranted. Many dog owners and breeders supplement their dogs’ diets with Vitamin C during times of physiological stress, such as during pregnancy, illness or injury. Proper dosage, however, varies depending upon the dog’s breed,