What Causes Calcium Deficiency in Dogs?

Dogs contain various vitamins and minerals that play an important role in their daily metabolic functions. Calcium is one of the minerals that plays a role in many important metabolic processes, from bone development to muscle contraction, from blood clotting to hormone secretion. The absence of enough calcium in the blood to meet the dog's needs, in other words, a low calcium level in the blood, is called hypocalcemia.

The symptoms of calcium deficiency in dogs are quite varied. Both the symptoms and their severity can vary depending on the causes of hypocalcemia. If symptoms such as loss of appetite, vomiting, fever, fatigue, and involuntary muscle contractions are observed, dogs should be taken to a veterinarian for examination. This way, the source of the symptoms can be identified, and treatment processes to support your dog's health can be initiated. In this article, you can find information about the causes, symptoms, and treatment methods of calcium deficiency in dogs. However, before that, we would like to explain why calcium is necessary in a dog's body.

What is the Role and Importance of Calcium in Dog Health?

Calcium plays a very important role in the healthy functioning of a dog's metabolism. Dogs need calcium to support muscle mobility, maintain an ideal heart rate, accelerate wound healing, ensure optimal hormone secretion, support and protect skeletal health, and ensure healthy digestive system function. A recommended calcium intake of 50 mg per kilogram is given to adult dogs. However, a puppy's calcium needs can vary depending on its age, breed, gender, and lifestyle. Calcium deficiency in puppies is considered a much more serious condition than in adults. Because they are in their growth phase and need calcium for bone development, puppies may experience orthopedic problems if they don't get enough calcium. It should also be remembered that a balanced ratio of phosphorus and calcium is important for skeletal health.

A calcium intake of 50 mg per kilogram is recommended for adult dogs. The age, breed, gender, and lifestyle of a puppy can change its calcium needs. Calcium deficiency in puppies is considered a much more serious condition than in adults. Because they are in their growth period and need calcium for bone development, puppies may experience orthopedic problems if they do not get enough calcium. At this point, it should not be forgotten that a balanced ratio of phosphorus and calcium is also important for skeletal system health.

For pregnant and/or lactating dogs, calcium intake must be balanced: During pregnancy and/or lactation, the parathyroid gland may not be sufficiently active, resulting in a significant decrease in blood calcium levels, which can lead to eclampsia. Eclampsia mostly affects small breed dogs. Symptoms such as rapid breathing, impaired movement, difficulty walking, and muscle spasms require immediate medical attention.

What are the Causes of Calcium Deficiency in Dogs?

It is known that there are various causes of calcium deficiency in dogs, and some of these causes are associated with serious health problems. One of the most common causes of calcium deficiency in dogs is a decrease in the level of albumin, a protein in the blood. Normally, calcium binds to albumin, and a decrease in albumin levels affects the total calcium level. Other causes that can lead to hypocalcemia in dogs include: Antifreeze poisoning, Chronic kidney diseases, especially renal failure, Soft tissue trauma, Tumor lysis syndrome (TLS), a metabolic disorder, Low calcium absorption in the intestines, Secondary hypoparathyroidism following surgical removal of the thyroid gland or due to nutritional problems, and Rickets caused by early vitamin D deficiency or insufficient sunlight exposure.

• Antifriz zehirlenmesi,
• Chronic kidney diseases, especially renal failure,
• Soft tissue trauma,
• Tumor lysis syndrome (TLS), a metabolic disorder,
• Low calcium absorption in the intestines,
• Secondary hypoparathyroidism following surgical removal of the thyroid gland or due to nutritional problems, and
• Rickets occurring due to early vitamin D deficiency or insufficient sunlight exposure.

What are the Symptoms of Calcium Deficiency in Dogs?

Symptoms of calcium deficiency in dogs can vary depending on the underlying cause. The parathyroid glands, located next to the thyroid glands and responsible for controlling calcium levels in the blood, may not be able to fully perform their functions, which can also cause symptoms of hypocalcemia in dogs.

The most common symptoms include muscle twitching, twitching, inability to control body movements, muscle spasms, loss of appetite, behavioral changes, weakness, panting, fever, and seizures. If your dog is experiencing similar symptoms, it is important to consult your veterinarian as soon as possible.

How is Hypocalcemia Diagnosed in Dogs?

It is both a necessity and a responsibility to have dogs showing signs of deteriorating general health examined by a veterinarian without delay.

Physical examination is the priority in diagnosing hypocalcemia. Information about the dog's health history is obtained, and potential causes of the symptoms are ruled out. Then, routine tests such as complete blood count and urinalysis can be performed. Blood tests provide information about whether dogs have calcium deficiency and potential causes of calcium deficiency. Determining total calcium and ionized calcium levels is extremely important. Tests that determine total calcium are quick and easy to perform. It is the primary method used in measuring calcium levels.

How is Calcium Deficiency Treated in Dogs?

As mentioned earlier, when calcium deficiency is diagnosed in dogs, the treatment varies depending on the underlying cause. First, the reason for the low calcium level is determined, the symptoms are evaluated, the current calcium levels in the blood are considered, and a treatment plan is developed based on the dog's overall health. If the dog's general health is very poor, hospitalization may be the only option.

Treatment for low calcium levels in dogs usually involves administering calcium supplements intravenously in the required amount, and the dog's blood values ​​are closely monitored. Avoiding excessive calcium intake is also extremely important. ECG results are also monitored in dogs receiving calcium supplementation, as sudden changes in calcium levels can affect heart health and lead to anomalies in ECG results. After intravenous calcium treatment, veterinarians may recommend the use of calcium supplements at home.

Recommendations for Maintaining Calcium Balance in Dogs

Adding high-quality dog ​​food, selected according to the dog's life stage and processed while preserving the nutritional values ​​of its ingredients, to the dog's diet greatly facilitates maintaining calcium balance. In addition, it is possible to add foods such as spinach, celery, lentils, non-gas-producing dairy products, broccoli, and eggshell powder to the dog's diet. Those whose dogs are told by veterinarians that they need calcium supplementation and who are looking for a sustainable and healthy method for this purpose can use calcium tablets. Vet’s Plus, which has become one of the first brands that comes to mind when it comes to health-supporting supplements for both cats and dogs, also contributes to the health of our friends with its calcium tablets. Vet's Plus Calcium Calcium Tablets for Cats and Dogs (100 tablets), which strengthen the immune system, promote healthy growth, and help have healthier bones and teeth, show their effect with regular use. The formula, rich in vitamin D3, protects dogs' teeth while also strengthening their muscles. Its calcium content contributes to important metabolic processes, from heart rate to weight control. You too can get the calcium your pets need, as recommended by veterinarians, by purchasing Vet's Plus Calcium Calcium Tablets for Cats and Dogs (100 tablets) here and take advantage of Terralora's exclusive offers.

Vet's Plus, which has become one of the first brands that comes to mind when it comes to health-supporting supplements for both cats and dogs, also contributes to the health of our friends with its calcium tablets.

Vet's Plus Calcium Calcium Tablets for Cats and Dogs (100 Tablets) strengthen the immune system, promote healthy growth, and help maintain healthier bones and teeth. The formula, rich in Vitamin D3, protects dogs' teeth while strengthening their muscles. Its calcium content contributes to important metabolic processes, from heart rate to weight control. To ensure your pets receive the calcium they need, as recommended by veterinarians, you can purchase Vet's Plus Calcium Calcium Tablets for Cats and Dogs (100 Tablets) here and take advantage of Terralora's exclusive offers.