Overview
Yes, folate supplements are ideal for pregnant dogs and canines dealing with folate deficiency due to an illness. Supplementing healthy dogs with folate is not necessary as long as they have a complete and balanced diet.
Can dogs have Folate Supplements?
Benefits
- Folate supplements are commonly used on pregnant dogs to ensure normal fetal development, especially brachycephalic dogs that are susceptible to cleft palate.
- Folate supplements are also given to canines prone to folate deficiency due to health issues like small-intestinal disease or malabsorption.
Risks
- Folate supplements can cause stomach upset in dogs if ingested in large doses.
- Insomnia, confusion, and hyperactivity are side effects of folate supplement overdose commonly seen in humans. They can potentially take place on canines too.
- Folate supplementation should not be initiated until dogs are confirmed to have folate deficiency to avoid overdose.
- Folate supplements can interact with certain drugs such as pyrimethamine and trimethoprim. Make sure to check with the vet if your dog is under medications.
Servings
- Folate supplements are available over the counter or through prescription. Folates are typically given to dogs by mouth, but they can be administered by the vet through injection.
- The suggested oral dosage for small dogs ranges from 400 micrograms to 1 mg once a day. It can take around 1 to 2 hours before folate supplements start working on your dog.
