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Can dogs have Vitamin K Supplements?

can dogs have vitamin k supplementsNo

Overview

dog-food-safety-information

No, vitamin K supplements for humans may be too strong for dogs. Vitamin K supplements are fat-soluble, which means any excess stays in the body and cannot be expelled through urination. As such, it can build up in the tissue and cause overdose or toxicity.

Benefits

health-benefits
  • Human vitamin K supplements are not safe for canines. Dogs that need vitamin K can get it from supplements formulated for canine consumption.
  • Vitamin K supports normal blood coagulation and helps in the treatment of poisoning, particularly from the ingestion of rodent poisons. Other conditions that can cause a deficiency in vitamin K include liver failure, intestinal malabsorption, and prolonged use of oral antibiotics. In these cases, dogs may not be able to obtain or utilize vitamin K effectively, which can disrupt normal blood clotting and lead to bleeding disorders.
  • Vitamin K promotes healthy blood clotting to prevent potential blood disorders and speeds up the healing process for wounds.

Risks

health-risks
  • Vitamin K supplements formulated for humans have higher potency and dosage than those made for pets. As such, it can potentially lead to overdose if given to dogs. Symptoms of a vitamin K overdose include respiratory problems, lethargy, vomiting, loss of appetite, and weakness.
  • Vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin that plays a role in blood clotting and bone metabolism. Dogs get their vitamin K from what their gut bacteria produce internally and from their diet. Vitamin K1 is synthesized by plants and is present in food, while K2 is produced by bacteria in the intestinal tract.
  • It's not necessary to give dogs vitamin K supplements unless they have a deficiency.
health-risks-dog

Servings

serving-suggestions
  • Only administer vitamin K supplements formulated for dogs. The dosage of vitamin K will depend on the dog's weight and health condition. In general, the recommended dosage of vitamin K supplement is anywhere from 0.5 to 2.5 mg per kilogram of body weight per day.
  • It's recommended to administer the vitamin K supplement with a mildly fatty meal for better absorption.

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