Vitamin C
Vitamin C is an antioxidant, an anti-inflammatory, and helps maintain collagen health. It is routinely recommended by holistic veterinarians for many conditions including cancer, joint diseases and disorders, bacterial infections, and respiratory conditions. Dosages: Dogs typically produce Vitamin C at approximately 18 mg. per pound of body weight. This amount is considered by many veterinarians to be the “maintenance” dose needed when extra Vitamin C supplementation is recommended. So a 60-lb. dog may have a dosage of 1,000 mg. of Vitamin C recommended by a veterinarian. Though Chance’s recommended dosage is 500 mg. and she weighs 60-ish pounds. Selecting A Supplement: When buying Vitamin C supplements, look for products that are as pure as possible without fillers. USP pure labeled products are best. Powdered and crystal forms are the easiest to give. For dogs that have formed stones or are at risk for stone formation, your veterinarian should assist you in picking the correct form to use. Commonly Available Forms Of Vitamin C: 1.) Ascorbic Acid The naturally occurring form of Vitamin C. Gives many Vitamin C supplements their tart taste. Not efficiently absorbed in large, single doses or high concentrations so smaller, more frequent doses would need to be given. Can cause diarrhea. Taste may be an issue. 2.) Ascorbyl Palmitate An oil-soluble form called of Vitamin C used to increase the shelf life of cooking oils and potato chips. Absorption is approximately 3 times more efficient that Ascorbic Acid but it is approximately 6 times more expensive and cell membrane protection has only been demonstrated in a test tube. 3.) Calcium Ascorbate A salt form of Vitamin C. It is easily absorbed and causes few side effects such as diarrhea or heartburn. Considered by many veterinarians to be the best form for horses. Ester C is a patented form of Calcium Ascorbate. 4.) Sodium Ascorbate A salt form of Vitamin C It is easily absorbed. It is the only form of vitamin C approved by the FDA for intravenous injection in humans. The preferred form for oral megadoses in humans because it does not irritate the intestinal tract and the excess is easily eliminated without harm to the kidneys. Probably the best for dogs that form stones. Glucosamine Glucosamine Sulfate is a naturally occurring chemical that the body uses to make other chemicals. These chemicals are then used to build cartilage, joint fluid, tendons, and ligaments. Some form of a sulfate is needed to give the best uptake of glucosamine. This just means the body has the best chance of using the glucosamine in the formula. Glucosamine sulfate has everything needed for maximum uptake because it is the sulfate form. Glucosamine HCL would need to be combined with a sulfate such as Chondroitin Sulfate in order for the body to be able to utilize the glucosamine the best. Starting Dosages:
After improvement is seen, you can try decreasing the dosage to a maintenance dose. Maintenance Doses are typically:
If no improvement is seen after 6 weeks, a switch to a different brand may see results. Chondroitin
Chondroitin Sulfate is a major component of cartilage. It helps keep cartilage healthy by absorbing fluid into the connective tissue, provides the building blocks for new cartilage, and may block enzymes that break down cartilage. It seems to work best when paired with a form of Glucosamine. Starting Dosages:
After improvement is seen, you can try decreasing the dosage to a maintenance dose. Maintenance Doses are typically:
If no improvement is seen after 6 weeks, a switch to a different brand may see results. Fish oil is the most important supplement (in my opinion) as it contains Omega-3 fatty acids.
Why is this Important? Commercially grown meat is fed grain which causes the Omega-3 to Omega-6 fatty acid ratio to be off. Grain fed meat contains too much Omega-6 so supplementing with fish oil is important to bring that ratio back into proper proportions. The amount to give to achieve this is called a “maintenance” dose. How much should I give for a "maintenance" dose? 100 – 150 mg. Omega-3 fatty acids for every 10 lbs. body weight. What about animals with health conditions? For animals with health problems such as degenerative joint disease, arthritis, hip dysplasia, spinal problems, elbow dysplasia, coat and skin issues, allergies, autoimmune disease, cancer, heart disease, kidney disease, etc., a "therapeutic" dose may be needed. How much should I give for a "therapeutic" dose? Up to 300 mg. of total Omega-3 fatty acids for every 10 lbs. of body weight. More than 300 mg. of total Omega-3 fatty acids for every 10 lbs. of body weight can be given as needed. Is mg. of fish oil the same as the mg. of Omega-3's? No. Most 1,000 mg. fish oil capsules contain 300 mg. total Omega-3 fatty acids per capsule but check the label of the one you are using. If you use a liquid, it should tell you how much per unit of measure. Are there any health concerns when giving fish oil? Yes. As with all supplements, make sure to tell your vet your dog is taking it. Fish oil acts as a blood thinner and may need to be stopped prior to surgeries and procedures. It may not be appropriate for dogs with certain medical conditions and/or taking certain medications. |
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The information contained in these blogs is not meant as a substitute for veterinary care or as a replacement for advice or instructions given by a veterinarian. Contact your veterinarian before starting any over-the-counter products.
Topics ListApril 2019
* Vitamin E March 2019 * Aromatherapy February 2016 * Essential Oils September 2015 * DGP - Marine Collagen August 2015 * Quercetin * D-mannose February 2015 * MSM * Vitamin C April 2014 * Glucosamine * Chondroitin March 2014 * Fish Oil |
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