Vitamin C for Dogs

Do Dogs Need Vitamin C Supplements?

Since dogs can produce vitamin C in their bodies, many dog parents wonder if they need to give their dogs vitamin C tablets.

True, dogs can make vit C in their bodies, but if a dog is stressed or sick, their bodies' output of vitamin C can quickly be depleted.

In fact, it has been found that stress, both physical (e.g. fever, infections, etc.) and emotional (e.g. stress caused by a change in the environment), is the best-known cause of vitamin C depletion in dogs.

In addition, it has been found that dogs supplemented with vitamin C have stronger immune systems and show greater resistance to disease, and a better ability to recover from illness or injuries.

Benefits of Vitamin C to Dogs

Vitamin C has a lot of health benefits to dogs. For example:

• Antioxidant: Vitamin C is an antioxidant. It works with vitamin E and helps regenerate vitamin E, enhancing its antioxidative effect.
• Immune Booster: Vitamin C improves immune function by enhancing white blood cell function and activity. It also increases the blood levels of interferon (the body's natural antiviral and anti-cancer compound) and antibodies (proteins that destroy foreign material such as bacteria, viruses, and toxins).

  In fact, many veterinarians (both conventional and holistic) now routinely include vitamin C in their treatment protocols for various illnesses. Some such illnesses include cancer, infections such as bladder and urinary tract infections (UTIs), respiratory infections (e.g. kennel cough), and others.

  Some veterinarians also suggest giving dogs vitamin C as a preventative and immune booster. For example, vitamin C can be given to dogs before and after vaccination, to weak and old dogs, to pregnant and lactating dogs, and to those that have been exposed to contagious diseases.

• Antihistamine: Vitamin C may also help with allergies in dogs because it functions like a natural antihistamine.
• Joint Health: Additionally, vitamin C maintains the health of collagen. So it is helpful for dogs with arthritis and degenerative joint disease, hip dysplasia, and spinal disorders. (But note that high doses of vitamin C are not recommended - see below.)

Which Form of Vitamin C is the Best?

If you want to supplement your dog with vitamin C, the best form is the salt forms of vitamin C, known as mineral ascorbates (calcium ascorbate and sodium ascorbate).

Ascorbates are easily absorbed anywhere in the dog's intestinal tract. They are also considered to be the most gentle (buffered) forms of vitamin C and cause fewer side effects such as diarrhea or heartburn.

Calcium ascorbate is pH-neutral, and has a slightly bitter taste. It is widely considered to be able to give the best results in relieving symptoms of arthritis.

Sodium ascorbate is also pH-neutral. It has a slightly saline taste. According to Dr. Wendell Belfield (the leading advocate of using vitamin C supplements in dogs), sodium ascorbate is the most effective form of vitamin C for dogs.

How Much Vitamin C Can You Give Your Dog?

Since vitamin C is water soluble, you cannot actually overdose a dog with vitamin C because excessive amount is excreted through the kidney.

However, too much vitamin C will cause diarrhea in dogs, especially if given in one dose.

How much vitamin C to give depends on the individual dog's lifestyle and health condition, as well as the dog's tolerance level of vitamin C (i.e. the upper limit of vitamin C before the dog develops diarrhea).

In her book "Four Paws, Five Directions: A Guide to Chinese Medicine for Cats and Dogs", Cheryl Schwartz, DVM, suggests the following dosages for health maintenance:

• Puppies and Small Dogs: 250 mg daily
• Medium-sized Dogs: 500 mg daily
• Large Dogs: 750 mg daily
• Senior Dogs: 500-1,000 mg daily per 40-50 pounds of body weight

For specific health problems, she suggests:

• Arthritis: as high a dose as possible with diarrhea being the limiting factor, up to 5,000 mg/day.

  Update: A recent study has shown that high doses of vitamin C could actually speed up joint deterioration and pain in arthritic patients. So, I wouldn't use high doses of vitamin C as a dog arthritis treatment option.

• Ear Infections: 125 mg twice daily for small dogs; 250-500 mg twice daily for medium dogs; 500-1,000 mg twice daily for large dogs.
• Teeth/Gum Diseases: 125 mg twice daily for small dogs; 250 mg twice daily for medium dogs; 1,000 mg twice daily for large dogs.
• Upper Respiratory Problems: 125-500 mg twice daily for small dogs; 250-1,500 mg twice daily for medium dogs; 500-1,500 mg twice daily for large dogs.
• Skin Allergies: 125 mg twice daily for small dogs; 250-1,500 mg twice daily for medium dogs; 500-1,500 mg twice daily for large dogs.
• Bladder and Urinary Tract Infections: 125 mg twice daily for small dogs; 250 mg twice daily for medium dogs; 500 mg twice daily for large dogs.
• As Immune Booster: 500 mg twice daily for small dogs; up to 1,500 mg twice daily for medium dogs and large dogs.

If your dog develops diarrhea, adjust down the dosage until the stools are firm again.

Vitamin C from Natural Foods

In addition to supplementation, you may also want to provide natural foods that are rich in vitamin C (and bioflavonoids) to your dog for added fortification.

Foods that are high in vitamin C and bioflavonoids and palatable include such veggies as broccoli, kale, brussel sprouts, sweet red bell pepper, and spinach.

Fruits such as pineapple, papaya, and strawberries can also provide your dog with good doses of vitamin C and bioflavonoids.

You can use some such veggies and fruits as vitamin C dog treats!

References
C.J. Puotinen, Natural Remedies for Dogs and Cats (Keats Publishing, 1999).
C. Schwartz, Four Paws, Five Directions: A Guide to Chinese Medicine for Cats and Dogs (Celestial Arts Publishing, 1996).
R.H. Pitcairn, The Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs and Cats (Rodale, 2005).