Too much calcium can cause your dog to develop problems like kidney stones . It can also cause large breeds to grow too quickly for their bones and joints to develop properly. This can lead to problems like hip dysplasia, osteochondrosis and hypertrophic osteodystrophy in adulthood.
What are the symptoms of too much calcium in your system?
- Loss of appetite.
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Constipation and abdominal (belly) pain.
- The need to drink more fluids and urinate more.
- Tiredness, weakness, or muscle pain.
- Confusion, disorientation, and difficulty thinking.
- Headaches.
- Depression.
What happens if a dog eats too much calcium?
Pets with abnormally high calcium levels may show signs of weakness, listlessness, increased drinking and urination, and loss of appetite . In some pets, prolonged hypercalcemia may contribute to formation of bladder or kidney stones.
What causes high levels of calcium in dogs?
The most common cause of a high calcium level is cancer . In about half of the cases of hypercalcemia in dogs the cause is lymphoma, a cancer of the lymphatic system. Lymphoma most often causes lymph nodes to swell, but it may localize in the liver, intestine, spleen, heart, brain, spinal cord, or kidneys.
Can you give a whelping dog too much calcium?
How much to give? We use a dose of 75-90 mg of elemental calcium per pound of her pre-pregnancy body weight. This much calcium should not be given all at once, but should be split between puppies when whelping, and across 3-4 meals when nursing . This much calcium should not be given all at once.
How much calcium should a dog have daily?
The recommended calcium intake for healthy adult dogs is 50 mg per kilogram of body weight . This means a 10 lb dog will require roughly 225 mg of calcium per day. Age, breed, gender, and lifestyle also play a role in how much calcium a dog needs.
Can high calcium in dogs be cured?
There aren’t any medications to decrease Calcium , unfortunately – the source of the problem needs to be removed to bring those values down. Hypercalcemia can cause long term kidney damage, so it would be a good idea to monitor him for signs of increased drinking, increased urination, lethargy, and loss of appetite.
How do I reduce calcium in my dog?
Your dog may need intravenous or diuretic therapy if he is dehydrated, or if renal function needs to be supported. Glucocorticoids will also be administered if needed to balance the calcium function and resorption. Medication to decrease serum calcium or inhibit bone resorption could be prescribed.
How do you treat high calcium in dogs?
Pamidronate is the most commonly used parenteral drug; the recommended dosage in dogs is 1–2 mg/kg, IV, mixed in 0.9% saline given throughout 2 hr . In cats, alendronate is the most common oral preparation used to control idiopathic hypercalcemia.
What foods to avoid when calcium is high?
Cut back on foods high in calcium. Greatly limit or stop your intake of milk, cheese, cottage cheese, yogurt, pudding, and ice cream . Read food labels. Don’t buy dairy products with added calcium.
What is a dangerously high calcium level?
What is a High Calcium Level? Your blood calcium level would be considered high if it surpasses the upper limit of the normal range, meaning it is greater than 10.3 mg/dl .
How do you flush calcium out of your body?
Fluids. Fluids through a drip help flush the extra calcium out of your system. Drinking plenty of fluids will help too if you can manage it.
Is calcium harmful to dogs?
Calcium isn’t toxic , but calcium is often accompanied by Vitamin D for absorption. Vitamin D can be toxic for dogs when taken in high doses. If your dog has gotten into or accidentally eaten too much calcium or Vitamin D, you need to watch for these signs: Diarrhea.
Can I give my dog milk for calcium?
Adding other foods to a dog’s diet is recommended to ensure that it consumes enough calcium. Dairy products, like yogurts, cheeses, and cottage cheese, are a great source of calcium for dogs and can be mixed in with dry dog food.
Should you give nursing dogs calcium?
Calcium supplementation or feeding cottage cheese in pregnant and nursing dogs is generally not recommended . Excessive calcium intake during pregnancy or nursing can suppress parathyroid hormone production and increases the risk of developing low blood calcium levels or eclampsia.
Can I give my dog Tums for calcium?
Some humans use Tums as a calcium supplement, but this is not a good idea for dogs . While dogs don’t tend to experience side effects from one or two infrequent doses, repeated exposure can cause serious health issues in canines. If your dog needs calcium supplements, talk to your vet about your dog’s diet.
Should I give my dog calcium supplements?
Use of calcium supplements may be required when feeding a homemade diet, or in pregnant or nursing pets . Calcium supplementation should only be used under veterinary supervision, as too much calcium can cause other health problems.
Are eggs good for dogs?
Eggs are perfectly safe for dogs , Eggs are a great source of nutrition for your canine companion. They are high in protein, fatty acids, vitamins, and fatty acids that help support your dog inside and out. Remember that eggs are only as good as the chicken they come from.
What is the best source of calcium for dogs?
Fish. Fish is arguably one of the best calcium sources for your dog because it also brings so many more beneficial nutrients into the mix. It is also often easier to get your dog to eat fish than to feed them leafy greens. Certain kinds of fish that you can feed your dog include salmon, sardines, trout, and tuna.
What plants cause high calcium in dogs?
Avoid exposure of your dog to toxins known to cause hypercalcemia such as vitamin D-containing rat poisons, topical ointments containing vitamin D-like compounds like calcipotriene, and plants such as day-blooming Jessamine (Cestrum diurnum), Solanum malacoxylon and Trisetum flavescens .
