Symptoms of low calcium (hypocalcemia) in dogs include muscle twitching, trembling, stiffness, facial rubbing, panting, and weakness. Severe cases can lead to seizures, disorientation, and aggression. It is often seen in nursing females (eclampsia) or as a result of kidney failure, causing, fever, and, at times, a stiff, "drunken" walk.

How do you know if your dog is lacking calcium?

Pets with abnormally low calcium levels often show signs of muscle twitching, loss of appetite, weakness, and listlessness. In severe cases, pets may have convulsions or seizures.

What causes low calcium levels in dogs?

There are many causes of low blood calcium besides hypoparathyroidism: low albumin levels, kidney failure, pancreatitis, antifreeze poisoning, exposure to a phosphate enema, low magnesium, nutritional deficiency (especially the infamous "all meat diet"), nursing a litter, and the list continues.

What to give a dog with calcium deficiency?

Some of the most calcium rich foods for dogs are as follows: Vegetables. Ah, of course! ... Yogurt/Curd. Yogurt is delicious, easily available, and one of the best calcium treats for dogs... Sardines. Fish are high calcium foods for dogs, especially sardines... Salmon... Cheese... Eggs... Chicken meat.

What are two signs of low calcium?

Two common signs of hypocalcemia (low blood calcium) are tingling/numbness (paresthesia), especially around the mouth, fingers, and toes, and muscle cramps or spasms (tetany), which can range from mild to severe. Other signs include Chvostek's and Trousseau's signs (specific nerve/muscle responses), brittle nails, and dry skin, with severe cases leading to seizures or heart issues.

What Are The Symptoms Of Calcium Deficiency In Dogs? - Ask A Pet Vet

What is the fastest way to cure calcium deficiency?

The safest and easiest way to treat or prevent a calcium deficiency is to add more calcium to the diet. Some calcium-rich foods include: dairy products, such as milk, cheese, and yogurt. beans.

What happens if calcium goes too low?

Low calcium (hypocalcemia) causes muscle cramps, tingling, dry skin, brittle nails, fatigue, and can affect mood with confusion or depression, while long-term deficiency weakens bones, leading to osteoporosis and fractures, and in severe cases, can cause seizures or irregular heartbeats. The body takes calcium from bones if dietary intake is insufficient, causing long-term damage, but symptoms often appear as neurological or psychological issues or physical changes.

What is the best source of calcium for a dog?

This includes dairy, such as yogurt and cheese; make sure that your dog is not lactose-intolerant as dairy can cause sensitivities in some dogs. Other natural sources for calcium include vegetables and legumes such as broccoli, spinach, and beans, as well as fish (tuna and salmon are especially calcium rich).

How to add calcium into a dog's diet?

The best way to support your dog's calcium needs is through natural, whole-food sources. These are not only more digestible but also deliver calcium in balance with other vital nutrients. Some of the best sources include: Raw meaty bones such as chicken wings or thighs.

What are the symptoms of calcium deficiency in animals?

Prolonged calcium deficiency that may occur in young animals may results in rickets, osteoporosis in adults making them prone to fractures. General symptoms include stunted growth, delayed maturity, reduced fertility, lowered milk yield, unthrift ness, fragile bones and paralytic syndromes.

What is a normal calcium level for a dog?

Normal values for blood calcium concentration vary slightly from one laboratory to another but approximately 9.0 to 11.6 mg/dl is considered normal in adult dogs.

Can I give my dog calcium supplements?

Calcium supplements may be required when feeding a homemade diet or feeding pregnant or nursing pets. Calcium supplementation should only be used under veterinary supervision, as too much calcium can cause other health problems.

When to give calcium to dogs?

When do I give my dog calcium supplements? Since store-bought dog food usually has the minimum required calcium intake, additional calcium is not necessary unless your veterinarian recommends it. The following scenarios may require calcium supplementation under veterinary supervision: Dogs on homemade diet or raw food.

What can elevate calcium in dogs?

Lymphoma (lymphatic cancer) is probably by far the most common cause of elevated calcium in dogs. Parathyroid gland tumor secreting PTH. Kidney failure (altering the calcium and phosphorus balance). It should be noted that kidney failure causes hypercalcemia, and hypercalcemia causes kidney failure.

Are eggs a good source of calcium for dogs?

Finely ground eggshells can be a good source of calcium for your dog's diet (especially if you're given them home-cooked, as I do), but they can also be a source of bacteria contamination, so I prefer to avoid it and source calcium from, for example, cottage cheese, that my pups love.

Is chicken high in calcium for dogs?

Chicken can also be a great source of calcium if you feed chicken necks (which have a lot of bones). Calcium is a vital mineral to all sorts of normal bodily functions. Dogs cannot produce calcium on their own, so getting it from a dietary source is an absolute must.

What to add to homemade dog food for calcium?

The first proviso is that all dogs need calcium in their diet. This means that if you want to be successful in making homemade dog food, you have to supplement it with calcium. You will need to feed your dog two or three raw meaty bones (RMBs) a week, or supplement its diet with a calcium supplement.

Is yogurt a good source of calcium for dogs?

“Plain, low or non-fat yogurt provides probiotic benefits and serves as an excellent source of calcium for our canine companions. Adding a small spoonful of yogurt to your dog's regular kibble at mealtime can provide digestive benefits and even help your dog stay full longer.

What are early signs of calcium deficiency?

An extremely low calcium level may cause tingling (often in the lips, tongue, fingers, and feet), muscle aches, spasms of the muscles in the throat (leading to difficulty breathing), stiffening and spasms of muscles (tetany), seizures, and abnormal heart rhythms.

Can dehydration cause low calcium?

Severe dehydration is known to cause mild or transient hypercalcemia due to a decrease in fluid volume that affects calcium excretion via the kidneys [15].

How to raise calcium quickly?

Dairy products, such as cheese, milk and yogurt. Dark green leafy vegetables, such as broccoli and kale. Fish with edible soft bones, such as sardines and canned salmon. Calcium-fortified foods and beverages, such as soy products, cereal and fruit juices, and milk substitutes.

What is the most common cause of low calcium?

The most common cause of low calcium (hypocalcemia) is hypoparathyroidism, a condition where the parathyroid glands don't produce enough parathyroid hormone (PTH), which regulates calcium levels. Other frequent causes involve Vitamin D deficiency, as it's crucial for calcium absorption, and issues like kidney disease, malnutrition, certain medications, and low magnesium levels. 

---