Dogs need many trace elements in their bodies, among which calcium is quite important. Calcium deficiency can cause dogs to lose appetite, become lethargic, affect dental health, and severe deficiency can lead to bone deformities. But not all dogs need calcium supplements, so owners should not blindly supplement calcium for their dogs. Today the editor will introduce how to supplement calcium for dogs and tips for dog calcium supplementation.

Situations Requiring Calcium Supplementation

1. If your dog has bow legs, or is unstable when walking, or if you observe that the dog's hind legs have no strength at all, or the dog often lies down and is unwilling to move, then owners should consider supplementing calcium for the dog. If none of these conditions exist, there is no need to supplement calcium at all.

Dangers of Excessive Calcium Supplementation in Dogs

2. If the dog does not lack calcium but continues to be given calcium supplements, the harm to its growth and development is irreversible. For example, premature calcification of cartilage, or early closure of the dog's growth plates, which easily causes skull deformities and restricts brain development.

3. Another form of over-supplementation causes premature bone calcification, seriously affecting long bone development, with the most obvious impact being limited height.

Small Tips for Calcium Supplementation

1. Choose different calcium supplement products according to the dog's growth stage. During puppyhood, be sure to select puppy food that is nutritionally rich and easily absorbed; when the dog becomes an adult, its digestive system is fully developed, so you can provide more nutrient-rich adult dog food; when it is elderly, switch to senior dog food.

2. For puppies, the best calcium supplementation method can be high-calcium tablets. Avoid giving milk or bone broth, as the puppy’s digestive system is not fully developed and may cause discomfort. However, high-calcium tablets are a more scientific and healthy way to supplement calcium. Owners can also feed some probiotics first to regulate the digestive system before adding calcium tablets, making absorption easier.

3. Besides calcium tablets, you can also use dietary supplements to provide calcium for dogs. For example, in daily life, give dogs more soy products, dried shrimp, or fish meat, as these ingredients contain rich calcium. Another method is to take the dog out for sun exposure and more exercise, which also helps calcium absorption and utilization.