Have you noticed your dog limping or experiencing pain while walking? These could be signs of bone problems or calcium deficiency, common health issues in dogs. As we know, bone health is vital for a happy and active life; therefore, calcium is one of the most important nutrients. It's not just a component of bones but also key to major vital functions. In this article, we'll learn about the causes of calcium deficiency in dogs, its symptoms, how to treat it, and ways to prevent it so you can maintain your companion's health and longevity.
What is calcium deficiency in dogs?
Calcium deficiency occurs when the blood calcium level falls below normal, directly affecting essential bodily functions. Calcium is not just a mineral; it's part of a dog's "biological structure."
Why is calcium important for dogs?
- Building bones and teeth.
- Supporting muscle function.
- Regulating heartbeat and nerves.
- Contributing to blood clotting.
What happens inside a dog's body during a deficiency?
When calcium levels drop, the nervous system begins to send unstable signals, resulting in tremors or spasms. Muscles also lose their ability to contract normally, and the skeleton begins to lose some of its density.
Symptoms of calcium deficiency in dogs:
If you are a breeder who cares about the health and nutrition of your little companion, you will immediately notice signs of calcium deficiency in the bones through simple movements and symptoms that appear on your dog. You can prevent and treat these immediately before they turn into advanced and serious symptoms that may require many stages of treatment, in addition to the severe pain that your dog will feel.
Early signs:
1- Behavioral and neurological changes:
- Noticeable tension and difficulty relaxing.
- Lethargy and loss of enthusiasm for playing.
- Extreme sensitivity to touch or sounds.
I previously worked with a breeder who noticed his dog had started refusing to sit and showing discomfort when its back was touched. This was the first sign of calcium deficiency before the tremors appeared.
2- Mild muscular symptoms:
Calcium deficiency directly affects the muscles' ability to relax, leading to over-excitation. Mild tremors may appear in the early stages. These tremors may be intermittent or appear when stressed. You will also notice a change in his gait and difficulty in balancing, and the dog may appear slightly unsteady while walking.
3- Other signs to watch out for:
- Excessive panting: The dog's breathing rate may increase even in the absence of heat or physical exertion.
- Loss of appetite: The dog may refuse to eat its usual meals or its appetite may decrease significantly.
- Increased salivation: The breeder may notice an unjustified increase in saliva production.
- Sensitivity to stimuli: The dog may become more sensitive to loud noises or bright lights.
Advanced and serious symptoms:
When calcium deficiency in dogs progresses beyond its early stages, the symptoms worsen rapidly:
1- Muscle spasms:
These are continuous, involuntary muscle contractions that appear as
The limbs become stiff and may appear abnormally elongated or taut.
The dog's face became stiff, preventing it from opening its mouth.
Severe tremors throughout the body.
Bowing posture spasm: This posture appears in severe cases where the dog assumes a position in which the head and neck are arched backwards and the back is arched forwards.
2- Epileptic seizures:
The dog loses consciousness, falls on its side, and makes violent convulsive movements of the limbs. These movements are short in duration, but if they are repeated consecutively or continue for a long time, they may cause brain damage.
3- Elevated body temperature:
It occurs because excessive and continuous muscle activity during spasms and convulsions generates a huge amount of heat inside the body, causing significant damage to the nervous system and the body's overall health.
4- Cardiorespiratory problems:
Irregular heartbeat and difficulty breathing as a result of general fatigue caused by convulsions and epileptic seizures.
Causes of calcium deficiency in dogs:
Puerperal fever:
The most common and serious cause of calcium deficiency in female dogs is an emergency condition affecting lactating dogs after birth or in the later stages of pregnancy due to the withdrawal of large amounts of calcium from the mother's blood, causing a decrease in the normal calcium ratio for the formation of high-calcium milk necessary for feeding the puppies.
Hypoparathyroidism:
It is an uncommon but very important cause.
What are the parathyroid glands?
They are small glands located near the thyroid gland and produce parathyroid hormone. This hormone is the main regulator of the normal calcium ratio in the body, and therefore any malfunction in them leads to a continuous deficiency in calcium.
Kidney failure:
Advanced kidney failure can lead to an imbalance in the body's minerals, including calcium. Don't neglect this aspect of your dog's nutrition; kidney care is essential for maintaining a happy, healthy dog, and providing food specifically formulated to support kidney health is very important.
Shop now: Hills K/D Dry Dog Food for Kidney Health 1.5kg
Malabsorption of calcium by the digestive system:
A medical condition that prevents the absorption of nutrients from the intestines can cause calcium deficiency.
- It is caused by inflammatory bowel disease, which reduces the intestine's ability to absorb nutrients.
- Another reason is a deficiency of vitamin D or dietary calcium: unbalanced diets or diets lacking appropriate supplements can lead to a deficiency of dietary calcium.
Other reasons:
- Poisoning from certain drugs, such as diuretics.
- large blood transfusions
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.
How to treat calcium deficiency:
There are two ways to treat calcium deficiency in dogs, depending on the dog's condition, the symptoms it is experiencing, and the stage the disease has reached. This must be done exclusively under the supervision of a veterinarian. This problem cannot be taken lightly, or attempting to treat it at home may worsen the situation. But what are the two methods?
1- Emergency treatment (for advanced cases):
In cases of advanced symptoms (convulsions and seizures), the goal is to rapidly raise the blood calcium level. This is achieved through a slow intravenous infusion of calcium gluconate solution (IV). This procedure is vital but risky, as the dog's heart rate must be continuously monitored via electrocardiogram ( ECG ). A very rapid increase in intravenous calcium can cause a slowing or even stopping of the heartbeat. Once the dog's condition stabilizes and the convulsions subside, it is transferred to [unclear - possibly a hospital or clinic]. Oral supplements .
2- Preventive treatment and follow-up:
After treating the emergency, the dog is given:
- Oral calcium supplements : Specific doses of calcium taken orally.
- Vitamin D: This vitamin improves the absorption of calcium from food, which ensures that normal blood calcium levels are maintained.
- Periodic monitoring of the tests is also necessary as directed by the doctor.
Read also: The best small dog breeds: A comprehensive guide to choosing the right breed for you
Prevention of calcium deficiency in dogs and future care
Prevention is the cornerstone of managing calcium deficiency in dogs, especially since acute conditions like puerperal fever can be easily avoided with proper care. Future care aims to maintain normal blood calcium levels and address any underlying causes of low calcium, whether temporary or related to chronic disorders.
Nutritional care for pregnant and breastfeeding women
Prevention depends on providing adequate nutrition during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Calcium supplements are not recommended during the first half of pregnancy, as an abnormal increase may disrupt the function of the parathyroid glands, hindering the body's ability to draw calcium from bones after birth when needed.
In the last third of pregnancy and while breastfeeding, it is best to switch to a high-quality commercial diet specifically designed for females at this stage, as it provides the calcium, energy, protein and vitamin needs in a balanced and safe way.
A suitable food such as Hills Mobility Dry Food for Adult Dogs with Chicken for Joint Health (14 kg ) can be used , as it provides a nutritional formula that supports bone and muscle health.
A balanced diet and its role in prevention
Food is the cornerstone of your dog's health, so it's best to provide a balanced diet containing all the essential nutrients, not just calcium. You can enhance the diet by offering calcium-rich treats as a way to improve your dog's tolerance and maintain their well-being.
A good option is Sanal Dog Treats with Chicken and Calcium (80g) , which gently help support bone and teeth health.
Routine follow-up and periodic check-ups
Regular veterinary checkups play a crucial role in the early detection of blood mineral imbalances, preventing mild cases from progressing to serious problems. Follow-up is especially recommended for lactating females or dogs with chronic illnesses.
Chronic Disease Management
Calcium deficiency can result from conditions such as kidney failure or gastrointestinal problems that affect mineral absorption. Therefore, future prevention depends on controlling the underlying disease and consistently monitoring treatment to ensure stable blood calcium levels.
Managing chronic calcium deficiency in bones
When calcium deficiency in bones is prolonged and affects bone stores, future care becomes geared towards strengthening the skeletal structure and improving nutrient absorption.
Dietary supplements designed to support bone and tissue health can be relied upon, such as:
- Snal – Dog Nutritional Supplements (200g)
- Canvit - a nutritional supplement for dogs that helps in the healthy growth of puppies and small dogs (100g)
These products provide a combination of vitamins, minerals and amino acids necessary for building bones and compensating for gradual deficiencies.
Read also: Milk for kittens and babies: Safe alternatives and feeding schedules for healthy growth
The effect of calcium deficiency on your dog's teeth:
Calcium deficiency and weakened constitution:
If young puppies suffer from a deficiency of bone calcium during their growth and development, this leads to the formation of brittle or incompletely calcified teeth.
Effect on the supporting tissues of the teeth:
Calcium is the primary component of alveolar bone, which anchors the roots of teeth. Chronic deficiency may force the body to draw calcium from these bones, leading to...
- Decreased bone density around the roots
- Weakened tooth support and increased risk of tooth loss
- Increased likelihood of premature tooth loss
You might notice that your dog is no longer able to chew hard toys as easily as before, or that he avoids dry foods. This behavior often indicates pain caused by weakened teeth or supporting bones, and is one of the early signs of calcium deficiency.
in conclusion:
Now that you know the symptoms and causes of calcium deficiency in dogs, and how to treat and prevent it, you are able to better monitor your dog’s health, detect early signs of any deficiency, and provide appropriate nutritional and medical care to ensure strong bones and teeth and an active and happy life for your dog.
Don't forget to try Seventh Bird products designed to support bone, teeth and immunity health, and observe the difference in his daily activity and vitality.
Frequently asked questions:
What is the difference between convulsions caused by calcium deficiency and ordinary epileptic seizures?
Epileptic seizures resulting from calcium deficiency are accompanied by prior muscular symptoms such as tremors or stiffness, and they often occur in lactating females. The causes of calcium deficiency are clear in this case. Normal seizures are often not related to a physiological condition.
Do male dogs suffer from calcium deficiency?
Yes, but it is less common. The causes of calcium deficiency in male dogs are often related to an underlying disease such as kidney failure, hypothyroidism, or acute pancreatitis.
What are the long-term complications of untreated calcium deficiency in dogs?
If severe calcium deficiency is not treated immediately, it can lead to permanent brain damage as a result of repeated seizures, or respiratory and heart failure and dental problems.
Are there specific strains that are more prone to puerperal fever and calcium deficiency?
Yes, small to medium-sized breeds such as the Chorkie Terrier are particularly susceptible to puerperal fever due to their production of a larger quantity of milk relative to their weight.
Can a vitamin D deficiency alone lead to a calcium deficiency?
Yes, vitamin D is necessary for the absorption of calcium from the intestines. If the deficiency in vitamin D is severe, there will not be enough absorption of calcium, leading to a decrease in its levels.