How do I know if my dog is low in calcium?

You’re out in the yard, watching your dog chase a ball, when you notice they’re moving a little stiffly—maybe hesitating before jumping up on the porch, or limping slightly after a quick run. It’s easy to brush off as a minor tweak, but could it be something more? Calcium plays a huge role in keeping their bones strong, muscles working, and even their heart beating steadily. Spotting a deficiency early can make a big difference, especially for growing puppies or senior dogs.

Calcium is like the building block for your dog’s skeleton, and when levels drop, their body starts pulling it from bones to keep other systems running. That’s why physical signs often show up first. Look for things like weakness in their legs—maybe they struggle to climb stairs or stand on their hind legs to greet you. Puppies might have bowed legs or difficulty growing at a steady pace, while adult dogs could seem lethargic, avoiding play or long walks. In severe cases, you might notice muscle tremors or seizures, though those are rare and usually signal a more serious issue.

Diet is a common culprit, so take a close look at what you’re feeding them. Many commercial dog foods are balanced with the right amount of calcium, but if you’re making homemade meals without a vet’s guidance, it’s easy to miss the mark. Too many table scraps, especially high-phosphorus foods like meat without bones, can throw off the calcium balance. Puppies need extra calcium for growth, but over-supplementing is just as bad—always check with your vet before adding powders or pills, as they’ll consider your dog’s breed, age, and activity level.

Certain life stages and conditions raise the risk. Nursing mothers, for example, lose a lot of calcium through milk production, so keep an eye on them for restlessness or fever. Senior dogs, especially small breeds, might develop osteoporosis, making them more prone to fractures. If you notice your dog avoiding hard floors or yelping when picked up, schedule a vet visit—they can run a blood test to check calcium levels, which is more reliable than guessing from symptoms alone.

Preventing deficiency ties into responsible pet care, which aligns with local guidelines emphasizing regular vet check-ups—just as vaccines are required to keep communities healthy, monitoring nutrition is part of keeping your dog in good shape. When walking, a dog with weak bones might be more cautious, so keep them on a leash to avoid falls, especially in busy areas. And remember, while treats are great for training, they shouldn’t replace a balanced diet—opt for ones formulated to support bone health, like those with added calcium and vitamin D.

Catching low calcium early can prevent long-term issues, so trust your gut if something feels off. A quick chat with your vet, a diet adjustment, or a supplement (if prescribed) can get your dog back to chasing balls, climbing stairs, and enjoying life—strong, healthy, and happy.