What are the symptoms of Vit D toxicity in dogs?

In our lives, dogs are like warm little suns, always wagging their tails, surrounding us with joy, and adding countless joy to ordinary days. They rely on our care, and we also gain comfort from their unconditional love. However, there is a potential health threat, like a shadow in the dark, quietly threatening the health of dogs, that is vitamin D poisoning. When we happily prepare nutrition for dogs, we may put them in danger due to negligence. Therefore, understanding the symptoms of vitamin D poisoning in dogs is a key step in protecting the health of dogs. ​

Vitamin D is essential for the normal physiological function of dogs. It helps dogs absorb and utilize calcium and phosphorus to maintain the healthy development of bones and teeth. But just like everything has two sides, once a dog ingests excessive vitamin D, it will break the balance of the body and cause a toxic reaction. Vitamin D poisoning in dogs may be caused by accidentally ingesting drugs containing high doses of vitamin D, or eating foods contaminated with vitamin D. Even some owners who over-supplement vitamin D supplements may also become the fuse of tragedy. ​

In the early stage of vitamin D poisoning in dogs, one of the most obvious symptoms is loss of appetite. Dogs that were once passionate about food and excited when it was time for meals suddenly lost interest in delicious dog food, and even their favorite snacks. They may just smell the food and turn away, which makes the owner very worried. The originally round body begins to gradually lose weight, and the lively appearance of the past is gradually replaced by listlessness. This change is often obvious to the owner within a few days. Seeing the dog becoming thinner and thinner, he is full of heartache and worry. ​

As the poisoning worsens, the dog's gastrointestinal tract will also be seriously affected. Frequent vomiting and diarrhea follow one after another. The vomit may show undigested food residues or liquid with a sour smell. Diarrhea will make the area around the dog's anus full of filth, and their mental state will become worse and worse, and they will curl up weakly in the corner. Every time the owner sees the dog vomiting and diarrhea with difficulty, the owner's heart is like being tightly grasped, and they wish they could bear these pains for them. In addition, gastrointestinal discomfort will also cause the dog to become dehydrated, the eyes will become dry and sunken, the skin will lose elasticity, and it will not be able to quickly return to its original state after being pinched, and the situation will become more critical. ​

In the process of vitamin D poisoning, the dog's kidneys will also be overwhelmed. The kidneys are the body's filtration system. Excessive vitamin D will interfere with the kidneys' normal excretion of calcium, causing abnormal calcium deposition in the kidneys, and then damage kidney function. At this time, the dog may have symptoms of polydipsia and polyuria, frequently running to the water bowl to drink water, and the number of urinations will also increase significantly. Their urine may become turbid and even have blood streaks. The pain caused by kidney damage makes the dog appear uneasy when urinating and whimpering softly. In the long run, the dog's kidney function will gradually fail, and its life will be in danger. Every owner can hardly bear such a blow.​

Problems can also occur in bones and joints due to vitamin D poisoning. Excessive vitamin D promotes a significant increase in the intestinal absorption of calcium, abnormally high calcium levels in the blood, and ectopic deposition of calcium around bones and joints. Dogs may limp when they walk, and their originally flexible steps become stiff and slow. If their joints are gently touched, the dogs will avoid them due to pain and make painful cries. Dogs that used to be lively and loved running and playing now have difficulty even walking, which makes the owner feel extremely guilty and regret not noticing the dog's abnormality earlier. ​

The nervous system is also not immune. Dogs may become listless and drowsy, listless all day, and lose interest in the things around them. In severe cases, convulsions and epileptic seizures can also occur. Watching the dog suddenly fall to the ground, the body twitching uncontrollably, and foaming at the mouth, the owner's heart is filled with fear and helplessness. The feeling of watching the dog suffer but being unable to do anything is heartbreaking. Every twitch is like a heavy hammer, hitting the owner's heart hard.​

The symptoms of vitamin D poisoning in dogs vary, and each one is heart-wrenching for the owner. As the closest guardian of dogs, we must always pay attention to their physical condition. Once we find any abnormality, we must take the dog to the veterinarian in time. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to the recovery of dogs and can minimize the damage caused by poisoning to the dog's body. In the process of caring for dogs, we must feed them scientifically and use vitamin supplements with caution to avoid letting the dog fall into the abyss of pain due to momentary negligence.