Symptoms of calcium deficiency in dogs

Author portrait of Sarah Johnson

Sarah Johnson

Healthcare Technology Correspondent

Symptoms of calcium deficiency in dogs

Symptoms of calcium deficiency in dogs include swelling and deformation of bones, slow growth of teeth, loss of appetite, and weakness in limbs. Calcium deficiency has a great impact on puppies, and owners should pay attention to supplementing their dogs with calcium. You can give your dog more foods high in calcium. If your dog is seriously deficient in calcium, you will need to take medication.

Symptom 1 of calcium deficiency in dogs: bone deformation

If young dogs are deficient in calcium, they are prone to rib valgus, forelimb wrist and elbow joint deformation, and adult dogs are prone to "O" shaped legs. , forelimb deformation. For some dogs that are susceptible to intervertebral disc disease, such as pugs, poodles, etc., if they are 2 to 3 months old, an important period for intervertebral disc formation, calcium deficiency will occur in adulthood and become a lifelong pain.

Symptom 2 of calcium deficiency in dogs: Slow tooth growth

Dogs begin to grow permanent teeth when they are 4 to 6 months old, and at the same time, the deciduous teeth in the mouth begin to fall out. At this time, calcium deficiency will cause slow growth of wisdom teeth, failure of deciduous teeth to fall out, thin tooth enamel layer, and weak tooth structure, making it easy for double rows of teeth or uneven permanent teeth to grow. These dogs are prone to diseases such as bad breath and gingivitis in adulthood.

Symptom 3 of dog calcium deficiency: twitching of limbs

Postpartum dogs are prone to acute postpartum calcium deficiency due to low blood calcium concentration. Dogs have twitching limbs, stiff body, and difficulty breathing. , unable to stand, body temperature can rise above 40°C, and even cause coma and death.

Symptom 4 of calcium deficiency in dogs: easy to fracture

Calcium deficiency in dogs can cause osteoporosis. At this time, the bones become fragile, which will increase the incidence of bone spurs and fractures in dogs.