Vitamin A (also known as retinol) tops the list of the most important vitamins for dogs. It's essential for every physiological process in the animal's body. Young dogs and puppies have a particular need for retinol.
Why Vitamin A is Good for Dogs
Retinol is essential for proper nutrition in dogs.
In the animal's body it performs the following functions:
- normalizes the functioning of the genitourinary system;
- improves immunity;
- promotes proper growth and development;
- accelerates metabolic processes;
- stimulates reproductive function;
- improves vision;
- maintains the elasticity of the skin, preventing its keratinization.
If your dog has a vitamin A deficiency
A severe retinol deficiency has an extremely negative impact on a pet's health. First and foremost, it disrupts the endocrine system and protein-carbohydrate balance. This can lead to impaired vision, stunted growth, and reproductive difficulties.
Furthermore, vitamin A deficiency in dogs causes a sharp decline in immunity. A weakened body is unable to fight off infections, and the animal becomes frequently ill.
Another unpleasant consequence caused by a lack of this vitamin is muscle weakness and impaired coordination of movements.
With excess vitamin A
Although vitamin A is vital for dogs, it should not be overused. There have been frequent cases of owners exceeding the recommended dose of retinol, thereby harming their pets. While vitamin A deficiency is easy to resolve, excess is much more difficult to manage.
Excess retinol can cause digestive upset, itching, and sores in the corners of the mouth. Pets may also experience hair loss and weakened claws. Unfortunately, owners often mistake these symptoms for a nutritional deficiency and, as a result, begin adding new supplements to their pet's diet. This is absolutely unacceptable! If any problems occur, you should first consult a veterinarian. Otherwise, you could cause irreparable harm to your pet's health.
To avoid all these problems, it's important to carefully select the right diet for your dog. When introducing additional supplements, consider your pet's weight, and remember to visit your veterinarian regularly.
