Vitamin K

What is vitamin K and why is it important for dogs?

Vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin, which means that it can be stored in fatty tissue. It is involved in the formation of vital proteins that are responsible for blood clotting and bone metabolism. Without vitamin K, your dog would bleed profusely or suffer from internal bleeding with every injury. He would also be more prone to broken bones, dental problems, vascular calcification and organ failure.

There are two natural forms of vitamin K: vitamin K1 (phylloquinone) and vitamin K2 (menaquinone). Vitamin K1 is mainly found in green plants such as spinach, broccoli and dandelion. Vitamin K2 is produced by bacteria in the intestine or is contained in animal products such as eggs, liver or fish meal. Both forms are absorbed in the intestine and processed in the liver.

There is also an artificial form of vitamin K: vitamin K3 (menadione). This is used as an additive in some dog foods or as medication for poisoning with rat poison. Rat poison contains coumarin, which inhibits the effect of vitamin K and leads to internal bleeding. Vitamin K3 can stop this bleeding, but also has side effects such as anemia or liver damage.

How much vitamin K does your dog need daily?

The exact amount of vitamin K your dog needs daily depends on various factors, such as his weight, activity level, health status and diet. A general recommendation is 0.022 mg of vitamin K per kilogram of body weight per day. This means, for example, that a 12.5 kg dog needs about 0.275 mg of vitamin K per day.

Most dogs meet their vitamin K requirements through a balanced diet of fresh meat, vegetables and fruit. Dry or wet food also usually contains sufficient vitamin K. If you feed your dog barefood or cook it yourself, you should make sure that you regularly give it foods that contain vitamin K. These include, for example

• Eggs
• apples
• liver
• spinach
• broccoli
• spirulina
• fish meal
• Cauliflower

Algae, dandelion, cress, nettle and fennel are also good sources of vitamin K. You can mix these foods with the food or offer them as a healthy snack between meals. If you feed cabbage, you should only give it cooked and in small quantities, as it can cause bloating if eaten raw.

What signs indicate a vitamin K deficiency or overdose?

Vitamin K deficiency is rare in dogs, as they normally absorb enough of it through food or intestinal bacteria. However, a deficiency can be caused by certain diseases such as intestinal inflammation, liver disease or parasite infestation. Poisoning with rat poison or other blood-thinning substances can also trigger a deficiency.

The typical symptoms of a vitamin K deficiency are

• Poor wound healing
• Bleeding from the nose, mouth or anus
• Bruising or bleeding under the skin
• Blood in the urine or feces
• Weakness, tiredness or loss of appetite

If you notice these signs in your dog, you should see a vet immediately. They can carry out a blood test and determine the cause of the deficiency. They can also prescribe a vitamin K preparation that you need to inject under your dog's skin or administer orally. The duration of treatment depends on the severity of the deficiency and can range from a few days to several weeks.

An overdose of vitamin K is also rare, as the body normally excretes excess vitamin K. However, an overdose can be caused by an excessive intake of vitamin K supplements or dog food containing vitamin K3 (menadione). Menadione is the only form of vitamin K that can lead to problems in the event of an overdose.

The possible consequences of a vitamin K overdose are

• Anemia due to destruction of the red blood cells
• Liver damage due to accumulation of menadione in the liver
• Kidney failure due to the formation of kidney stones
• Allergic reactions such as skin rash or itching

If you suspect that your dog has been given too much vitamin K, you should also consult a vet. They can carry out a blood test and measure the concentration of vitamin K in the blood. They can also give you an antidote to counteract the effects of vitamin K. You should also make sure that your dog drinks plenty of water to promote the excretion of vitamin K.