Countermeasures and Required Vitamins for Rickets in Dogs

I. Symptom Manifestations of Rickets in Dogs

(I) Bone Deformities

1. Leg Bending
   • One of the most obvious symptoms of rickets in puppies is the bending of leg bones. "O"-shaped legs or "X"-shaped legs may appear. Under normal circumstances, the legs of puppies should be straight, able to support the body weight and perform normal activities. However, puppies with rickets, due to poor bone development, cannot grow normally, resulting in curved deformation. For example, when puppies walk, the bending of their legs will make their gaits abnormal, unstable, and prone to falling. This leg bending not only affects the appearance of puppies but also seriously affects their motor ability and quality of life.
2. Thoracic Deformities
   • Rickets may also cause thoracic deformities such as pigeon chest or funnel chest. A normal thorax should be full and symmetrical, providing enough space for the heart and lungs. But puppies with rickets may have a protruding chest forming pigeon chest or an indented chest forming funnel chest. Pigeon chest will make the chest of puppies look abnormally bulging, affecting aesthetics and may also have a certain impact on respiratory function. Funnel chest will compress the heart and lungs, leading to difficulty in breathing and decreased activity endurance. For example, puppies with funnel chest may experience symptoms such as shortness of breath and wheezing after exercise and cannot engage in long-term activities like normal puppies.
3. Skull Softening and Delayed Closure of Fontanelles
   • Rickets also affects the skull development of puppies. Under normal circumstances, the skull of puppies will gradually harden after birth, and the fontanelles will close within a certain period. But puppies with rickets may have softening of the skull, and when touched by hand, the skull can be felt relatively soft and lacks normal hardness. At the same time, the closure of fontanelles will also be delayed. The fontanelles of normal puppies generally close within a few months, while those of puppies with rickets may remain open for a longer time. This not only affects the appearance of the head of puppies but may also pose potential risks to the development of the brain.

(II) Dental Problems

1. Delayed Tooth Eruption
   • Rickets can lead to delayed tooth eruption in puppies. Under normal circumstances, puppies will start to grow deciduous teeth at a certain age and then gradually replace them with permanent teeth. But puppies with rickets, due to the lack of necessary nutrients in the body, the growth and eruption process of teeth will be hindered. For example, normal puppies may start to grow deciduous teeth around 3 to 4 weeks, while puppies with rickets may start to erupt teeth only at 5 weeks or even later. Delayed tooth eruption will affect the chewing function and eating ability of puppies, making them unable to take in food normally and further affecting their growth and development.
2. Irregular Tooth Arrangement
   • Even if puppies grow teeth, due to the influence of rickets, the teeth may be irregularly arranged. Normal teeth should be neatly arranged in the oral cavity for easy chewing of food and maintaining oral hygiene. But puppies with rickets may have misaligned, crowded teeth, which not only affect aesthetics but also increase the risk of oral diseases. For example, irregular tooth arrangement may cause food residues to easily accumulate in the gaps between teeth, which is difficult to clean and may lead to oral diseases such as dental caries and periodontitis.

(III) Other Symptoms

1. Slow Growth
   • Puppies with rickets usually experience slow growth. Normal puppies will gradually increase in weight and height during the growth stage. But puppies with rickets, due to poor bone development and nutritional absorption disorders, will have a significantly slower growth rate. For example, normal puppies of the same age may have reached a certain weight and height standard, while puppies with rickets are far behind. Slow growth not only affects the physical development of puppies but may also have an impact on their psychology, making them timid and lacking in confidence.
2. Lethargy and Weakness
   • Rickets can make puppies feel weak and uncomfortable, showing a state of lethargy. They may be quieter than normal puppies and be reluctant to move and lose interest in things around them. For example, normal puppies are full of energy when playing, while puppies with rickets may just lie aside and watch other puppies play. This lethargy and weakness may also lead to a decline in the immunity of puppies, making them prone to various diseases.

II. Countermeasures for Rickets in Dogs

(I) Dietary Adjustment

1. Increase Foods Rich in Vitamin D and Calcium
   • Foods Rich in Vitamin D: Foods such as fish oil and animal livers contain a certain amount of vitamin D. According to the size and age of puppies, these foods can be appropriately added to the puppies' diet. For example, for small puppies, fish oil can be fed 1 - 2 times a week, about 1 - 2 milliliters each time; medium-sized puppies can be fed 2 - 3 times a week, 2 - 3 milliliters each time; large puppies can be fed 3 - 4 times a week, 3 - 4 milliliters each time. Animal livers can be cooked and chopped for feeding. Small puppies can be fed 1 - 2 times a week, 10 - 20 grams each time; medium-sized puppies can be fed 2 - 3 times a week, 20 - 30 grams each time; large puppies can be fed 3 - 4 times a week, 30 - 40 grams each time.
   • Foods Rich in Calcium: Dairy products, soy products, fish and shrimp are all foods rich in calcium. Appropriate amounts of dairy products (such as yogurt) or cooked soy products (such as tofu) can be mixed into the puppies' food. For small puppies, 1 - 2 tablespoons of yogurt or tofu can be added daily; medium-sized puppies can have 2 - 3 tablespoons daily; large puppies can have 3 - 4 tablespoons daily. Fish and shrimp can be cooked, shelled and deboned, and cut into small pieces for feeding. Small puppies can be fed 1 - 2 times a week, 10 - 20 grams each time; medium-sized puppies can be fed 2 - 3 times a week, 20 - 30 grams each time; large puppies can be fed 3 - 4 times a week, 30 - 40 grams each time.
2. Choose Appropriate Dog Food
   • Select dog food that contains enough vitamin D and calcium. High-quality dog food will add an appropriate amount of vitamin D and calcium to the formula to meet the growth and development needs of puppies. Check the nutrition label of dog food to ensure that the content of vitamin D meets the needs of puppies. Generally, small puppies need to consume 200 - 400 international units (IU) of vitamin D per day, medium-sized puppies need 400 - 800IU per day, and large puppies need 800 - 1200IU per day. At the same time, the calcium content should also be moderate. Generally, the calcium-phosphorus ratio should be around 1.2 - 1.4:1. Choose appropriate dog food according to the age, weight, and activity level of puppies. For example, puppy food usually contains more vitamin D and calcium to support the rapid growth and development of puppies.

(II) Light Supplementation

1. Appropriate Sunbathing
   • Ultraviolet rays in sunlight can promote the synthesis of vitamin D in a dog's skin. On sunny days with mild sunlight, puppies can be allowed to sunbathe outdoors for 15 - 30 minutes every day. Pay attention to choosing the right time and avoid letting puppies sunbathe during periods of intense sunlight (such as noon) to prevent heatstroke or sunburn. At the same time, ensure that puppies have enough shade to avoid the sun and provide sufficient drinking water to prevent dehydration. For example, puppies can be taken to the outdoor lawn in the morning or evening to sunbathe and move freely. At the same time, observe their state to ensure that they do not overheat or become overly fatigued.
2. Use Ultraviolet Lamps (If Necessary)
   • If the weather is bad or it is impossible to ensure that puppies have enough outdoor activity time, ultraviolet lamps can be considered to supplement vitamin D. However, the use of ultraviolet lamps needs to be cautious. Use them correctly according to the instructions to avoid harming puppies due to excessive irradiation time or being too close. For example, a dedicated area can be set up indoors for puppies to receive ultraviolet irradiation at specific times. Each irradiation time should not exceed 15 minutes, and the distance from the ultraviolet lamp should be kept within an appropriate range, generally 30 - 50 centimeters.

(III) Drug Treatment

1. Vitamin D and Calcium Supplements
   • Under the guidance of a veterinarian, puppies can be given oral vitamin D and calcium supplements. The dosage of supplements should be determined according to the weight, age, and severity of rickets of puppies. Generally, for small puppies with mild rickets, 200 - 400IU of vitamin D and an appropriate amount of calcium supplements per day may be sufficient; medium-sized puppies can take 400 - 800IU of vitamin D and corresponding doses of calcium supplements per day; large puppies can take 800 - 1200IU of vitamin D and higher doses of calcium supplements per day. During the supplementation process, closely observe whether the symptoms of puppies improve and take puppies to the veterinarian for examination regularly to prevent excessive vitamin D and calcium. Because excessive vitamin D and calcium can also be harmful to the body of puppies, such as hypercalcemia and kidney stones.
2. Other Auxiliary Drugs
   • If the rickets of puppies is relatively severe, some auxiliary drugs may be needed for treatment. For example, for puppies with bone pain, painkillers can be used under the guidance of a veterinarian to relieve pain. At the same time, some drugs that promote bone growth and repair, such as drugs containing growth factors, can be used. But the use of these drugs needs to be under the strict guidance of veterinarians to ensure safety and effectiveness.

(IV) Rehabilitation Training

1. Moderate Exercise
   • After the symptoms of rickets in puppies are under certain control, moderate exercise can be gradually started. Exercise can help strengthen the muscle strength of puppies and promote the growth and repair of bones. But pay attention to the intensity and method of exercise to avoid re-injury to the bones of puppies due to excessive exercise. For example, puppies can be allowed to take short-distance walks and engage in gentle play. Each exercise time should not be too long, generally 10 - 15 minutes, and can be carried out 2 - 3 times a day. As the body of puppies gradually recovers, the exercise time and intensity can be gradually increased, but always keep it within the range that puppies can bear.
2. Physical Therapy
   • Under the advice of a veterinarian, some physical therapy can be carried out to assist in the rehabilitation of rickets. For example, massage can help relax muscles, promote blood circulation, and has certain benefits for bone growth and repair. The body of puppies can be massaged with gentle techniques, especially the muscles of the legs and back. Each massage time is 5 - 10 minutes and can be carried out 1 - 2 times a day. In addition, warm water baths can also relieve muscle tension and promote the relaxation of puppies. Appropriate amounts of pet-specific bath liquid can be added to warm water, and puppies can soak in the water for 10 - 15 minutes, 1 - 2 times a week.

III. Vitamins Required for Rickets in Dogs

(I) Importance of Vitamin D

1. Promote Calcium and Phosphorus Absorption
   • Vitamin D plays a key role in the treatment of rickets in dogs. It mainly participates in calcium and phosphorus metabolism, promotes the absorption of calcium and phosphorus by the intestines, increases the concentration of calcium and phosphorus in the blood, and provides the necessary material basis for the growth and mineralization of bones. A lack of vitamin D will lead to disorders in calcium and phosphorus metabolism, making bones unable to grow and mineralize normally, thus causing rickets. For example, when puppies lack vitamin D, even if there is enough calcium and phosphorus in the food, they cannot be fully absorbed and utilized, resulting in poor bone development.
2. Maintain Bone Health
   • Vitamin D can also regulate the metabolism of bone cells, promote the activity of osteoblasts, and inhibit the action of osteoclasts, thereby maintaining the normal structure and strength of bones. It can promote the deposition of calcium salts in bones and make bones harder and more stable. At the same time, vitamin D also has a certain impact on the function of muscles, which can enhance the strength and coordination of muscles and provide better support for bones. For example, in the treatment process of rickets, supplementing sufficient vitamin D can help the bones of puppies gradually return to normal, reduce the degree of bone deformities, and improve the motor ability and quality of life of puppies.

(II) Roles of Other Related Vitamins

1. Vitamin A
   • Although vitamin A is not the main vitamin for treating rickets, it also has a certain impact on bone growth and development. Vitamin A participates in the metabolism of cartilage cells and has an auxiliary role in bone growth and repair. A lack of vitamin A may affect the treatment effect of rickets. During the treatment of rickets, some foods rich in vitamin A, such as animal livers and carrots, can be appropriately supplemented, but be careful not to overdo it to avoid vitamin A poisoning.
2. Vitamin C
   • Vitamin C plays an important role in the synthesis of collagen, and collagen is an important component of bone and cartilage tissues. A lack of vitamin C will affect bone growth and repair. During the treatment of rickets, some foods rich in vitamin C, such as citrus fruits, strawberries, and broccoli, can be given to puppies to promote bone recovery. At the same time, vitamin C can also enhance the immunity of puppies and help them resist diseases.
3. Vitamin K
   • Vitamin K participates in calcium metabolism in bones and plays an important role in bone health. It can promote the deposition of calcium in bones and increase bone strength. During the treatment of rickets, some foods rich in vitamin K, such as green leafy vegetables, can be appropriately supplemented. At the same time, vitamin K also plays an important role in blood clotting and can prevent puppies from having complications such as bleeding during the treatment process.