Vitamin D is an important part of your dog's diet, helping to balance calcium and phosphorous in their system, and it further strengthens bones and motor control. But it is possible for your pet to consume a toxic amount of vitamin D. This usually happens where there has been contact with substances such as rodent killer, but vitamin D dietary supplements can be culprits too. Read on to learn what the symptoms of this poisoning are, and what immediate treatment your dog needs in this emergency.

Symptoms of Vitamin D Poisoning: Generally speaking, if your dog has had too much vitamin D in their diet or has ingested rodent killing substances, you could see symptoms develop between 12 to 36 hours. These warning signs could include: vomiting, lost appetite, extreme thirst, increased urination, and excessive drooling. They might also seem feeble and depressed, may have blood in their vomit, blood in their feces, or constipation. There could also be weight loss, abdominal pain, and seizures.

Diagnosing the Condition: Obviously, that is quite a list of symptoms, so how can you know that these serious signs are actually the result of vitamin D poisoning or not? Your veterinarian can conduct a physical exam and lab tests, such as getting a blood count and biochemistry profile. This profile can tell you if there are excessive amounts of calcium and phosphorus. A urinalysis can show if there is a great deal of proteins and glucose in their system, etc.

Treating Vitamin D Toxicity: If a vet determines that there has indeed been Vitamin D poisoning, then depending on the circumstances of the emergency, the vet might induce vomiting, or they might provide medicine that will bind the compounds and keep your pet from absorbing any more of the vitamin. They may also need to be hooked up to an IV, and if there is severe anemia, your dog may need a blood transfusion. Antibiotics and anti-seizure medicine may also be needed. Then your pet will need to recover in the hospital, and may even need therapy. The calcium and phosphorous in their system will have to be regularly tested after that point.

This is just one of many reasons why before you try new foods or introduce supplements into your pet's diet, you should talk to your vet. Another simple preventative measure you can take is to ensure that your dog cannot accidently get to rodent-killing chemicals. Most importantly, you need to know where you can find a veterinarian you can rely on—before emergency strikes. If you still need to find the right vet in your area, don't hesitate to use this directory as the starting place for your search for the right health expert. Call a veterinarian today!