Why Vitamin D?
When it comes to your pet’s health, most owners know to keep up with vaccines, heartworm tests, and dental cleanings. But one crucial part of wellness often goes overlooked: Vitamin D levels!
Vitamin D is not just a “bonus” nutrient — it’s an essential part of your pet’s immune, skeletal, and even cardiovascular health.
And unlike humans, dogs and cats can’t synthesize enough Vitamin D from sunlight alone, making it entirely dependent on diet and supplementation.
So why should you test it?
Why Vitamin D Matters for Pets
Vitamin D (specifically 25-hydroxyvitamin D) is essential for multiple key processes in the body, including:
- Immune response – it plays a role in fighting infection and inflammation
- Low Vitamin D levels have been associated with increased inflammation and decreased survival in critically ill dogs. (2)
- Vitamin D is an immunomodulator that helps prevent immune overreactions. Testing is especially relevant in pets with: allergies, chronic dermatitis, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and autoimmune arthritis or IMHA
- Heart health – deficiencies have been linked to serious conditions like cardiomyopathy and kidney disease
- In one study, lower Vitamin D levels were also associated with a higher risk of adverse cardiac events. (6)
- Kidney health
- Low Vitamin D levels are commonly found in dogs and cats with chronic kidney disease (CKD), potentially contributing to secondary hyperparathyroidism, poor phosphorus regulation, and progression of renal damage (1)
- Calcium and phosphorus balance – crucial for strong bones and teeth
- Muscle strength and nerve function
Low levels of Vitamin D can silently contribute to:
- Chronic inflammation
- Weak bones or dental issues
- Increased risk of infections
- Poor healing or post-surgical recovery
Are Some Pets at Greater Risk?
Yes! Your pet may be more likely to have low Vitamin D if they:
- Eat primarily homemade, raw, or limited-ingredient diets OR commercial diets
- Even many commercial pet foods do not meet ideal Vitamin D targets despite meeting AAFCO minimums (3)!
- Vitamin D levels in food do not always correlate with blood levels in pets, meaning dietary intake alone may be an unreliable indicator of sufficiency. (5)
- Have chronic conditions like kidney or liver disease or CANCER!
- Are aging or immunocompromised
- Have frequent infections, joint issues, or low energy levels
How is Vitamin D Tested in Pets?
Healing Paws Center can perform a simple blood test can measure serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels, the most accurate marker of Vitamin D status. It’s often included in our broader nutritional or wellness panel.
At Healing Paws Center, we recommend Vitamin D testing for:
- Pets with unexplained fatigue, inflammation, or mobility issues
- ***ALL CANCER PATIENTS Dogs with lymphoma and other cancers have been found to have lower Vitamin D levels, and higher Vitamin D levels at diagnosis have been linked to longer survival times. (4)
- Those on non-standard diets
- Senior pets as part of routine checkups
- Pets recovering from injury, illness, or surgery In a study of hospitalized dogs, those with low serum Vitamin D levels had a higher risk of death, making it a potential biomarker for overall health. (2)
The results tell us whether your pet is deficient, insufficient, or optimal, allowing us to tailor supplements and diet to your pet’s specific needs.
What If My Pet Is Deficient?
The good news is that Vitamin D levels can be corrected with:
- Vet-guided supplementation (important — overdosing can be extremely harmful!)
- Adjustments in diet, especially for pets on homemade or exotic proteins
- Re-testing to ensure safe, effective progress
- Supportive therapies for inflammation, muscle strength, or immune function
⚠️ Caution: Do not give your pet human Vitamin D or over-the-counter supplements without veterinary guidance—overdosing can be toxic.
🐾 The Bottom Line
- Vitamin D is more than a vitamin — it’s a vital building block of your pet’s health. Testing it can uncover hidden imbalances before they become serious, helping your pet live a longer, stronger, and healthier life.
- If you’re interested in checking your pet’s Vitamin D levels, contact us today to schedule a wellness screening. A simple test could make a big difference!
Resources:
- Parker, V. J., Harjes, L. M., Dembek, K. A., Young, G. S., Giacopuzzi, B., & Chew, D. J. (2017).
Association of vitamin D metabolites with parathyroid hormone, fibroblast growth factor-23, calcium, and phosphorus in dogs with various stages of chronic kidney disease. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 31(3), 791–798. https://doi.org/10.1111/jvim.14662 - Gow, A. G., Else, R., Evans, H., Berry, J., Herrtage, M. E., & Mellanby, R. J. (2011). Vitamin D status is associated with disease severity and survival in dogs with chronic illness. PLoS ONE, 6(1), e14513. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0014513
- Sharp, C. R., Selting, K. A., & Ringold, R. (2015).
The effect of diet on serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations in dogs. Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition, 99(2), 239–246. https://doi.org/10.1111/jpn.12225 - Selting, K. A., Sharp, C. R., Ringold, R., & Knouse, J. (2016).
Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations in dogs – correlation with health and cancer. BMC Veterinary Research, 12, 136. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12917-016-0776-3 - Backus, R. C., Boretti, F. S., Lutz, T. A., & Reusch, C. E. (2013). Vitamin D metabolism in dogs and its association with health outcomes: A review. American Journal of Veterinary Research, 74(9), 1159–1166. https://doi.org/10.2460/ajvr.74.9.1159
- Kraus et al., 2014 – A study published in Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine found that dogs with congestive heart failure had significantly lower Vitamin D levels, and those with lower levels experienced more adverse cardiac events.
- Selting, K. A., Sharp, C. R., Ringold, R., & Knouse, J. (2016). Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations in dogs – correlation with health and cancer. BMC Veterinary Research, 12, 136. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12917-016-0776-3
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