Is there any monitoring that needs to be done with this supplement?
Folate and cobalamin levels should be measured prior to and after treatment with folic acid. Your veterinarian may monitor your pet to be sure that the medication is working.
What is folic acid?
Folic acid (brand names: Folvite®, Acide Folique®), also known as folate or folacin, is a B vitamin (B9) used to treat folic acid deficiency in dogs, cats, horses, and other animal species. Folic acid deficiencies usually occur due to small intestinal disease or pancreatic insufficiency but can also occur due to chronic use of certain medications such as trimethoprim.
Folic acid is necessary for normal metabolic functions such as DNA synthesis and red blood cell production.
Dietary supplements are substances that can be used to supplement the diet, such as vitamins, minerals, amino acids, herbs, botanicals, enzymes, and probiotics. While many supplements are sold over the counter, they still contain ingredients that have biological effects that should be managed by your veterinarian. Follow your veterinarian’s directions and cautions very carefully as their directions may be significantly different from those on the label.
There are differences in how countries regulate supplements. In the United States, these substances are not as vigorously regulated by the FDA as other medications, which means they can be sold without the manufacturer proving their effectiveness, safety, and without a guarantee of consistent or accurately reported ingredients. In Canada, products that have been evaluated for quality, safety, and effectiveness by Health Canada and authorized for sale will have a license number on the label.
While many medications should be used cautiously, or not at all, during pregnancy, folic acid at recommended doses is completely safe to use during pregnancy and lactation.
Folic acid supplementation is very effective to treat deficiencies.
Folic acid is given by mouth in the form of a tablet or capsule. It may be given with or without food; however, if your pet vomits when dosed on an empty stomach, give future doses with food. It can also be given by injection in the hospital setting.
This medication should take effect within 1 to 2 hours; however, effects may not be visibly obvious and therefore laboratory tests may need to be done to evaluate if this medication is working.
When To Give Supplements To A Dog
Most dog foods provide only the bare minimum when it comes to basic nutritional requirements. That’s why we always recommend feeding your pet high-quality freeze-dried dog food. Even still, supplementation may be beneficial for supporting your dog’s overall health.1
Unlike humans, dogs’ bodies produce vitamin C. However, if a dog becomes ill or is stressed for long periods of time, his or her supply of this essential vitamin can quickly become depleted. Physical stress (such as digestive problems, herding, hunting, injuries, or illnesses) and emotional stress (relocation, training, weaning, etc.) can both cause a shortage of vitamin C.2
Vitamin C is critical to the health of both humans and dogs.
That’s because it acts as an antioxidant, helping protect the body against the damaging effects of oxidation. While oxidation is important to the proper functioning of the body, it can also cause problems.
For example, oxidation creates harmful molecules known as free radicals. These molecules can do a great deal of damage to cells and can also weaken the immune system. Antioxidants such as vitamin C, help support the body’s natural defense against free radical damage.3,4
Can I give my Dog Human Vitamins?
One of the most common questions pet owners have is, “Can I give my dog human vitamins?”
After all, our pets are a part of our family and we want them to be as healthy and happy as possible. We also want them with us for as long as possible.
While there isn’t enough research to conclusively say whether human vitamin supplements can help a dog thrive, there is evidence that different vitamins can benefit our beloved companions.