Just as calcium deficiency in people can lead to problems such as osteoporosis, the same kind of issue can affect dogs. If the daily diet is low in calcium, a Papillon may become calcium deficient. When that happens, it is best to start by supplementing through food. High-calcium foods and more sunlight exposure can both help relieve mild deficiency.
Feed Calcium-Rich Foods
If your Papillon shows signs of calcium deficiency, the owner should enrich the dog's diet so that it can regularly receive more abundant calcium from daily meals. Besides feeding dog food, owners can appropriately prepare nutritious supplementary foods such as boiled meat, small dried shrimp, bone broth, meat porridge, and soy products. Meals should still be given in small amounts more frequently, because if the dog suddenly eats too much at one time, diarrhea may occur.
Use Calcium Supplements When Necessary
However, if the calcium deficiency is already relatively serious, relying only on diet may not be enough. Some dogs also absorb nutrients poorly or convert calcium less efficiently in the body. In those cases, dietary adjustment alone may fail to achieve a satisfactory result. Owners should then consider giving pet nutritional supplements designed to provide additional calcium.
Sunlight Helps With Calcium Absorption
When the weather is good, owners should also take the Papillon outdoors more often for activity and sunshine. Normal canine skin contains a substance that can be converted into vitamin D3 under ultraviolet light, which helps the body absorb calcium into the bones. Therefore, when giving calcium supplements, moderate sunshine and exercise can also be very helpful for growth and development.
If you normally maintain balanced nutrition and choose quality dog food, you often do not need to worry much about calcium deficiency. Mild deficiency can often be adjusted through the methods above. But if the deficiency becomes very serious, owners should consider whether another health problem may be involved and seek veterinary care promptly.