Calcium is an essential nutrient, especially for giant breeds such as the Saint Bernard. During growth they need a large amount of calcium. If your dog shows signs of calcium deficiency, adjust the diet promptly, add calcium-rich foods, and let the dog get more sunshine to improve calcium absorption.
Feed More Calcium-Rich Foods
If your Saint Bernard is short on calcium, the owner should enrich the dog's daily diet so it can obtain more calcium from regular meals. Besides dog food, you can prepare nutritious foods in moderation, such as boiled meat, dried shrimp, bone broth, meat porridge, and soy products. The key is to feed small portions several times a day, otherwise overeating at one time may cause diarrhea.
Add Appropriate Nutritional Supplements
However, if the calcium deficiency is already serious, food therapy alone may not be enough. Some dogs also have weak digestion and poor calcium conversion, so they cannot absorb enough calcium just by changing food. In that case, it is recommended to add a suitable pet calcium supplement to help restore the deficiency.
Get More Sunlight and Exercise
When the weather is good, take your Saint Bernard outdoors more often for activity and sunshine. This benefits overall health. Normal canine skin contains a precursor that can be converted into vitamin D3 under ultraviolet light, which helps the bones absorb calcium. So while using calcium supplements, moderate exercise and sun exposure can do a lot for the dog's development.
If the dog normally eats a balanced diet and a qualified dog food, you usually do not need to worry too much about calcium deficiency. Mild deficiency can often be improved with the methods above. If the deficiency is very severe, you should also consider whether another disease is involved and seek veterinary care promptly.