My Dog Ate Vitamin C Will He Get Sick?

Vitamin C tablets are so common they’re probably in your medicine cabinet! It’s one of the most effective and safest vitamins around, too. We often take it to fight off a cold, build up the immune system, and more.

But is vitamin C toxic for dogs?

What is Vitamin C?

Vitamin C, also called ascorbic acid, helps our body tissues to heal, grow, and repair. It’s also involved in many body functions such as the creation of collagen, wound healing, the functioning of the immune system, and more.

This is a vitamin that’s not stored in the body, so overdose in humans is usually not a problem. When it comes to dogs, however, they can make their own vitamin C in the liver! However, there are times when a dog may benefit from vitamin C. They may need more vitamin C when sick or stressed.

But what happens if your dog eats too much vitamin C?

Vitamin C & Dogs

In most cases, if a dog has too much vitamin C, he may experience gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. This should last about 24-48 hours and then clear up.

However, if your canine companion shows any concerning symptoms, then be sure to call the vet. They’ll have the right advice and guidance on how to help your dog.

Treatment of Vitamin C Toxicity in Dogs

Though rare, it can happen that a dog has too much vitamin C and needs to see the vet. The vet will perform a physical exam of your dog and may start an IV for electrolyte therapy. This is also helpful when administering other medications. The vet may give your dog activated charcoal and run some lab work to check your fur baby’s organs.

The prognosis for dogs who receive treatment for vitamin toxicity is excellent. Most dogs will go on to a full recovery, depending on their overall health and age.

In the future, you may want to consider keeping all vitamins where your dog isn’t able to reach them. Because some dogs are very creative spirits, it may be challenging to find a place that isn’t accessible. If all else fails, you may need to consider placing vitamins and medications in a cabinet high off the floor. And be sure to lock it, as some dogs can figure out how to open cabinets! Our fur babies can be quite determined and creative at times!