


How to Give Dogs Vitamin C

By Contributing Writer | Updated September 26, 2017

Kris Robertson/Demand Media

Your dog can get sick, just like you can. There is a common cure for illnesses in both humans and dogs: Vitamin C. Vitamin C is used for curing colds in humans, but according to Vetinfo.com, it is also valuable in treating and preventing diseases such as feline leukemia, hip dysplasia and urinary tract infections in dogs.


Provide 250 milligrams of Vitamin C supplements per day to a dog that weighs 50 pounds. Adjust the dosage according to the dog's weight, at a rate of five milligrams per pound. Be sure to spread the dosage throughout the day. To prevent digestion problems, give your dog half of its dosage twice a day. These doses should be at least six hours apart.

Crush the supplements and add them to your dog's normal meals. Most dogs will not take pills like humans do and may need to have them added to their food to be taken.


Give Vitamin C supplements to puppies. Some breeds are very susceptible to hip dysplasia, so early prevention is important. The supplements can be given as soon as the puppy begins to eat solid food, but remember to give the dosage of supplements based on the puppy's weight.


Administer supplements to pregnant dogs, preventing their pups from getting hip dysplasia as they age. As long as you use a safe dose, the mother can continue to receive doses, even through nursing.


Observe your dog for a few days to check for side effects that may occur from the Vitamin C supplement. The most common side effect is diarrhea, which can be avoided simply by lowering the Vitamin C dosage.


  • Vitamin C isn't necessary when a dog has a balanced diet. In fact, giving supplements to dogs that already have high Vitamin C levels is not advisable.


  • Excess Vitamin C from the use of supplements can cause health problems, such as kidney stones.

Photo Credits

  • Kris Robertson/Demand Media