Vitamin E for Dogs

Vitamin E supplements help improve a dog's skin and immune system.

Many humans take vitamin supplements to improve their health. Dogs benefit from vitamins as well. Vitamin E, an antioxidant, may be given to dogs to improve their overall health. Dogs with coat problems and immune diseases have the greatest need for vitamin E, but some veterinarians recommend vitamin E supplementation for all dogs.

An Antioxidant

Vitamin E, an antioxidant, destroys the free radicals in a dog's body. Free radicals cause degenerative conditions in the body, such as aging. The presence of industrial chemicals and other pollutants increase free radicals, so dogs have more of a need for antioxidants than when the earth had less pollution. Vitamin E works to stabilize free radicals, so that they do not cause damage in a dog's body.

Helping a Dog's Coat

Vitamin E works several different ways to improve a dog's skin. A supplement of vitamin E strengthens tissues and makes a dog more resistant to cold weather. Vitamin E also has an anti-inflammatory effect on some dog skin disorders. It can cut down on redness and itchiness due to allergies. If a dog does not have enough vitamin E in their body,it may become more susceptible to skin mite infestation.

Dosage

Different researchers and veterinarians recommend different dosages of Vitamin E supplements for dogs. Some recommend 200 to 300 IU (International Units) for a dog weighing 15 to 50 pounds, and 300 to 400 IU for a dog heavier than 50 pounds. Another expert recommends 400 IU for all dogs under 2 years old, and 800 IU for dogs over 2 years old. No known side effects occur as long as the dosage stays below 4,000 IU of vitamin E each day.

Applied Topically

Vitamin E also benefits a dog's skin when applied topically. Vitamin E capsules may be pricked with a pin, and the liquid vitamin E squeezed out onto a dog's skin. Vitamin E ointment helps to nourish, moisturize and heal dry skin and small cuts. This treatment may commonly be used on chapped paws and ears, as well as minor skin irritations under the coat.

Other Supplements

Dogs receive similar and more effective benefits when vitamin E combines with other supplements. Large dosages of vitamin E increase a dog's need for vitamins A and D. B-complex vitamins complement vitamin E to improve a dog's skin. Vitamin C works with vitamin E to make it more effective in a dog's body. Selenium, another antioxidant, has similar and complementary benefits when paired with a Vitamin E supplement. As a topical medication, aloe vera also nourishes dry, damaged skin.

References

• My-Dog: Vitamin E
• NetPets: Vitamin E, the "Anti-Rust" Vitamin
• Care 2: Caring for your Pet in Cold Weather
• Alternative Medicine for Dogs: Integrative Therapy in Dogs with Nervous System & Other Disorders