Vitamin K1 for Dogs

Vitamin K1 is a vitamin that will be soluble in fat. Dogs require both fat soluble and water soluble vitamins. The vitamin K1 is important, because it ensures that the blood coagulates properly. When vitamin K1 is in deficit, the dog will most likely develop a bleeding disorder, as his blood will no longer coagulate normally.

The Role of Vitamin K1

Vitamin K1 is a fat soluble vitamin, which means that any excess of this vitamin will not be eliminated in the urine, but will built up in the body. The role of vitamin K1 is to produce the proteins that contribute to blood coagulation.

Causes of Vitamin K1 Deficiency

Vitamin K1 is typically produced in the dog's body, but certain conditions may lead to a deficiency of vitamin K1 and bleeding disorders:

• Poisoning with various substances such as rat poison, which contain anticoagulant substances
• Liver problems, which will result in the deficient absorption of vitamin K
• If the dog receives drugs that contain warfarin

Supplementation of Vitamin K1

Vitamin K1 will be supplemented in pets that have ingested rat poison. Dogs with a liver deficiency and the inability to produce the proteins that coagulate the blood can also receive K1.

Vitamin K1 can be supplemented in pets that are found to have a blood clotting disorder or have a deficiency of the vitamin. However, the supplements are not available without a prescription from your vet. The supplements may be found under the names of Veta K1 or Veda K1.

The supplements are available in the form of pills, which will take up to 24 hours to produce the substances that contribute to the proper coagulation of blood. However, if the dog is affected by severe bleeding that cannot be stopped, the pet will require a plasma transfusion, which will contain coagulant proteins and will be able to effectively stop the bleeding.

The dose of vitamin K1 should be established by the vet, depending on the dog's condition, his age and body weight. The treatment may be prescribed for a longer period of time, especially when the dog has a liver problem.

Side Effects of Vitamin K1

When vitamin K1 is supplemented, there may be some side effects such as:

• Low red blood cell count
• Vomiting and diarrhea, especially during the first days of administration until the body gets used to the supplements
• Skin rashes

The administration of vitamin K1 may interfere with the treatment with certain drugs such as:

• Aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
• Antibiotics (not all types, check with your vet)
• Thyroid medication
• Cimetidine

Vitamin K1 shouldn't be administered through injections or intravenously, as the dog may develop severe allergic reactions and even anaphylaxis in some cases. The supplements shouldn't be administered in dogs that are believed to be allergic to the compounds of Veta K1.