Signs of Magnesium Deficiency in Dogs and How to Help

Magnesium L-Threonate plays a crucial role in your pet’s overall health. But why is it so important? To answer that, we first need to understand magnesium deficiency in dogs.

Let’s dive in.

Just like humans, dogs need essential vitamins and minerals to thrive. Magnesium is one of these key minerals, enabling vital processes such as muscle movement, heartbeats, and even thought.

Learning the Signs of Magnesium Deficiency in Dogs

Magnesium deficiency in dogs is rare in healthy pets eating a balanced diet because the kidneys conserve magnesium when levels are low.

However, a deficiency can occur in dogs with poor diets, certain medications, or health issues.

Early signs of magnesium deficiency:

• Fatigue
• Weakness
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea
• Vomiting

If untreated, more severe problems may develop, including:

• Irregular heartbeat
• Muscle cramps
• Seizures
• Numbness or tingling

Severe cases can also cause low calcium or potassium levels, affecting the body’s balance of minerals.

Magnesium Plays an Important Role in Your Dog's (And Your Own) Body

Magnesium is a vital mineral found in abundance throughout the body and is present in many foods. It plays a key role in over 300 enzyme reactions, making it essential for many bodily functions, including:

• Proper brain function
• Muscle function
• Nerve function
• Protein synthesis
• Energy production
• Breaking down glucose for energy (glycolysis)
• DNA synthesis
• Bone development
• Transporting calcium and potassium
• Controlling blood sugar levels
• Regulating blood pressure

Given its importance, you can imagine the potential health conditions a magnesium deficiency could cause for your dog.

Considering a Magnesium Supplement for Dogs

One of the most effective ways to address magnesium deficiency in dogs is by incorporating the right supplements into their routine.

Magnesium L-threonate, often referred to as magnesium threonate, is a synthetic form of magnesium. It is a compound made by mixing magnesium with threonic acid. This is one of the many types of magnesium used for supplements.

Research shows that higher magnesium levels can reduce the risk of age-related illnesses, as magnesium plays a crucial role in supporting brain and nerve health.

Magnesium L-threonate is particularly beneficial because it easily crosses the blood-brain barrier, helping to increase magnesium levels in the brain. This form of magnesium has shown promise in improving cognitive function, reducing nerve pain, and supporting memory.

Magnesium Dosage for Dogs

There isn't currently any established amount of magnesium L-threonate specifically for dogs. However, human supplements often provide 1500–2000 mg per dose. For dogs, we have found that vets generally recommend Vetriscience Canine Senior Vitality Pro as the best magnesium for dogs to take as a supplement.

Suggested Daily Recommended Amount of Magnesium Oil for Dogs:

• Dogs weighing 0-30 lbs: ½ chew daily
• Dogs weighing 31-60 lbs: 1 chew daily
• Dogs weighing 61+ lbs: 2 chews daily

To minimize gastrointestinal upset, give the supplement before or after a meal.

Is Magnesium Oil Safe for Dogs? Is Magnesium Spray Safe for Dogs?

Most vets agree that dogs can safely consume high levels of magnesium from food without any significant health risks. However, taking magnesium supplements, such as magnesium L-threonate, may cause side effects like diarrhea, nausea, and abdominal cramping.

If a dog ingests more than 5,000 mg of magnesium in a day, it can lead to magnesium toxicity. Signs of magnesium toxicity include:

• Low blood pressure
• Difficulty urinating
• Lethargy
• Muscle weakness
• Nausea and vomiting
• Difficulty breathing
• Heart issues

It’s important to use magnesium supplements carefully. Always talk to a veterinarian first. They can help you find the right dosage for your dog. Do this before giving your dog any source of magnesium.

References

Ando I, Karasawa K, Yokota S, Shioya T, Matsuda H, Tanaka A. Analysis of serum magnesium ions in dogs exposed to external stress: A pilot study. Open Vet J. 2017;7(4):367-374. doi: 10.4314/ovj.v7i4.13. Epub 2017 Dec 24. PMID: 29392116; PMCID: PMC5768924.

Kim, Y. S., Won, Y. J., Lim, B. G., Min, T. J., Kim, Y. H., & Lee, I. O. (2020). Neuroprotective effects of magnesium L-threonate in a hypoxic zebrafish model. BMC neuroscience, 21(1), 29. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12868-020-00580-6

Stahlmann, R., Kühner, S., Shakibaei, M., Flores, J., Vormann, J., & van Sickle, D. C. (2000). Effects of magnesium deficiency on joint cartilage in immature beagle dogs: immunohistochemistry, electron microscopy, and mineral concentrations. Archives of toxicology, 73(10-11), 573–580. https://doi.org/10.1007/s002040050010