Vitamin D can be very toxic to dogs. The toxicity of vitamin D depends on the size of your dog and the amount ingested. Vitamin D is toxic at a level of more than 0.1 mg/kg, with symptoms including vomiting, loss of appetite, drink and urinate more, excessive drooling, and/or weight loss. Depending on the concentration of the vitamin D ingested, toxicity tends to develop more gradually over time. (source)
If you suspect that your dog has ingested a vitamin D pill, contact your veterinarian immediately or call ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
How Much Vitamin D Will Hurt a Dog?
The short answer is that it depends on on a number of factors, including the size and breed of dog, their individual tolerance levels and the concentration of the vitamin D ingested.
Vitamin D can be toxic to dogs at a level of more than 4000 IU or 0.1 mg/kg, but toxicity tends to develop more gradually over time. Toxic symptoms include vomiting, loss of appetite, drink and urinate more, excessive drooling, and/or weight loss. Depending on the concentration of the vitamin D ingested, toxicity tends to develop more gradually over time.
Can Vitamin D Kill A Dog?
Yes, Vitamin D can be fatal to dogs, but fatality depends on the size of your dog and the amount ingested. A dose of more than 2 milligrams per kilogram (2 mg/kg) will likely be fatal to most dogs.
If you believe your dog has ingested too much vitamin D, contact your veterinarian immediately.
Can a Dog Recover from Vitamin D Toxicity?
Yes, a dog can recover from vitamin D toxicity. However, it is important to catch the toxicity early and begin treatment immediately. If left untreated, vitamin D toxicity can lead to serious health problems such as kidney failure or even death.
Will 1,000 IU Vitamin D Hurt My Dog?
There is some debate over whether or not 1,000 IU of vitamin D is too much for dogs. The short answer is not likely. In fact, 1,000 IU (the equivalent of 0.025 mg) is way less than the toxic dose for dogs—which is anywhere from 4-5 times more than that.
My Dog Ate a 2,000 IU Vitamin D Pill- Should I be Worried?
Not likely. A 2,000 IU Vitamin D in the pill is the equivalent to 0.050 mg of vitamin D3, which is way less than the toxic dose for dogs: 0.1 mg/kg.
This isn’t to say you should let your dog eat anything he wants—you should always be careful about what goes into his mouth—but if he accidentally eats this amount of Vitamin D, you’re probably not going to have to worry about any side effects.
Dog Ate 5,000 IU Vitamin D3- What to Do?
While toxicity depends on the size and health condition of your dog, it is not likely to cause noticeable damage if he has eaten 5,000 IU of Vitamin D. However, monitor your dog closely over the next few weeks, especially if he has kidney or liver problems.
Conclusion
If your dog ate a vitamin D pill, it’s important to know that vitamin D can be very toxic to dogs. However, toxicity depends on the size of your dog and the amount ingested. Vitamin D is toxic at a level of more then 0.1 mg/kg.
If your dog has eaten a vitamin D pill, it’s important to watch for symptoms such as vomiting, loss of appetite, drink and urinate more, excessive drooling, and/or weight loss. Depending on the concentration of the vitamin D ingested, toxicity tends to develop more gradually over time.
If you think your dog has ingested too much vitamin D, contact your veterinarian immediately.