Essential Macrominerals to Your Dogs Health

Starting with dog supplements called macrominerals: sodium, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, calcium and chloride. These macrominerals are needed in large quantities in the diet, on average 10 grams per kilogram weight.

Sodium - too much sodium can result in dehydration and not enough can make your dog vomit, cause kidney disease, diabetes and/or hypoadrencoriticism. The role of sodium in the body is to help the body absorb sugars and proteins while maintaining osmotic pressure and the acid-base and water balance. Sodium is also responsible for maintaining proper muscle and nerve action.

Fortunately sodium is easily found in most all foods. It is a very common salt. Should your pup be deficient in sodium you may notice weight loss, heat exhaustion, low blood pressure and an irregular heartbeat.

Phosphorus - it is very important that the ratio of calcium to phosphorus is correct. If there is not enough phosphorus in the body the body it will not be able to utilize the calcium, even if the amount of calcium is correct. Phosphorus is responsible for the maintenance and the development of the bones and teeth. It is also important to energy utilization and helps to maintain the proper pH balance in the body. Phosphorus can be found in most foods and works well with magnesium, vitamins A and D as well as iron, calcium and manganese.
Signs of phosphors deficiency include muscle weakness, bone softening and rickets. It is important to note that it is very rare for a dog to become deficient in phosphorus.

Potassium - is the ratio of potassium and sodium are incorrect in the body it can cause low blood pressure. Prolonged diarrhea or vomiting can often cause low potassium levels in the body. The role of potassium is to help maintain the normal function of the heart. It is essential to the contraction of muscle fibers and the transmission of signals from the nerves. Potassium is also vital to protein synthesis, carbohydrate metabolism and the maintenance of acid- base and water balance as well as osmotic pressure.

Signs of deficiency can include a buildup of lactic acid, weakness in the muscles and an irregular heartbeat.

Magnesium - in order for your dog to benefit from magnesium the amount of calcium needs to be avoided. Calcium is found in dairy products, but also wheat bran, fats and spinach. The role of magnesium is to help to strengthen teeth and bones as well as healthy muscles. Magnesium is needed for activation of the enzymes, energy metabolism and proper nervous system and heart muscle function.
Signs of deficiency include lack of appetite, hyperactivity or depression as well as weakness or spasms in the muscles.

Calcium - this is the single most important mineral in the body. It is very important to note that if too much calcium is given to puppies as they are growing though it can actually cause a calcium deficiency when they get older as well as problems with their bone development. The role of calcium is to promote a healthy nerves and a healthy heart. Calcium helps in muscle contraction, enzyme activation and the development of bones and teeth.

Signs of calcium deficiency include joint pain, cramps in the muscles, arthritis and other severe skeletal problems.

Chloride - helps maintain osmotic pressure, water balance and acid base balance. If your dog has too much they will become dehydrated and the pH level in the body will become more acidic. Not enough and the dog will be vomiting and lose essential gastric juices.

These and other high quality dog supplements can be found online at pet stores such as www.ohmydogsupplies.com.