02/02/2026
Most dogs are vitamin D deficient, and it could be affecting their health more than you think.
In this video, Dr. Marc Smith explains why vitamin D deficiency is so common in dogs and why diet is the only way dogs can get vitamin D. Unlike humans, dogs cannot make vitamin D from sunlight, which makes dietary intake and testing especially important.
Dr. Smith shares why he recommends adding vitamin D testing during bloodwork, especially for geriatric dogs, and what improvements he commonly sees when deficient dogs are properly supplemented. These improvements can include better energy, improved coat quality, and overall better wellbeing.
If you have a senior dog or a dog dealing with chronic issues, vitamin D is one lab value you may want to discuss with your veterinarian.
