How to feed Chinese Shar-Pei Vitamin C
There is one vitamin supplement that I do use and recommend for at least the first year of life: Vitamin C (ascorbic acid). Vitamin C helps to build immunity and promotes the production of collagen. I have seen Shar-Pei puppies with splayed feet, once placed on daily doses of vitamin C, come up on their toes within a two-week period and develop the tight, compact feet called for in the standard. In my opinion, this was what was needed in the production of collagen to strengthen the tendons and ligaments of the toes.
Veterinarians not acquainted with the benefits of vitamin C will tell you that dogs produce their own vitamin C and do not need these supplements. Your Shar-Pei, however, has a better way of telling you whether he is producing enough of this essential vitamin. If your dog does not need it or is getting too much, he will develop loose stools. How much should you start with?
With puppies over six weeks, you can begin with one 250 milligrams children’s chewable tablet. (Vitamin C is ascorbic acid and is more easily digested in the coated children’s chewable version. In the uncoated form, it can cause too much acid in the stomach.) Or, an even better powdered form of vitamin C, sodium ascorbic, can be purchased from a health food store. It is less expensive in this form, and one-quarter teaspoon contains 1,000 milligrams (1 gram) and can be added to your dog’s food. Gradually increase the dosage every two to three weeks until, around the age of six months, the dog is taking 1,500 milligrams. If the dog develops loose stools at any time, back off on the dosage. When (and if) this happens, your Shar-Pei has probably reached his individual level needed for producing immunity.
Not all of my Shar-Pei needed vitamin C (I could tell because the minimum dosage caused loose stools), but invariably those were the dogs with very healthy coats, and good bone and muscle development. I strongly recommend the book How to Have a Healthier Dog, by Dr. Wendell Belfield, for a complete explanation of the benefits and usage of vitamin C. He also dispels some of the myths about this important supplement. After one year of age, the dog does not have as great a need for vitamin C unless he has allergies. Later in life, failing organs can sometimes be rejuvenated with vitamin C and help the older dog to live a few more good years. It can also help the dog who has been under stress, and it can aid in the recuperation from an illness or surgery.