So my Standard Poodle started showing signs of a UTI on Christmas Eve. I searched on the world wide web for a dosage of Vitamin C until I could get her into the vet, and what I found was super interesting.

Basically, has anyone here done any in depth research about Vit C and it's benefits for pups?? From the article I found on Whole Dog Journal, Vitamin C can be used for LOADS of things including

-Distemper and other viral diseases
-Enhances white blood cell function and activity
-Increases the blood levels of interferon (the body’s natural antiviral and anticancer compound)
-Increases antibodies
-Cancer
-Kennel cough (other respiratory infections)
-Absecces
-Bacterial infections

And the thing I found most interesting.. "it appears to be especially helpful for slowing – and some say, reversing – degenerative joint disease, hip dysplasia, and spinal disorders". It says that for Vit C to be most effective against HD and the such, you start supplementing with a young pup or older dog.

There is a lot more to the article, but these are the things that jumped out at me.

Thoughts?? I plan to start supplementing all three dogs, but especially Kennedy because of her awful joints. Do you think that Vitamin C is really necessary; or is there a better all over supplement??

A lot of old time breeders swear that vit C helps ward off hip and elbow dysplasia. I don't know if it really works or if they just have really clean lines. I've never heard of it working after the fact, but it doesn't hurt to try.

Vitamin C is a staple for my dogs - this is what i use because I believe it to be the purest form of Vitamin C

It's very good for reproductive health as well.

http://www.nowfoods.com/Vitamin-C-Crystals-1lb.htm

I was hoping you would see this .

Wish I would have stumbled upon this earlier!! It's not one of the main supplements you hear about!!

For the joint, I believe that is because of Vit C is the "ingredient" of making collagen. However, there would be some limitation, if the "machine" (sorry I really don't know what is the exact scientific word for it) is old, or no have many which to make the collagen. No matter how much the input (vit. C) has been given, it might not be able to make a massive change.

Don't know would that be any helpful, but anyways hope your poodle be well soon =)