Is Vitamin D Toxic to Cats and Dogs?
Vitamin D (cholecalciferol) is severely toxic to cats and dogs — it raises calcium and damages the kidneys. It is also used in rodenticides. Call a vet.
Potentially life-threatening — treat any exposure as an emergency.
Potentially life-threatening — treat any exposure as an emergency.
In an emergency, do not wait.
Medical disclaimer: This tool is for general information only and isnot a substitute for veterinary diagnosis or treatment. Toxicity depends on the amount, your pet’s size, and health history. If your pet may have ingested something harmful, contact your veterinarian or a poison control hotline ((888) 426-4435 / (855) 764-7661) immediately — do not wait for symptoms to appear.
What is Vitamin D?
Vitamin D (cholecalciferol) is severely toxic to cats and dogs — it raises calcium and damages the kidneys. It is also used in rodenticides. Call a vet.
Also known as: cholecalciferol, vitamin d3, ergocalciferol, vitamin d2, calcitriol, rodenticide, vitamin d supplement.
Symptoms to Watch For
🐕 In Dogs
- Increased thirst and urination (early hypercalcemia)
- Vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite
- Weakness and lethargy
- Kidney failure and mineralization of organs
🐈 In Cats
- Increased thirst and urination
- Vomiting and reduced appetite
- Weakness and lethargy
- Kidney failure
What to Do If Ingested
- Call a veterinarian or poison hotline immediately.
- Note the form (supplement or rodenticide) and the amount in IU or mg, plus the number of pills or bait blocks.
- Do not induce vomiting unless a vet directs it.
Steps apply to both cats and dogs. When in doubt, call a vet or poison hotline before acting.
When to Call the Vet Immediately
Call your veterinarian or a poison control hotline right away if you notice any of these:
- Any cholecalciferol supplement or rodenticide was eaten
- Increased thirst and urination
- Vomiting, weakness, or lethargy
- Reduced urination (kidney failure)
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is vitamin D dangerous to pets?
In excess, vitamin D causes blood calcium to rise sharply. The extra calcium deposits in and damages organs, especially the kidneys, leading to kidney failure. Both supplement overdoses and cholecalciferol (vitamin D3) rodenticides cause this — the rodenticide form is concentrated and especially dangerous.
Are vitamin D gummies a risk if my dog eats them?
Yes. Vitamin D gummies and soft chews are palatable and a pet may eat many at once. Note the IU or microgram strength and how many were eaten, then call a vet — toxicity depends on the total dose and the pet's weight. Even a moderate overdose can harm the kidneys.
Is the rodenticide form of vitamin D more dangerous?
It can be. Cholecalciferol rodenticide baits are formulated to deliver a toxic dose, so a pet eating the bait can develop severe hypercalcemia and kidney failure. Call a vet immediately if any cholecalciferol bait was eaten, even if no symptoms appear yet.
Sources
This entry is reviewed against the following authoritative veterinary sources.
Last reviewed: 2026-07-11