Articles Index/Dermatology
Posted 12/18/97
Zinc is termed a "trace mineral" by nutritionists because it is required in the dog's diet in very low amounts. Some other trace minerals are cobalt, manganese, iodine and copper. Although only small quantities are required, without proper levels a multitude of health-compromising afflictions can occur.
Zinc plays a vital role in the immune system's ability to respond to invaders. Any zinc deficient dog will be a likely target for bacterial and fungal skin infections. Poor doers, chronically sick or underweight dogs, or dogs with dry, dull coats, pustular skin eruptions, hair loss, or dark pigmentation and thickened skin should be evaluated for zinc deficiency.
Treatment with Z-BEC chewable tablets made by A.H. Robins Co. contain 20 mgs of zinc per tablet, along with brewers yeast, vitamins and fatty acids. The recommended dose of zinc is 1 mg per pound daily.
ANTIC, Summer 1988
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