☠️ How Iyabo Over-Supplemented Her Dog to Death, In the Name of Vitamins & Good Intentions
Some things are hard to write.
This is one of them.
Iyabo, my long-time friend, known perfectionist, and lover of all things “natural and organic,” made a heartbreaking mistake. She overdosed her beloved Labrador with supplements. It started with good intentions – like most pet tragedies do – and ended with a closed kennel and a lot of tears.
But first, let’s rewind.
🐶 When Love Goes Too Far
Iyabo had always been “extra.” She ironed her curtains twice a week. She sterilized Blaze’s paw when he stepped on her tiles once. So, when she adopted Bruno, a big, bouncy Labrador with golden fur and goofy eyes, she went into full mummy mode.
🔹Multivitamins.
🔹Calcium.
🔹Fish oil.
🔹Kelp powder.
🔹 Zinc drops.
🔹Probiotic chewables.
🔹Eggshell powder.
🔹 Vitamin D syrup (human grade, not pet).
“I just want him to be healthy and strong,” she said.
“Or radioactive,” I muttered.
She laughed. But I wasn’t joking.
Two months later, Bruno began limping. His coat thinned out. His appetite dropped. Then came the diarrhea and confusion. By the time she took him to the vet, it was too late.
Toxic levels of vitamin D and calcium had damaged his kidneys.
🧠 Did You Know?
✍️ Pets need vitamins and minerals, but the correct dosage is key.
✍️ Too much Vitamin D can cause calcium buildup in the blood, leading to kidney failure.
✍️ Excess calcium can cause skeletal issues in large breed puppies.
✍️ Pets eating balanced commercial food already receive essential nutrients. Extra supplementation should only be under vet supervision.
🧾 What I Know Now And Wish I’d Told Iyabo Sooner
✅ Not every "natural supplement" is necessary.
✅ More isn’t always better – especially for pets with smaller systems.
✅ Human-grade supplements aren’t pet-safe.
✅ The symptoms of overdose like, vomiting, fatigue, joint pain, loss of appetite, often mimic minor illnesses making it easy to miss.
✅Some pet foods are already fortified with vitamins.
🐕 What I Practice Now
⭐ I check the labels of Blaze’s dog food to understand what nutrients are already there.
⭐ I only give vet-approved supplements — not trending Instagram ones.
⭐ If Blaze looks tired, I don’t reach for a vitamin. I reach for his vet’s number.
⭐ For nutrient boosts, I give small amounts of:
🔹Sardines (Omega-3)
🔹Cooked liver (iron, Vitamin A)
🔹Eggs (protein + B vitamins)
🔹Carrots (fiber + beta-carotene)
⚠️ What Every Pet Parent Must Understand
🚩 Over-supplementation is real and deadly.
🚩 “Boosting their immunity” can backfire.
🚩 Stick to vet-recommended doses.
🚩 Use pet-formulated products, not human leftovers.
🚩If your pet is already eating quality commercial food, they likely don’t need extra vitamins unless they have a health condition.
🛒 Helpful Links: Trusted Supplements (Vet-Approved)
❤️ Zesty Paws 8-in-1 Multivitamin Bites for Dogs
❤️ Nutramax Dasuquin Joint Health Supplement
❤️ Tomlyn High-Calorie Nutritional Gel for Dogs
❤️ Pet Honesty 10-for-1 Multivitamin
These are balanced, species-appropriate, and vet-reviewed – not some powdered talc from the back Papa Emeka 's fridge.
😔 The Rest of Iyabo’s Sad Story
Bruno passed quietly one Tuesday morning. She held him in her arms and wept like a mother.
“I just wanted to protect him,” she said.
“You did. But next time, less protection, more consultation,” I replied, hugging her.
She now volunteers at a pet shelter, teaching others about responsible pet care. She still makes her own dog treats – but she triple-checks the ingredients with a vet.
📝 Final Thoughts:
⭐ Love isn’t always loud – sometimes it’s measured.
⭐ When it comes to supplements, less is often more.
⭐ Talk to a vet before adding anything to your pet’s diet.
⭐ Read labels. Question everything.
⭐ Don’t let good intentions become fatal mistakes.
📢 Coming Up Next: “Yes, Pets Need Fats – But Only the Right Kind, in the Right Amount”
Yes, I’ll be showing you how I make Blaze and Raya's Sunday rice and sardine balls – without ruining his kidneys.
😂 Affiliate Disclosure:
Some of the links here are affiliate links. If you buy through them, I may earn a small commission that I will not use to buy Blaze unnecessary vitamin D.
Promise. 🐶
✌️Singing out!
Nene Ajayi
Your neighborhood pet whisperer, anti-over-supplement auntie, and sometimes rooftop preacher of common sense.
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