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Oral Potassium Supplements for Cats & Dogs

Oral Potassium Supplements for Cats and Dogs

Updated on February 03, 2023
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Reviewed by Dr. Whitney Miller
DVM, MBA, DACVPM

Causes | Symptoms | Should you give your pet possasium supplments? | How much? | Side Effects | When will it work? | Are they FDA Approved? 

puppy & kitten with vet

Hypokalemia, or low blood potassium, is a potentially serious condition that can affect your pet’s nervous system and muscles, including their heart. While it is more common in older cats, hypokalemia affects dogs as well and can occur in any life stage. It can be a difficult condition for pet parents to detect.  

Potassium is an essential electrolyte—it conducts electricity that the body uses to spread messages necessary for proper biological function. To help correct a deficiency, your vet may prescribe potassium gluconate or potassium citrate supplements. Common brands include Tumil-K and RenaKare. Our Petco vets can provide further information on oral potassium supplements and other dog and cat supplements to treat hypokalemia as well as other health conditions that can affect your pets.  

Our pet pharmacy fulfilled by Vetsource also supplies prescription cat urinary medication and maintenance drugs, topical treatments, prescription food and more. Once you’ve obtained a prescription from your vet, we can ship your medications and supplements right to your door.  

What can cause my pet’s potassium to be low?   

Hypokalemia is often caused by kidney disease. It can also result from severe or chronic vomiting since the electrolytes in expelled food and water aren’t naturally occurring in the body and must be obtained through diet.   

Hypokalemia can also affect pets who are on diuretic medication, have other metabolic diseases like diabetes mellitus, or are receiving low-potassium intravenous fluids. 

 What are the symptoms of low potassium in cats and dogs?   

Hypokalemia requires an oral potassium supplement can produce similar symptoms in dogs and cats. They may have difficulty standing or raising their head or become wobbly and uncoordinated. They may stop eating or experience mood changes. Their coat may appear rough and unkempt.  

Cats are more likely to exhibit symptoms than dogs, but hypokalemia is often asymptomatic in mild to moderate cases. That’s why it’s important to take your pet in for yearly checkups and bloodwork, especially if your pet suffers from other illnesses or has entered their senior life stage.  

Low potassium can also come on secondary to existing health issues. If your pet is on medication or other treatment for an existing illness, especially heart disease, and suddenly seems to be getting worse, it may be due to low potassium. Call your veterinarian right away if you are concerned. 

 If your pet is currently on a potassium supplement regimen, be sure to keep up with follow-up exams so your vet can test the levels in your pet’s bloodstream. They’ll also want to keep a close eye on vital organ functions that can be affected by potassium levels, including those of the heart and kidneys.    

Should I give my cat or dog potassium supplements?   

You should never give your canine or feline potassium supplements, unless instructed to or prescribed by your veterinarian. Hypokalemia can be fatal, but giving your dog or cat too much potassium can cause hyperkalemia—a buildup of potassium in your pet’s body—and this can also be life-threatening.  

Before administering medication for hypokalemia, your vet must test your pet’s blood sample for potassium levels. In very severe cases, medication may be administered intravenously instead of through an oral potassium supplement.   

How much potassium should my dog have daily?   

According to the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), your pet’s food should contain 0.6% dry matter of potassium. If the dog or cat food has the AAFCO seal of approval, it’s guaranteed to meet nutritional requirements. Unless instructed to by your vet, you should have no need to provide additional potassium supplements for dogs and cats.

What are the potential side effects of potassium supplements for dogs and cats?   

Potassium supplement side effects for cats and dogs may include stomach upset and discomfort, which could trigger diarrhea or vomiting. Consult your vet if your pet displays weakness, muscles wobbling or normal heart activity changes. You should also seek veterinary attention if they have severe diarrhea or vomiting, or blood appears in their feces, urine or vomit. If they collapse, appear weak or cannot get up, call your vet or an emergency line immediately.    

How long does it take for potassium supplements to begin to work?   

A potassium deficiency can be a serious medical issue. However, once your pet begins a potassium regimen, their levels can start to increase as soon as one to two hours after taking the first dose. Being a little late with a dose shouldn’t be a cause for concern. If it’s almost time for the next dose, however, skip the missed dose and continue with the current one. You never want to give them a double dose unless instructed by your vet.   

Are oral potassium supplements FDA approved?   

Yes, they are FDA approved for dogs and cats when prescribed by a veterinarian and obtained through their office or a pharmacy. If you’re a pet parent to horses, your vet may prescribe oral potassium supplements to them as well, but it is considered extra-label.  

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