Coq10 – Coenzyme Q10

My pick- NOW Ubiquinol 100mg

Dogs (like humans) naturally synthesize their own Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) in the liver and other tissues, CoQ10 levels decline with age and some medications and chronic conditions can also reduce production

CoQ10 (Coenzyme Q10) plays a significant role in canine health, especially in older dogs or those with chronic conditions. It’s a vitamin-like compound naturally found in the body, primarily in the mitochondria, where it helps produce cellular energy (ATP) and functions as a potent antioxidant.

Key Roles of CoQ10 in Dogs

1. Cellular Energy Production (ATP)

• CoQ10 is essential for the electron transport chain in mitochondria.

• Tissues with high energy demands—like the heart, kidneys, liver, and brain—rely heavily on CoQ10.

• In aging or diseased dogs, natural CoQ10 levels decline, which may contribute to fatigue or organ dysfunction.

2. Heart Health (Most Common Use)

• CoQ10 is commonly used in dogs with congestive heart failure (CHF), dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), or murmurs.

• Clinical studies suggest it can:

• Improve heart muscle contractility

• Reduce oxidative stress in cardiac tissue

• Support oxygen use in heart cells

• Often used alongside pimobendan, enalapril, or other cardiac meds.

3. Neuroprotective Effects

• May help support cognitive function in aging dogs by:

• Reducing oxidative damage in the brain

• Supporting mitochondrial function in neurons

• Sometimes used in canine cognitive dysfunction (CCD) or neurological disorders.

4. Antioxidant Support

• CoQ10 neutralizes free radicals, helping protect cell membranes, lipids, and DNA.

• Helpful in chronic inflammation, degenerative disease, or dogs on medications that increase oxidative stress (like phenobarbital or steroids).

5. Kidney Support (Emerging Role)

• Kidneys are energy-demanding organs, and mitochondrial dysfunction plays a role in CKD progression.

• Some early evidence suggests CoQ10 may help slow renal decline, but this is not yet a standard part of CKD treatment in dogs.

6. Supplement Use with Medications

• Dogs on certain medications (especially cardiac meds or antiepileptics) may benefit from CoQ10 to reduce mitochondrial or oxidative side effects.

Common Use Cases in Dogs

Condition CoQ10 Role

Congestive heart failure Improves myocardial energy metabolism

Aging/cognitive decline Supports brain mitochondrial function

Seizure disorders May reduce mitochondrial oxidative damage

CKD Potential mitochondrial support

General antioxidant support Combats free radicals and cellular aging

Dosing Guidelines (Canine)

Weight (Dog) CoQ10 Dose (Ubiquinone)

<10 lbs 30 mg daily

10–30 lbs 30–50 mg daily

30–60 lbs 50–100 mg daily

>60 lbs 100–150 mg daily

• Ubiquinol (active form) is more bioavailable; doses may be slightly lower.

• Ideally given with food (fatty meal) for better absorption.

• Split dosing (AM and PM) is beneficial for higher amounts.

Safety and Side Effects

• Very well tolerated in dogs.

• Rarely: mild GI upset (usually dose-related).

• Avoid overdosing; stick to veterinary-recommended doses.

• Always check for interaction with anticoagulants (rare in dogs, but relevant if on specific meds).

Summary

CoQ10 is not just a heart supplement — it’s a mitochondrial booster, antioxidant, and aging support compound. It’s particularly useful in dogs with:

• Heart disease

• Seizures or cognitive decline

• Chronic inflammatory or degenerative conditions

• CKD or fatigue

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Dogs (like humans) naturally synthesize their own Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) in the liver and other tissues, and under normal conditions, this endogenous production is sufficient to meet the body’s needs.

However, several factors can decrease natural CoQ10 production, especially:

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🕑 1. Aging

• CoQ10 levels decline with age, particularly in high-energy-demand tissues like:

• Heart

• Brain

• Kidneys

• Liver

• This contributes to age-related decline in mitochondrial efficiency, energy metabolism, and resilience to oxidative stress.

Example: In senior dogs, this decline may be associated with fatigue, cognitive decline, slower recovery, and weaker cardiac output — even without overt disease.

 2. Chronic Disease

• Dogs with congestive heart failure (CHF), epilepsy, chronic kidney disease (CKD), IBD, or diabetes tend to show increased oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction, which depletes CoQ10 faster.

• CoQ10 demands may outstrip the body’s production, leading to relative deficiency.

3. Medication Interactions

Certain medications may further reduce CoQ10 levels or mitochondrial function, such as:

• Phenobarbital

• Potassium bromide

• Corticosteroids

• Certain antibiotics (e.g., enrofloxacin)

• Heart meds (like ACE inhibitors and beta-blockers)

These don’t directly block CoQ10 synthesis (as statins do in humans), but they can increase the body’s oxidative burden, which raises the need for CoQ10.

When Supplementing Makes Sense

Consider supplementation when the dog:

• Is a senior or geriatric

• Has a heart condition, especially DCM or CHF

• Is on long-term meds that may affect mitochondrial health

• Has neurological issues, such as seizures or cognitive dysfunction

• Has chronic fatigue, poor stamina, or delayed recovery

• Is recovering from illness or surgery where metabolic support is needed

Yes — dogs do produce their own CoQ10, but aging and chronic conditions reduce production and increase demand, which is why supplementation is often beneficial in older or medically fragile dogs. Think of it as replacing what their body can no longer keep up with.

For information on how to get your dog started on a ketogenic diet click HERE for more info

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