CoQ10 for Dogs

What Is CoQ10?

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), also called ubiquinone, ubidecarenone, or coenzyme Q, is a well-known ubiquitous coenzyme, present in all cells of humans and animals.^3,4 It is a fat-soluble vitamin-like nutrient that acts as an antioxidant, protecting cells from damage⁵. CoQ10 plays a significant role in mitochondria, the powerhouse of cells where energy is produced in order for metabolic process to occur⁶.

CoQ10 is available in two forms, oxidized (ubiquinone) and reduced (ubiquinol). The body converts ubiquinol to ubiquinone in the gastrointestinal system, thus one form is not necessarily superior to the other, but nutritional supplement companies have often marketed the ubiquinol form as being better absorbed⁷.

CoQ10 is found naturally in foods such as soybeans, peanuts, palm oil, fatty fishes, and organ meats⁸. Cooking can reduce CoQ10 content by 14-32%, therefore supplementation is recommended with certain diseases⁹. CoQ10 may be helpful as a nutritional supplement for cardiovascular and other diseases such as neurodegenerative and neuromuscular disorders, mitochondrial cytopathy, diabetes, cancer, and periodontal disease¹⁰. CoQ10 comes in a variety of forms for dogs produced by several pet supplement companies.

Evidence for Efficacy

CoQ10 has many biologic functions that are beneficial. In the mitochondria in the cell it helps to produce ATP, a compound that provides energy for many cellular functions. CoQ10 also acts as an antioxidant protecting cells from free radicals, molecules that can be harmful to cellular function. CoQ10 also promotes cell signaling, the term used for the way cells communicate and transfer information in order for biological processes to occur⁷.

CoQ10 has been shown to have clinical benefits in dogs with heart disease. It has been shown to decrease inflammation in dogs with myxomatous mitral valve disease and congestive heart failure^{11, 12}. CoQ10 supplementation reduced heart muscle thickening (hypertrophy) that is often associated with congestive heart failure¹³.

CoQ10 has also been shown to be beneficial in prevention of cardiotoxicity in humans receiving anthracycline chemotherapy, a common class of chemotherapy agents used in people and dogs¹⁴. There are multiple studies showing that CoQ10 also protects against cardiotoxicity in rodents treated with doxorubicin^15-18.

Several studies using CoQ10 with humans with different forms of cancer have also had positive results. One study showed it reduced cancer cell growth on human breast cells, suggesting it may help reduce cancer cell growth as an adjunctive therapy with doxorubicin¹⁹. CoQ10 has shown to have numerous advantages in humans with liver cancer including reducing oxidative stress (an immune response that can damage cells)²⁰, reducing chemotherapy side-effects²¹, and protecting against liver toxicity during cancer treatment²².

Common Uses for CoQ10 in Dogs

CoQ10 administration may benefit dogs receiving doxorubicin as a cancer treatment. Doxorubicin is a common treatment for many cancer types including lymphoma and many solid tumors. Dogs receiving doxorubicin are at risk of cardiotoxicity leading to potential heart damage which in some cases is irreversible.

The potential heart damage is more likely in large breed dogs with a predisposition to cardiac disease, such as Boxers and Doberman Pinschers. CoQ10 may be useful as a protective agent for the cardiovascular system to decrease the likelihood of developing cardiovascular disease related to doxorubicin administration.^1,2,23

CoQ10 is an antioxidant that has also been shown to be an important factor in immune health and performs several functions to support the immune system²⁴. Supporting immune health in cancer patients is very important as the immune system is compromised from having cancer and receiving chemotherapy.

Safety and Side Effects

CoQ10 has been shown to be safe to administer to dogs.^25-27 The side effects reported are generally limited to mild gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea and gastrointestinal upset seen in a small number of subjects⁵.

CoQ10 Can Be Given With Chemotherapy

CoQ10 can be administrated during chemotherapy without compromising the effect. It has been used with cyclophosphamide, cisplatin, doxorubicin, daunorubicin, or radiation therapy^2,28,29. CoQ10 can be used with radiation and surgery if recommended by your veterinarian.

When to Not UseQ10 with Dogs

CoQ10 may stabilize blood sugar, so diabetic patients taking CoQ10 may need to adjust insulin dosage ^30,31.

Patients receiving anticoagulant therapy need to be monitored closely if given CoQ10, as CoQ10 may have procoagulant activity and make the medications not work as well.⁵

How to Give

CoQ10 is given by mouth in the form of a capsule, liquid, or chewable formula³². It is recommended to be taken with food, as absorption of CoQ10 is enhanced in the presence of food, particularly lipids (fats) ³³.

Supplementation of CoQ10 in dogs should be based on body weight¹¹. The recommended dosage ranges from 1mg per pound per day to 1.6mg per pound per day split into two doses.³⁴ To treat cardiovascular disease, your veterinarian may recommend a much higher dose¹⁰.

Soft gelatin capsules³⁵ and solubilized formulations of CoQ10 showed enhanced bioavailability compared with powder-based capsules, tablets, and oil suspensions⁵. Ideally, choose a supplement that uses ubiquinone or ubiquinol as the active ingredient for the best absorption.⁷ Vitamin E supplementation may also increase the absorption of CoQ10^27,36.

What If I Miss a Dose?

Give it when you remember, or skip the dose if it is close to the time for the next dose. Never give your pet two doses at once or give extra doses³⁷.

Store CoQ10 supplements in a cool, dry place. Always refer to the product packaging for specific storage and handling guidelines³⁸.

Our Take on CoQ10 for Dogs

Although rigorous trials have not tested the benefits of CoQ10 in dogs, it is worth talking to your oncologist about if your dog is receiving a chemotherapy agent with a risk of cardiotoxicity, such as doxorubicin.