Like all vitamins, those of group B are essential micronutrients for the proper functioning of the dog's body. Choosing a quality diet is the best way to guarantee the correct supply of vitamin B for dogs, but there are situations in which a deficiency could occur, which will cause different symptoms depending on the vitamin of group B that is missing.
In this article on our site, we are going to talk about the role played by vitamin B in dogs, what happens when there is a deficiency and your doses, if you need them.
What is vitamin B?
Vitamins are micronutrients, meaning they need to be consumed in small amounts. They perform functions of great importance in the body and, therefore, their lack will have negative consequences for the dog's he alth.
There are a lot of vitamins that are divided between hydro and fat soluble. Vitamin B belongs to the group of water-soluble ones, which, as its name suggests, dissolve in water. This favors its elimination and hinders its accumulation in the body, with some exceptions. We talk about B vitamins because nine vitamins are known by this letter, such as B1, B6, B9 or B12.
Vitamin B for dogs will intervene in the state of the nervous system, the immune system, the brain, the metabolism, the skin and the muscles. It also participates in cell differentiation, including that of red blood cells, which helps prevent anemia. It also plays an important role in growth and development, also during pregnancy and lactation, as well as in the quality of the coat. Finally, it helps to overcome the effects of stress.
What is vitamin B for dogs for?
In addition to the maintenance of vital functions that we have reviewed, there are specific cases in which it is recommended to supplement with vitamin B for improve or recover the dog. For example, in the following situations:
- Dehydration.
- Diarrhea and vomiting.
- Hemorrhages.
- Inappetence and anemia.
- Surgical interventions.
- Weakening and thinning.
- Fever.
- Infections.
These dogs can suffer nutritional losses or imbalances, in extreme cases with fatal consequences. In these specimens, the veterinarian may include vitamin B in the therapy as part of the treatment. Therefore, we can conclude that vitamin B serves to maintain essential functions in the dog's body, but also to resolve specific deficiency situations such as those mentioned.
Symptoms of vitamin B deficiency in dogs
The lack of vitamins of group B, being easily eliminated from the body, manifests itself quickly. Among the symptoms of lack of vitamin B in dogs, the neurological alterations stand out. In particular, we emphasize due to its importance that a deficiency of vitamin B12 for dogs is related to neurological disorders and psychological and hematological alterations. But more symptoms of vitamin B deficiency can be detected, such as the following:
- Weightloss.
- Inflammation of the gums and lips.
- Hair loss, dry and red skin, itching or dry seborrhea.
- Diarrhea and gastrointestinal disturbances.
- Anemia.
- Infections.
Dose of vitamin B for dogs
Of course, the dosage of this vitamin is at the discretion of the veterinarian. As an example, the injectable administration is usually done at a rate of 10 ml for each kg of live weight If you choose to supplement, the dose will depend on the presentation. It is usually marketed in tablets and each manufacturer will specify the recommended dosage on the package, which is usually expressed per kg of weight.
In any case, you should still follow the vet's instructions And you should never give a dog vitamins for people, being the human-friendly vitamins one of the prohibited drugs for dogs. The supplements used must be specifically formulated for them.
How to give a dog vitamin B?
A he althy and well-fed dog will have its vitamin needs perfectly covered by food. Two conclusions can be drawn from this statement. First of all, offering the dog a quality diet ensures the correct supply of vitamins and other nutrients. Second, we should not supplement the dog on our own, unless the veterinarian expressly tells us to do so. Therefore, the first source of vitamin B is food.
Foods with vitamin B for dogs
These are foods with vitamin B for dogs that you can offer your dog if he needs it:
- Viscera such as liver.
- Meat such as pork or poultry.
- Fish such as sardines.
- Eggs, highlighting their contribution of vitamin B12.
- Beer yeast.
- Cereals and wheat germ.
- Dairy products.
- Legumes.
- Green leafy vegetables.
Vitamin B for dogs can be administered in injectable form It is not surprising that when a dog requires fluid therapy they also need a supplement of B vitamins, Duphalyte, which includes several B vitamins, as well as amino acids and dextrose to provide energy, is well known. Vitamin B for dogs with distemper is usually administered in this way, especially to alleviate neurological disorders. Other widely used injectable formats are Catosal and Vitabiol. Therefore, in this case it will be the veterinarian who injects the vitamins subcutaneously, intramuscularly or slowly intravenously, depending on the condition and needs of the dog.
Vitamin B Side Effects for Dogs
In general, these vitamins are safe, as they are not normally stored in the body, so their excess would be eliminated. But there could be some adverse reactions. For example, an excessive or prolonged dose of vitamin B6 is associated with lack of coordination and muscle weakness
Sometimes, if injectable vitamin B is given intravenously too quickly, it can cause nausea, vomiting, and general malaiseAs the veterinarian will be in charge of this administration, you will only have to slow down to control the symptoms. Very rarely an allergic reaction may occur.
In any case, don't give your dog vitamins by yourself. If it seems to you that it needs them, check its diet first or consult your veterinarian.
