Content
- What is Vitamin B?
- What is vitamin B for dogs for
- Symptoms of lack of vitamin B in dogs
- Doses of Vitamin B for Dogs
- How to give vitamin B to a dog
- Vitamin B Dog Foods
- Vitamin B Side Effects in Dogs
Like all vitamins, B vitamins are essential micronutrients for the proper functioning of the dog's body. Choosing a quality diet is the best way to ensure the right amount of B vitamins for your dog, but there are situations where your dog may suffer from a deficiency of them, resulting in different symptoms depending on which vitamin B is lacking.
In this PeritoAnimal article, we are going to talk about the role of complex B for dogs - doses, benefits and uses and what happens when there is deficiency in the body. Good reading!
What is Vitamin B?
Vitamins are micronutrients, which means they have to be consumed in small amounts. They play an important role in the body and their lack will have negative consequences for your dog's health.
There are several types of vitamins, which are divided into water-soluble and fat-soluble. Vitamin B belongs to the group of water-soluble vitamins, which, as its name suggests, dissolve in water. This favors its elimination and hinders its accumulation in the body, with some exceptions. We call the group of nine vitamins with this letter B-complex, such as B1, B6, B9 or B12.
Dog B complex is important for the proper functioning of the nervous system, immune system, brain, metabolism, skin and muscles. It also acts on cell differentiation, including red blood cells, which helps prevent anemia. Vitamin B also plays an important role in growth and development, including during pregnancy and lactation, and in coat quality. On top of this, 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 where it is recommended to supplement with B-complex for dogs to improve or restore their health. Vitamin B can be indicated in the following situations:
- Dehydration.
- Diarrhea and vomiting.
- Bleeding.
- Lack of appetite.
- Anemia.
- Surgical interventions.
- Weight loss and weakness.
- Fever
- Infections
These dogs can suffer nutritional losses or imbalances and, in extreme cases, with fatal consequences. In these cases, it is possible for the veterinarian to include vitamin B in the therapy as part of the treatment. Therefore, we can conclude that the B complex for dogs is beneficial as it serves to maintain essential functions in the dog's body, but also to resolve specific deficiency situations such as those mentioned above.
Symptoms of lack of vitamin B in dogs
The lack of these vitamins, as they are easily eliminated from the body, manifests itself quickly. Among the symptoms of lack of B vitamins in dogs are neurological changes. It is important to highlight that the vitamin B12 for dog it is very important because a deficiency of it in the body can cause neurological disorders and psychological and hematological changes. Among the symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency in dogs and other B vitamins are:
- Weight loss.
- Inflammation of gums and lips.
- Shedding of hair, dry, reddened skin, itching or dry seborrhea.
- Diarrhea and gastrointestinal disturbances.
- Anemia.
- Infections.
Doses of Vitamin B for Dogs
Naturally, the dosage of this vitamin is at the veterinarian's discretion. As an example, administration by injection is generally given at a rate of 10 ml per kg of animal weight. If supplementation is chosen, the dose will depend on the product presentation. It is usually sold in pill shape and each manufacturer must specify the dosage contained in the package, usually expressed per kg of body weight.
However, the veterinary surgeon's instructions must also be followed. And never give a dog vitamins for people, vitamins suitable for humans being one of the banned human remedies for dogs. The supplements used must be formulated specifically for them.
How to give vitamin B to a dog
A healthy, well-fed dog will have its vitamin needs perfectly covered by its diet. Two conclusions can be drawn from this statement. First, offer your dog a quality diet will ensure the correct supply of vitamins and other nutrients. Second, we should not supplement your diet with vitamins on our own, unless the veterinarian expressly tells us to do so. Therefore, the first source of vitamin B is food.
Vitamin B Dog Foods
Here are some dog foods that have B vitamins that you can give your dog if he needs it:
- Guts, like the liver.
- Meat such as pork or poultry.
- Fish, especially sardines.
- Eggs, mainly for their vitamin B12 content.
- Brewer's yeast.
- Cereals and wheat germ.
- Dairy products.
- Vegetables and green leafy vegetables.
Complex B for dogs can be given as an injection. It is not surprising that when a dog needs fluid therapy it also needs a vitamin B supplement, Duphalyte being well known, which includes several B group vitamins, in addition to amino acids and dextrose to provide power.
Vitamin B for dogs with a disease is usually given this way, mainly to relieve neurological disorders. Other popular injectable forms are Catosal and Vitabiol. Therefore, in this case, the veterinarian will inject the vitamins subcutaneously, intramuscularly or slowly, depending on the condition and needs of the dog.
Vitamin B Side Effects in Dogs
In general, these vitamins are safe as they are not normally stored in the body, so any excess is eliminated. But there may be some adverse reactions. For example, an excessive or prolonged dose of vitamin B6 is associated with lack of coordination and muscle weakness.
In some cases, if vitamin B is injected and given intravenously too quickly, it can cause nausea, vomiting and general malaise. As the veterinarian will be responsible for this administration, he will only have to slow down to control the symptoms. Very rarely, a allergic reaction.
In any case, we emphasize that you should not give your dog vitamins on your own. If you think he needs them, check his diet first or talk to your veterinarian.
Now that you know the benefits of vitamin B for dogs, especially vitamin B12 for dogs, you may also be interested in this video with fruit tips for dogs:
This article is for information purposes only, at PeritoAnimal.com.br we are not able to prescribe veterinary treatments or perform any type of diagnosis. We suggest that you take your pet to the veterinarian in case it has any type of condition or discomfort.
If you want to read more articles similar to Complex B for dogs - Doses, benefits and uses, we recommend that you enter our Medicines section.