How to Know if Your Dog has a Vitamin B Deficiency

Have you noticed a difference in your dog’s behavior lately, has he/she been a little more lethargic than usual? How about appetite, eating less than usual? If so, these symptoms along with leg weakness, absence of excitement and excessive sleep could be an indication of a  Vitamin B12 deficiency. 

Of course, the first thing you should do in this case is make an appointment to see the veterinarian as soon as you can to rule out rare or possible life-threatening illness. The two main causes of the deficiency are lack of sufficient B12 in the diet or an inherited condition in which a dog struggles or is unable to absorb the essential vitamin at all. 

If left untreated, B12 deficiency can lead to serious weight loss and gastrointestinal issues as well kidney disease. If your suspicion is confirmed and your dog’s levels are low, not to worry, supplementation is easy and effective! - crushable tablets, liquid syringe, injection etc. Increasing meat in the diet in addition to a  high quality multi-vitamin powder to mix in their food daily is also strongly suggested.