Vitamin B12 Injection Benefits for Dogs.

B12 Injection for Dogs

Benefits of B12 shots for dogs — Understanding B12 Injections for Dogs

As part of Dexter’s weekly rehabilitation and physical therapy, his veterinarian wanted to start giving him B12 injections. Before giving the all-clear, I needed to find out more about B12 injections for dogs, the benefits and side effects. After all, I’m Dexter’s mom, and I needed to do a little research prior to giving the green light.

I spoke to a few pet professionals, and this is what they had to say about B12 injections for dogs.

B12 Injections Benefits and Side Effects

Lisa Davila BS-Biomedical Science Hospital Manager at Aggieland Animal Health Center in College Station Texas. explained that, “Vitamin B12 is very important in the function of the nervous system, red blood cell formation, brain function, and intestinal function. Whole food sources of B12 include organ meats, eggs, fish, poultry, and dairy products. It is a water-soluble vitamin, so any excess is excreted in the urine making it very safe. Most healthy dogs get plenty of B12 from a well-balanced diet, however, some health issues can impede the absorption of this vitamin particularly diseases of malabsorption involving the GI tract, kidney disease, liver disease, and pancreatic disease.” She went on to say, “Geriatric dogs also may absorb less B12 as their ability to digest certain proteins declines.”

Dwight Alleyne, DVM, a veterinarian advisor at betterpet also stated, “Vitamin B12 is commonly used to treat digestive issues in dogs and cats. It has shown to have some benefit in dogs that have a pancreas insufficiency improving their response to therapy.”

B12 Shots for senior dogs — Vitamin B12 Injection for Dogs

B12 Injections for Dogs with Neurological Conditions

When I asked Dr. Alleyne about Dexter’s Chiari malformation and syringomyelia, he suggested that, “Vitamin B12 contributes to cell function, growth, and reproduction, which is why it may assist with conditions such as Chiari malformation and syringomyelia. It also helps with the production of myelin, which is the covering of the nerves which is responsible for transmitting nerve signals.”

I also spoke with Fortune Ultado, a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine student from the University of the Philippines who offered this insight, “Vitamin B12 supplementation as a treatment for Chiari malformation and syringomyelia will be very helpful for Dexter, as it can suppress neuropathic pain (NeP). Vitamin B12 injections help in reducing the severity of neuropathic pain, thereby alleviating your dog’s suffering and improving his quality of life over the course of the veterinary care plan.”

B12 Shots Location

Lisa explained, “The veterinarian may prescribe either an oral supplement or routine injections to supplement a dog with a deficiency. Vitamin B12 is also used in acupuncture points to enhance the effectiveness of the individual point, a practice known as aquapuncture.”

B12 location in pets — Location of B12 Injections

Are B12 Injections Safe for Dogs?

All three experts stated that Vitamin B12 appears to be very safe for most pets when under the care of a licensed veterinarian. Since Vitamin B12 is water-soluble, any excess is typically removed during urination.

B12 Injections for Dogs Dosage and Frequency

Your dog’s veterinarian will determine the correct dose, frequency, and application to meet your dog’s needs. Currently, Dexter has received three applications a week apart. He seems to be doing quite well with his weekly B12, acupuncture, dry needling, and canine rehabilitation program. Anything to keep the monkey moving.

Dexter’s acupuncture and B12 Injections

@lifewtonya Dexter’s weekly acupuncture & B12 injections. –> https://raisingyourpetsnaturally.com/b12-for-dogs #raisingyourpetsnaturally #healthypets #dogcare #dogtips #doghealth #healthydogs #naturaldogcare #naturalpetcare #ChiariMalformation #Syringomyelia #SM #CM #CavalierSM #CavalierKingCharlesSpaniel #DogWellness #DogFitness #CanineFitness #seniordog ♬ Sunshine – WIRA

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