Using any of the B vitamins in isolation really needs to have supervision such as a good vet or nutritionist. By this I mean in most cases the B vitamins should be taken together. Hence you usually see them bundled together as a B-complex. A B-25 means that all the B's are there in equal amounts of 25mg, B-75 in 75mg amounts and so on. The rule of thumb is 1mg per pound.

The B-vitamins help to maintain the health of the nerves, skin, eyes, hair, liver and mouth, as well as healthy muscle tone in the gastrointestinal tract and proper brain function. They are involved in energy production and help alleviate depression and/or anxiety.

For instance, if you see a dog that is losing pigment of the nose or eye rims, usually this can be resolved by adding a B-complex. Of course if the dog has a malabsorption problem then you can give all the B-complex you want and they are not going to benefit. The absorption problems needs to be dealt with.

I have a small marble mortar and pestal that a grind up the B-complex and add to the meals. Many dogs don't like the taste of B-complex so there are doggie products on the market that are chicken or beef flavoured to make it more palatable.

Another interesting thing is B5, usually seen on the label as Pantothenic Acid is known as the anti-stress vitamin and plays a role in the production of the adrenal hormones and the formation of antibodies, and helps to convert fats, carbohydrates and proteins into energy.

The B vitamin are water soluble therefore they are not stored in the body. More is not better and what the body doesn't need or use is excreted in the urine. There's a saying when you use too much that you have expensive urine.

(courtesy Deb S. and Co Co)