Cobalequin

Cobalequin

Cobalequin is a cobalamin (Vitamin B12) supplement for dogs and cats that helps increase and maintain Vitamin B12 levels in the body. Cobalequin can be used in pets that suffer from illnesses or diseases that cause a Vitamin B12 deficiency.

What does Cobalequin do for cats?

Cobalequin is a vitamin B12 supplement for dogs and cats that contains cobalamin. It helps increase levels of vitamin B12 in those animals with deficiency and may be given as a regular dietary supplement. Cobalequin comes in a tasty, chicken flavored chewable tablet making it easy to give.

Is cobalamin the same as B12?

Vitamin B12, also called cobalamin, is one of 8 B vitamins. All B vitamins help the body convert food (carbohydrates) into fuel (glucose), which is used to produce energy.

What does a B12 shot do for a dog?

Vitamin B12 for dogs can be lifesaving if your dog has malabsorption issues and therefore is unable to absorb the nutrients you are feeding to him/her. Dogs suffering from malabsorption typically have an underlying issue like exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) and/or Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Is Cobalequin a prescription?

This supplement does not require a prescription. It’s always recommended to speak to your veterinarian prior to starting a new or long term supplement for your pet.

What are the symptoms of B12 deficiency in dogs?

Dogs with a B12 deficiency and/or anaemia may experience diarrhoea, lethargy, loss of interest in life, loss of interest in food, weight loss anaemia, and in serious cases, seizures.

What are the symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency in cats?

What Are the Symptoms of B12 Deficiency? In cats, not having enough B12 can cause weight loss, lethargy, diarrhea, or vomiting. Because disorders of the GI tract can interfere with the absorption of B12, the level of this vitamin in the blood is sometimes used as a test of gut health.

Can you give a cat too much B12?

B12 is water soluble vitamin so there’s no worry of overdosing them with B12. If your cat has too much B12 in them, they just pee it out.

How often can you give cats B12?

This is the schedule for cobalamin injections and monitoring that the Gastrointestinal Laboratory at Texas A&M University currently recommends: Every 7 days for 6 weeks, then one dose after 30 days, and retesting 30 days after the last dose.

What are the side effects of hydroxocobalamin?

Like all medicines, hydroxocobalamin can cause side effects in some people, but not everyone gets them.

Common side effects
pain, swelling or itchy skin where your injection was given.feeling or being sick (nausea or vomiting)diarrhoea.headaches.feeling dizzy.hot flushes.

Which type of B12 is best?

The bottom line

The body may absorb cyanocobalamin better, while methylcobalamin has a higher retention rate. Both can prevent B12 deficiency, but methylcobalamin should be combined with adenosylcobalamin for best results.

Can you buy cyanocobalamin over the counter?

Vitamin B12 tablets, also known as cyanocobalamin, can be bought over the counter from pharmacies or health stores, but are not as effective as the injection.

How long does a Vitamin B12 shot last in a dog?

The majority of injected solution may be eliminated within eight hours after administration. Generally speaking, around 50 to 98% of the vitamin B12 taken is excreted from the body 48 hours after injection.

How often do dogs need B12 injections?

Injections are typically administered to a dog’s hind leg. Cats receive the vitamin through subcutaneous injection. B12 injections are typically given once a week for the first five or six weeks, bi-weekly for another period of weeks, and, eventually, on a monthly basis.

Can B12 hurt a dog?

While these symptoms don’t pose an immediate threat to your dog’s life, a prolonged vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to more severe problems, such as gastrointestinal diseases, weight loss, and seizures.

What causes B12 deficiency in dogs?

What Causes B12 Deficiency in Dogs? The primary cause of B12 deficiency in dogs is a problem with absorption. Certain breeds of dog are genetically predisposed to have difficulty absorbing B12: these include Australian shepherds, border collies, beagles, giant schnauzers, and Chinese Shar-Peis.

How much vitamin B12 can I give my dog?

Dogs less than 10 kg – 1/4 ml daily, Dogs 10-20 kg – 1/2 ml daily, Dogs 20-50 kg – 1 ml daily, Dogs > 50 kg – start at 2 ml daily for a month and recheck B12 levels and taper based on serum levels.

James H. Sterling
Author

James H. Sterling

James Sterling reports on renewable energy developments, climate policy, ecological conservation, and green tech innovations around the globe.