Is vitamin B deficiency common in dogs?

There are lots of different types of vitamin B. B12 and Folic acid are the most common types analysed in dogs. B12 deficiency is most commonly seen in chronic stomach and intestinal disease as these result in an inability of the gut to absorb B12. This deficiency in turns worsens symptoms, justifying vitamin B treatment. An increase or decrease in folic acid can accompany these cases. Treatment usually isn’t required (unless the deficiency is extreme) since folic acid levels normalise once the gastrointestinal disease has been controlled. In addition to the aforementioned, an unusual hereditary condition causing vitamin B12 deficiency exists in Schnauzers, Australian Shepherds, Border Collies, Beagles and Shar Peis. Symptoms include diarrhoea, lethargy, anaemia, heart disease and mucosal lesions in the oral cavity.