We have all seen the commercials claiming that a yogurt a day can help to keep us regular and help with digestion, but do probiotics have the same benefits for our pets?

The term probiotic refers to the beneficial bacteria which reside in the gastrointestinal system. They can aid in the digestion of food and help to fight off pathogens. They are a great nutritional tool to aid in the health of your pet.

The friendly bacteria have a few important roles in your pet’s body:

  • Ease digestion
  • Produce vitamins, including B vitamins and vitamin KReduce gut pH
  • Produce serotonin and influence mood
  • Support the immune system
  • Produce enzymes
  • Promote the health of your pet’s gut
  • Produce fatty acids that inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria

Vomiting and diarrhea can greatly throw the body off balance and destroy beneficial microbes and bacteria. Both prebiotics and probiotics can be helpful in these situations.

Prebiotics are intended to nourish and support the bacteria already residing in the gastrointestinal tract. Probiotics are active cultures which help to promote a balanced environment.

These products normally contain one or more of the following active ingredients:

  • Lactobacillus acidophilus
  • Enterococcus faecium
  • Bifidobacterium lactis
  • Lactobacillus casei
  • Bifidobacterium breve

One of the important things to keep in mind when choosing a probiotic is making sure to choose a reliable source. Probiotics are fragile and can be affected by temperature and humidity. For this reason, purchasing from your veterinarian or a reliable third party would be recommended.

Probiotics are most often prescribed for maintaining a “desirable intestinal microbial balance,” according to the Merck Veterinary Manual. When an animal is stressed or sick, the balance between the healthy and disease-causing microbes may be disrupted.

It is a good idea to give your pet probiotics during times of stress or boarding when they are more prone to diarrhea symptoms. Pets suffering from allergies can benefit from probiotics as well.

Probiotics can be very useful as a compliment to medical therapy, but sometimes they can be effective enough on their own to help with mild cases of gastrointestinal upset.

One of the most common probiotics available on the market is Purina Pro Plan FortiFlora. They also carry a combination formula called Purina Pro Plan Calming Care which helps with stress through the addition of calming compounds and gastrointestinal concerns.

Another good example of products that can help with balance is a medication called Glandex. This nutraceutical supports anal gland health as well as healthy digestion. It works by supporting firmer, bulkier stool to help naturally empty the anal glands. Glandex also promotes bowel motility and a healthy gut biome.

Probiotics, prebiotics, and other supplements can be very beneficial in restoring order and balance for your pet. If you need advice or recommendations about probiotics or prebiotics for your pet, contact your veterinarian or call Vetsavers Pet Hospital at 972-939-0900. We are open seven days a week and your pet’s first exam and consultation with one of our veterinarians are fee.