Probiotics
Probiotics refers to good bacteria. You may recognize the name of a commonly used by humans type called Lactobacillus acidophilus. People with Irritable Bowel Syndrome and other gastrointestinal disorders are being helped by products like Activia, kefir, and other cultured yogurts because they help replenish the gut with good flora which is missing due to meal after meal of processed foods. Our pets need restoration of healthy intestinal flora as well. The commercial preparations may be provided as loose powders, microencapsulated gels or enteric-coated capsules. We prescribe these to prevent and to treat diarrhea. Good gut health is your first and most important immune defense mechanism. So, a pet with allergic dermatitis or asthma may improve with the addition of probiotics to the diet. Good bacteria are present in raw foods. They are killed by heat processing. Therefore, probiotics should be added intermittently to all processed food diets. Some excellent varieties of bacteria exist on the market for pets. Some have proven to be beneficial to dogs and cats with kidney disease. We can guide you as to the best probiotic for your pet household situation.
