You'll learn all there is to know about probiotics and pets. Find out if it's the best option for your pet.
Simply put, probiotics are live microorganisms, such as bacteria and yeasts, which can provide health benefits when administered in appropriate amounts.
Although veterinary studies are limited, in practice, these microorganisms have proven beneficial for some pets with acute or chronic diarrhea but may be useful in other diseases.
How Probiotics Work
The normal GI tract contains a balance of “good” and potentially “bad” bacteria, which help maintain a healthy gastrointestinal system. Stressful situations, such as boarding or traveling, abrupt diet changes, dietary indiscretion, antibiotics, parasites or other factors can deplete the balance of beneficial bacteria.
Probiotics can help restore the balance by boosting the amount of good bacteria and helping control the quantity of harmful bacteria.
Sometimes dogs and cats are given probiotics preemptively, such as before boarding or during a diet change, to help prevent a bacterial imbalance. Probiotics may also be recommended for dogs and cats with inflammatory bowel disease, food allergies or food reactions that may result in periodic bacterial imbalances.
All Probiotics Are Not the Same
That’s why it’s best to ask your veterinarian to recommend a probiotic she trusts. Most veterinary probiotics are backed by studies that prove they are effective and well tolerated in dogs and cats.
Not every pet needs probiotics, and for those who do, it may not be the only treatment your pet requires.
Now that you're much better informed about the effects of probiotics, you'll be able to decide if administering them to your pet is the right choice. Remember, just because it may seem like a good idea doesn't mean it'll solve the problem. Talk to your vet if your pet's symptoms don't go away!
For more information on probiotics, check out Care2.
