There has been a notable increase in the number of people interested in probiotic products for their pets. Do our pets need them? Veterinarian, Reshika Fonseka explains.
Probiotics are beneficial microorganisms that live in the gut and help to absorb nutrients from the food eaten and act to support gut immunity. They are important for normal gut function and act to balance out any bad bacteria. There is a fine balance of good vs bad microbes in the gut, this is disrupted when animals are under stress, when their diet is changed suddenly or if they have been on a long course of antibiotics – this presents as diarrhoea. Prebiotics are what the probiotic organisms use for nutrition and help them grow.
There are many probiotic brands out there for cats and dogs but there have been differing conclusions from recent scientific studies as to if they are 100% useful in gastrointestinal or allergic disease. Often there are inconsistent effects, as animals respond to different strains of the bacteria. It has been noted that probiotics do however help return faeces to a normal consistency quicker when pets have diarrhoea, they are also a good tool to use if your pet has irritable bowel disease (IBD). Unfortunately, there is no proven evidence that they help in animals with all allergic diseases but have been reported to reduce skin inflammation.
If you are thinking of getting some probiotics for your pet it is important to give an appropriate dose for their weight. Overdoing it can lead to constipation, bloat and flatulence. They will be most helpful if your pet has unexplainable diarrhoea, IBD or has been on a prolonged course of antibiotics for a different condition.
So, what naturally occurring product can help these itchy dogs? Unsaturated fatty acids have been proven to help aid the immune system, repair defects in the skin barrier to reduce severity of itchy, decrease pain associated with inflammation and to help kidney function! These fatty acids are most rich in marine algae and fish oils – such as salmon oil. There are many products, both food additives and kibble itself that contain these wonderful fats.
Some products to consider:
- Hills gastrointestinal biome (Probiotics + prebiotics + omega 3 + fiber) for cats and dogs with sensitive stomachs
- Hills sensitive stomach + skin for cats and dogs
- Royal canin sensitivity control for cats
- Royal canin anallergenic for cats and dogs
- Royal canin hypoallergenic for dogs
- My Beau skin and Hair for dogs – Omega 3 + 6 +9, EPA and DHA
- Royal canin Hair and Skin for cats
- Pro-max probiotic supplement + fiber to help firm up loose stool
If you have any concerns about your pets health please give your veterinarian a call.
Written by Reshika Fonseka, Vet Services Hastings
06 876 7001
