Does it seem that you spend an inordinate amount of time at the veterinarian’s office with your pet due to a host of seemingly minor health issues? Chances are your pet does not have enough beneficial bacteria in its body. Animals may develop diarrhea, digestion problems, skin issues and other chronic conditions when there is not enough “good” bacteria in their gut. However, supplementing their food with probiotics can help restore the beneficial bacteria.
Defining Probiotics
Probiotics are commonly called “good” bacteria. They help the digestive and intestinal tract maintain a delicate balance for optimal operation. Everyone including your pets has both good and bad bacteria in the body and taking probiotics can ensure optimal health in your pet in a variety of ways:
• Probiotics act as a natural antibiotic, fighting germs that can cause a variety of ailments.
• These good bacteria fuel the immune response and regulate hormone levels as needed.
• Probiotics help produce vital nutrients like folic acid, biotin for healthy skin and fur and even B vitamins in the body.
• More nutrients are absorbed in the body such as iron, minerals, vitamins and antioxidants from food, thanks to probiotics.
• These good bacteria can reduce inflammation in the intestinal tract thereby reducing food allergies and intolerances.
• Probiotics boost energy levels and keep yeast growth at healthy, tolerable levels.
Diarrhea and vomiting are two common pet conditions that are among the least tolerable of ailments for both you and your pet. Prescription medications, bad diet, antibiotics, stress and even environmental problems can kill the good intestinal bacteria that naturally live in the gut. Accidentally ingesting pesticides and other chemicals can also not only destroy the good bacteria but also inhibit normal function of other body organs. Adding probiotics to your pet’s diet can help counteract some of these problems.
While humans can take supplements and eat yogurt to replenish the good bacteria in the intestinal tract, pets are dependent on you to introduce it into their diet. You should introduce probiotics slowly so that your pet can acclimatize to it as some animals cannot tolerate an abrupt addition of good bacteria to their diet. Some examples of beneficial bacteria found through probiotics include acidophilus, bifidobacterium, lactobacillus and enterococcus. There is even a beneficial yeast in some probiotics called saccharomyces cerevisiae.
Most probiotics for pets can be found in supplement form that may or may not have to be refrigerated. A tablet can be mixed into your pet’s food and for the most part, it is easily swallowed and unnoticeable by your pet. Capsules can be hidden in food as well or broken apart and sprinkled on your pet’s food. Choosing the powder form of probiotics may be your best option as it will be the most beneficial and easiest to administer.
The health of most pets improves dramatically within just a few weeks of being on the probiotics. Even if your pet has no known health issues, you will note their renewed vigor, appetite, and better looking coat. Supplementing a well-balanced diet with a probiotic will boost your pet’s health. Your veterinarian should be able to suggest some probiotic options as well as your local pet or health food stores.
Defining Probiotics
Probiotics are commonly called “good” bacteria. They help the digestive and intestinal tract maintain a delicate balance for optimal operation. Everyone including your pets has both good and bad bacteria in the body and taking probiotics can ensure optimal health in your pet in a variety of ways:
• Probiotics act as a natural antibiotic, fighting germs that can cause a variety of ailments.
• These good bacteria fuel the immune response and regulate hormone levels as needed.
• Probiotics help produce vital nutrients like folic acid, biotin for healthy skin and fur and even B vitamins in the body.
• More nutrients are absorbed in the body such as iron, minerals, vitamins and antioxidants from food, thanks to probiotics.
• These good bacteria can reduce inflammation in the intestinal tract thereby reducing food allergies and intolerances.
• Probiotics boost energy levels and keep yeast growth at healthy, tolerable levels.
Diarrhea and vomiting are two common pet conditions that are among the least tolerable of ailments for both you and your pet. Prescription medications, bad diet, antibiotics, stress and even environmental problems can kill the good intestinal bacteria that naturally live in the gut. Accidentally ingesting pesticides and other chemicals can also not only destroy the good bacteria but also inhibit normal function of other body organs. Adding probiotics to your pet’s diet can help counteract some of these problems.
While humans can take supplements and eat yogurt to replenish the good bacteria in the intestinal tract, pets are dependent on you to introduce it into their diet. You should introduce probiotics slowly so that your pet can acclimatize to it as some animals cannot tolerate an abrupt addition of good bacteria to their diet. Some examples of beneficial bacteria found through probiotics include acidophilus, bifidobacterium, lactobacillus and enterococcus. There is even a beneficial yeast in some probiotics called saccharomyces cerevisiae.
Most probiotics for pets can be found in supplement form that may or may not have to be refrigerated. A tablet can be mixed into your pet’s food and for the most part, it is easily swallowed and unnoticeable by your pet. Capsules can be hidden in food as well or broken apart and sprinkled on your pet’s food. Choosing the powder form of probiotics may be your best option as it will be the most beneficial and easiest to administer.
The health of most pets improves dramatically within just a few weeks of being on the probiotics. Even if your pet has no known health issues, you will note their renewed vigor, appetite, and better looking coat. Supplementing a well-balanced diet with a probiotic will boost your pet’s health. Your veterinarian should be able to suggest some probiotic options as well as your local pet or health food stores.