Bacteria is often associated with disease. However, pets’ bodies are full of bacteria, both good and bad; probiotics are live, friendly types of bacteria that help maintain an optimum environment inside your pet’s intestines. All dogs and cats have bacteria in their gut that start to grow there from infancy; these ‘friendly’ bacteria live harmlessly inside of the stomach and intestines and their presence can help avoid ‘bad’ bacteria overpopulating and therefore making your pet unwell.
A number of factors can compromise your pet’s digestive balance, including:
- Some antibiotic therapies
- Infection/allergies or intolerances to certain foods
- Stress
- Scavenging inappropriate foods
- A period of unhealthy nutrition, sometimes seen in cases of neglect or in very underweight animals.
Digestive supplements can be used as part of your pet’s normal feeding routine, but can also be useful in re-stabilising the bacterial balance in their gut during and after cases of digestive tract upsets including acute diarrhoea, stomach upsets and scavenging. Don’t forget, supplements are not medicines and are no substitute for veterinary attention when your pet is unwell.
Our articles are not a replacement for face-to-face vet advice. It’s important to consult with your vet on a regular basis to raise any pet concerns that you may have.
