Good Probiotic?

[diggy4]

Probios

Probios Digestive Dog Tabs - Health Care - PetSmart


Just wondering if this is a good one or not.

[yorkiekist]

I have used Probios on my goats and I assume it is ok for dogs also. Benebac is for dogs and is similar to probios. also yorgurt works.

[CupofDog]

I prefer a human grade one from Solgar. Its sold at Whole Foods and GNC. It really is amazing.

However, the absolute best one for dogs, hands down, is Pet Flora. It stops diarhhea, gets my dogs through stress, stops gas, stops yeast. Its a miracle. My Cavalier King Charles had diarrhea from the moment I got him for FIVE MONTHS STRAIGHT before I found Pet Flora. The moment I gave it to him - Five months of diarrhea stopped. One day later he had his first solid stool. I swear by this. I use the solgar daily and Pet Flora 1X a week b/c its pricey. If one of my poochies is a little sick, I do Pet Flora up to 2X daily instead of the Solgar. Once the symptoms resolve, I switch back to my other routine. Before and after Ella Bean's spay, I used it and she had zero tummy upset and had perfect solid stools after surgery. You can get it here:
Pet Health Care - Natural Remedies For Your Cats & Dogs

Its soooooooo much better then the one at Petsmart you are looking at. At least use a human grade one instead of that. Good luck!

[diggy4]

Originally Posted by CupofDog

I prefer a human grade one from Solgar. Its sold at Whole Foods and GNC. It really is amazing.

However, the absolute best one for dogs, hands down, is Pet Flora. It stops diarhhea, gets my dogs through stress, stops gas, stops yeast. Its a miracle. My Cavalier King Charles had diarrhea from the moment I got him for FIVE MONTHS STRAIGHT before I found Pet Flora. The moment I gave it to him - Five months of diarrhea stopped. One day later he had his first solid stool. I swear by this. I use the solgar daily and Pet Flora 1X a week b/c its pricey. If one of my poochies is a little sick, I do Pet Flora up to 2X daily instead of the Solgar. Once the symptoms resolve, I switch back to my other routine. Before and after Ella Bean's spay, I used it and she had zero tummy upset and had perfect solid stools after surgery. You can get it here:
Pet Health Care - Natural Remedies For Your Cats & Dogs

Its soooooooo much better then the one at Petsmart you are looking at. At least use a human grade one instead of that. Good luck!

I need a daily one, are both of these ok for that? Mine have gotten clostridium 2 times in 3 months. I think they need a lil daily boost to help them fight that off and keep good bacteria ahead of the bad. I know for sure how they got the second bout (steroids for allergic reaction) but the first is still a mystery. SO to avoid this and after MUCH help from YT'ers and my vet, I wold like a QUALITY probiotic for daily maintainence. I do have a GNC here locally so I could get one over the internet too. Which is best for daily maintainence? or even every other day which ever is best.

[CupofDog]

You are absolutely RIGHT on that they need a probiotic.

Since they have had clostridium twice, I would do the Pet Flora. Its a daily probiotic, I just switch between the two 'cause the Solgar is a little less expensive. I use that as my daily since my babies are stable, but always keep Pet Flora on hand.

That said, I used Pet Flora every day for a long time to heal my baby boy's intestines and gut after months of diarrhea & antibiotics. It is hands down the best for dogs. It is made using Soil Based Organisms which are the most natural for our dogs. These SBO's mimic the probiotics doggies would get if they were eating meat off the ground (like wolves and coyotes, who have the exact same digestive system as our little Yorkies, believe it or not!)

I would order a big bottle of Pet Flora and do it daily for 2-3 months. You'll be able to see the difference right away. Once they stabilize, you can switch to Solgar if you want. I know some pet owners who use Pet Flora every day and have done so for years. It has just gotten pricey to do that and the raw feeding and the holistic vet, LOL!!! I would go to the ends of the earth for my babies (and sometimes, do, my vet is an hour and a half away and I live in Miami, so he isn't my only choice, he is the first one I like!!)

I would also recommend you give them an enzyme supplement like ProZyme which aids absorbtion of nutrients among other benefits. Adding a dash to each meal will enhance the benefit of the probiotic, will help them get all they can out of their meals and sooth their intestines and stomach. It sounds like they could use both of these to get back on track.

I really would get the Pet Flora in your situation. Your babies have been on antibiotics and steroids which really jar the digestive system. Its still a heck of a lot cheaper then the antibiotic / steroid/ vet regimen you have had to have them on!!!

May I ask what you are feeding as well? Some issues may be in part your dog food...

[diggy4]

I did have them on Merrick Pot Pie. I now have went with a more bland less ingredient Natures Variety which open the door to the raw if I choose to go that way. They have been on canned I/d for the last 3-4 days and now I am switching them over with some Natures Variety kibble and less and less I/d everyday. I have enzymes coming from a friend on here that doesnt use them so she offered to send them. (thanks friend ) and will def. go with Pet Flora for daily treatment. It doesnt bother me the cost being everytime they get this Clostridium or anything else for that matter its ran me from 500 a visit to 1,500 for hospitilization (Bella in March ) So honestly paying a lil more is no issue I am willing to do ANYTHING it takes at this point. I am so stressed and uptight I know they can sense it and its not good for them. Hopefully this new diet, pet flora, and enzymes will give me a lil peace of mind so I can just calm down and breath a lil. I know the stress isnt good for them or me and i really am tyring my hardest to get over this.

Another ? They didnt get clostridium that bad being I caught on to it fast. Bella never even vomitted or got loose stool and Diggy got loose once and vomitted once only. I had him back to normal solid stool in 24 hours. Now they started antibiotics on Sunday Clavamoz every 12 hours for 7 days. Would you say finish the antibiotics? I give them Activia yogurt as a treat (just a lick or 2) and they started probiotics yesterday. I know the antibiotics are killing off the good and bad bacteria so so you think the yogurt and probiotics are more effective than the antibiotics?

[diggy4]

Oh the natures variety formula is the lamb and oatmeal blend

[Yorkieluv]

Originally Posted by diggy4

I did have them on Merrick Pot Pie. I now have went with a more bland less ingredient Natures Variety which open the door to the raw if I choose to go that way. They have been on canned I/d for the last 3-4 days and now I am switching them over with some Natures Variety kibble and less and less I/d everyday. I have enzymes coming from a friend on here that doesnt use them so she offered to send them. (thanks friend ) and will def. go with Pet Flora for daily treatment. It doesnt bother me the cost being everytime they get this Clostridium or anything else for that matter its ran me from 500 a visit to 1,500 for hospitilization (Bella in March ) So honestly paying a lil more is no issue I am willing to do ANYTHING it takes at this point. I am so stressed and uptight I know they can sense it and its not good for them. Hopefully this new diet, pet flora, and enzymes will give me a lil peace of mind so I can just calm down and breath a lil. I know the stress isnt good for them or me and i really am tyring my hardest to get over this.

Another ? They didnt get clostridium that bad being I caught on to it fast. Bella never even vomitted or got loose stool and Diggy got loose once and vomitted once only. I had him back to normal solid stool in 24 hours. Now they started antibiotics on Sunday Clavamoz every 12 hours for 7 days. Would you say finish the antibiotics? I give them Activia yogurt as a treat (just a lick or 2) and they started probiotics yesterday. I know the antibiotics are killing off the good and bad bacteria so so you think the yogurt and probiotics are more effective than the antibiotics?

I would say yes to finishing the antibiotics. Definitely. When antibiotics are not taken properly and not finished, it allows for the bacteria to become more resistant to the treatment making these antibiotics less effective in the future. This is not a good thing...Here's a link: First Health: Consumers: Antibiotics Resistance
Remember to give the probiotics and the antibiotics at least 4 hours apart. Probiotics should probably be given about an hour before eating...

[diggy4]

Originally Posted by Yorkieluv

I would say yes to finishing the antibiotics. Definitely. When antibiotics are not taken properly and not finished, it allows for the bacteria to become more resistant to the treatment making these antibiotics less effective in the future. This is not a good thing...Here's a link: First Health: Consumers: Antibiotics Resistance
Remember to give the probiotics and the antibiotics at least 4 hours apart. Probiotics should probably be given about an hour before eating...

Okay so Ill go home and feed now and give antibiotics...then tonight around 5 give probiotics Got it!! I think I am SLOWLY getting the hang of this....So the only thing I have left to do is find a quality probiotic and learn a little about enzymes and I should be all set! Lots have been telling me about pet flora but i cannot find a complete list of ingredients online they just say "many" probiotic and a prebiotic I want to make sure it has the ones u listed in them also

[CupofDog]

Sounds like you are on the right track!! Do the enzymes and Pet Flora, thats a great start. As far as diet, get them off the I/d as fast as possible. Science Diet is just chock full of toxins and I have seen the worst tummy/ skin/ allergy issues from that stuff.

I would start switching over to the N/V raw as soon as you are comfortable. Don't give the kibble and raw in the same meal-it can cause tummy upset b/c they digest at different speeds. Raw digests in a manner more in tune with the digestive systems structure, so its esp. great when you have dogs struggling with digestive issues. I also recommend you look into Primal Brand raw meat, because their protein sources are hormone and antibiotic free and sometimes dogs that have digestive issues are even more sensitive too whatever their feed has been exposed to, even on a cellular level...Primal also uses only organic fruits and vegetables, also better for the dogs. I love the Primal Pheasant formula, esp. for sensitive tummies. Thats what my puppers eat!! If only we ate so well, right?? haha

Finish the antibiotics! I am not a big proponent of antibiotics, but if your vet thought you needed them, finish the prescription as you don't want a superinfection.

Yogurt is fine, you can also use plain Kefir. I do that too, as snacks. Make sure its 'plain' as flavored can upset tummies!

You are fine to give probiotics as well as antibiotics, just don't give them within 6 hours of one another. So, you can give a "lunch" while you are finishing the antibiotic b/c that should be given on a full tummy with breakfast and dinner. Mix the Pet Flora capsule contents either with plain yogurt or some organic plain peanut butter (or whatever else they like) for lunch. You just open the capsule and sprinkle the contents on whatever goody you want. It will build good bacteria even while they are on the antibiotic. They only have a few more days of antibiotic anyway...I never would stop in the middle of antibiotic therapy unless a culture proved there was no infection in the first place...even then, its better to finish what you start most times.

I like to mix my Pet Flora either with N/V Instinct wet food or a canned tripe formula like Solid Gold Green Cow or Tripett. Tripett is better...No dog can resist tripe and tripe is another great food that balances the digestive system, soothes tummies, enhances skin/ coat/ brain/ eye health and is an all around great feeding supplement. Just be prepared - it stinks!!

Tripett

If you buy a case of the original formula, you will not be sorry and the case is much, much more cost effective. I wrote an article about tripe on my website you might be interested in:
Shiny Happy Coats, Eyes, & Tummies Too! | CupOFdog | Dog Site for Dog People

This article is about Enzymes & raw feeding: The Poop Chronicles Vol. VI - Enzymes, Raw Feeding and Supplements | CupOFdog | Dog Site for Dog People

This article is about Pet Flora:
PetFlora, Holistic Digestion Aid | CupOFdog | Dog Site for Dog People

I would never recommend anything I wouldn't feed my own babies!!

Please keep in touch and let me know how your fur kids are!!!

~Hilary

[CupofDog]

Originally Posted by diggy4

Okay so Ill go home and feed now and give antibiotics...then tonight around 5 give probiotics Got it!! I think I am SLOWLY getting the hang of this....So the only thing I have left to do is find a quality probiotic and learn a little about enzymes and I should be all set! Lots have been telling me about pet flora but i cannot find a complete list of ingredients online they just say "many" probiotic and a prebiotic I want to make sure it has the ones u listed in them also

OOOooo!!! I have my Pet Flora bottle! I can type the ingredients from the bottle for you! I love helping puppy lovers!
This is exactly what it says:

Ingredients: Each 250 mg capsule contains a proprietary blend of soil based organisms (micro flora) and leonardite (a stabilizer and detoxifier.)

The various (30) beneficial micro flora in Pet Flora include the following strains: acinetobacter, arthrobacter, azospirillium, azospirillium, azobacter, bacteroides, brevibacterium, kurtha, myrothecium, streptomyces.

I hope that helps. I can assure you even if this doesn't include the specific ingredients you were looking for, this stuff is the BEST. I tried sooo many before I found this one.

[Wylie's Mom]

Originally Posted by Yorkieluv

I would say yes to finishing the antibiotics. Definitely. When antibiotics are not taken properly and not finished, it allows for the bacteria to become more resistant to the treatment making these antibiotics less effective in the future.

YES - ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS finish antibiotics. Not finishing is what creates superbugs (antibiotic resistant bugs/germs). Same goes for humans - WE create antibiotic resistant strains by NOT finishing our antibiotics.

Paula - the ProZyme is what I'm sending you. We never used it, so it's yours.

[CupofDog]

Originally Posted by Wylie's Mom

YES - ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS finish antibiotics. Not finishing is what creates superbugs (antibiotic resistant bugs/germs). Same goes for humans - WE create antibiotic resistant strains by NOT finishing our antibiotics.

Paula - the ProZyme is what I'm sending you. We never used it, so it's yours.

Paula - the ProZyme is what I use, its great!!

[diggy4]

Originally Posted by Wylie's Mom

YES - ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS finish antibiotics. Not finishing is what creates superbugs (antibiotic resistant bugs/germs). Same goes for humans - WE create antibiotic resistant strains by NOT finishing our antibiotics.

Paula - the ProZyme is what I'm sending you. We never used it, so it's yours.

YAY thanks sooooo MUCH!!! Im so excited to get these babies going on some good stuff!!!! I want nothing more than for this to all be over and them be healthy and happy

[Yorkieluv]

You can always email the company to get a full list of the ingredients if you want