I cannot recall the number of times I personally needed to stay close to a toilet. These bathroom visits usually resolved in a few days. Was it a flu virus or bacteria like Salmonella – a common bug in contaminated food? Not sure – but I never ate at that restaurant again. In dogs, getting into the garbage or some other offensive stuff is often blamed for sudden outbreaks of diarrhea. Less recognized is the stress response. Stress, especially following travel, boarding, or other changes in the environment, is a major player. Remove these stressors and things will soon get back to normal. It’s the dogs that continue to have abnormal stools, and then adding other gastrointestinal complaints like poor appetite and vomiting, that worry me. For sure it’s time to call the doctor.
Here’s the scoop on canned pumpkin. This grocery store remedy is a fiber rich food which adds bulk to your dog’s stool by absorbing water. It’s recommended use ranges from 1-4 tablespoons (TBS) per meal. Think of it as a sliding scale. For small dogs start in the low range. Mid-size dogs 2-3 TBS. Larger dogs 3-4 TBS. As a bonus, fiber also acts as a prebiotic. Prebiotics are different from probiotics. Prebiotics are a select group of carbohydrates found in certain foods – the main food source that good bacteria feed on. These carbohydrates improve digestion by feeding good gut bacteria. Probiotics are living bacteria that add to the population of beneficial bacteria – the good guys. All the while restricting the growth of harmful bacteria – the bad guys. Think about these wonderful attributes the next time you carve a pumpkin. Happy Halloween.
In recent years, there’s been a lot of talk about probiotics, and for good reason. Multiple strains of bacteria live in the gut, which are needed for digestion and absorption of nutrients. Good strains work to maintain intestinal integrity, keeping the bad strains in check. This balance is essential for good health. Any long-term imbalance can create chronic diseases like Inflammatory bowel disease (IBS). Not all probiotics in the marketplace are equally effective. In the medical community, the science points to the high potency 8 strain probiotic blend Visbiome. This probiotic blend supports the protective layers of the bowel and maintains proper gut flora. And yes, our domestic dogs can share the same gut misery. Hello Visbiomevet. This blend follows the growing trend to offer holistic help to our furry companions.
Generally speaking, probiotics are useful anytime the gut flora is under attack. For example, taking antibiotics can kill the bad bacteria as well as good ones. Other medications taken for illness can also endanger healthy strains. Safe and effective probiotics can make all the difference.
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I'm confident that I've packed these pages with knowledge that will positively impact your pet's life. Learn how to reduce costs for veterinary care - keeping your pet healthy and living longer. That is my why.
