Hills Veterinary Formula Unlocking the Potential for Canine Health
Unlocking the potential of probiotics for canine and feline well-being
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The realm of veterinary science has begun to uncover the potential benefits of probiotics for dogs and cats, shedding light on their diverse applications beyond aiding digestion. In this article, we delve into the evolving understanding of probiotics, examining the various forms they take and elucidating why these supplements are increasingly recommended for our canine and feline companions.
Understanding Probiotics
Probiotics, defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) as live microorganisms conferring health benefits, have garnered attention in veterinary science. Dr. Teresa Manucy, a distinguished veterinarian, in her article, Probiotics for Dogs: Do They Work?, emphasizes the potential benefits of probiotics for dogs, citing studies indicating efficacy in digestion, immune modulation, and production of short-chain fatty acids that combat harmful bacteria.
Diversity in Probiotic Forms
Probiotics for dogs are available in different forms, including incorporation into dog food itself. Brands such as Purina Pro Plan Complete Essentials and Blue Buffalo True Solutions Blissful Belly integrate probiotics into their formulations. However, standalone supplements in the form of powders, capsules, or chews offer a more targeted approach, delivering higher quantities of beneficial microorganisms.
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It is crucial to note that not all probiotics are equal, with specific strains, such as Enterococcus faecium, Bacillus coagulans, Bifidobacterium animalis, Bifidobacterium longum, Lactobacillus acidophilus, and Lactobacillus rhamnosus, demonstrating positive effects on dogs, says Manucy.
Jan Suchodolski, DrMedVet, PhD, AGAF, DACVM (Immunology), in his article, Probiotics, Prebiotics, Synbiotics, and Intestinal Health of Dogs and Cats, underscores the strain-specific nature of probiotics, emphasizing the importance of understanding the mechanisms and strains when selecting probiotic products.
Benefits of Probiotics for Dogs
Research suggests, as Manucy cited, that certain probiotic strains offer targeted benefits to dogs, including managing yeast infections, supporting the immune system, preventing anxiety, and providing relief from various digestive issues. Suchodolski supports this, noting that the health effects of probiotics are strain-specific and may include immunomodulatory actions, enhancement of intestinal mucosal barrier function, and reduction of growth of enteropathogens.
Probiotics for Special Circumstances
Manucy discusses how probiotics can be particularly beneficial in addressing dog diarrhea triggered by stress, dietary changes, or bacterial imbalances from prolonged antibiotic use. Puppies can benefit from probiotics to establish a healthy balance of intestinal bacteria early on, reducing the risk of digestive issues, she adds.
Compatibility with Human Probiotics
The question of whether dogs can consume human probiotics is addressed in both articles. While it is generally safe for dogs to take human probiotics, it is emphasized that species-specific supplements are designed to cater to the unique gut microbiome of dogs, ensuring optimal benefits, according to both authors.
Yogurt and Other Probiotic Foods
The inclusion of probiotic-rich human foods like yogurt, kefir, and fermented vegetables in a dogs diet is discussed. However, Manucy and Suchodolski both claim that caution is advised due to potential health problems arising from introducing new foods. Both articles recommend limiting the quantity of probiotic-rich foods, providing specific guidelines based on the dogs size.
Potential Side Effects and Safety Measures
Acknowledging that some dogs may experience side effects like digestive discomfort, diarrhea, bloating, gas, or constipation when starting probiotics, caution is advised. Monitoring changes in appetite and promptly consulting a veterinarian if adverse reactions occur is crucial, says Manucy. Suchodolski supports this caution, advising that probiotics and prebiotics should be used with care in immunocompromised patients.
Probiotics, Prebiotics, and Synbiotics
Expanding the discussion, Suchodolski introduces the concepts of prebiotics and synbiotics. Prebiotics are nondigestible food ingredients that support the growth of beneficial bacteria already present in the colon. Synbiotics combine both probiotics and prebiotics, potentially enhancing their collective benefits.
Considerations for Use and Quality Concerns
Both articles provide practical considerations for using probiotics, such as the timing of administration for specific goals, like preventing stress-related diarrhea or antibiotic-associated gastrointestinal signs. Suchodolski also highlights the importance of product quality, cautioning that many commercially available probiotics lack proper quality standards, and recommends formulations from reputable manufacturers with demonstrated clinical benefits.
As our understanding of probiotics for dogs and cats evolves, these microorganisms stand out as potential allies in maintaining gastrointestinal health and overall well-being. While the research is ongoing, the evidence suggests that, under certain circumstances, probiotics can play a crucial role in addressing digestive issues, immune modulation, and stress management in our beloved pets. Its essential for pet owners to stay informed, consult veterinarians, and choose high-quality products to ensure the optimal health of their furry companions.
About the Author: Mariana Burgos is a freelance artist, writer, and tutor. She has been a solo parent for 17 years now because she is wife to a desaparecido. She and her daughter are animal lovers and are active in advocating not only human rights but the rights of animals as well.
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Dr. Jones' Ultimate Canine Health Formula (Original Formula)
Dr. Jones' Ultimate Canine Original Formula is a Complete, All-Natural Nutritional Health Supplement for dogs.
Ready to order? Choose jar size/flavor: 30 Day Supply (Chicken Flavor), NEW! 30 Day Supply (Salmon Flavor), Economy Size/90 Day Supply (Chicken Flavor), or Economy Size/90 Day Supply (Salmon Flavor)..
The supplement is in powder format, that you can mix with your dog's food or with a treat. Ultimate Canine is Non-GMO and gluten free, and contains no wheat, corn, soy, or any artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.
Not sure which version of Ultimate Canine (Original, Advanced or Advanced Plus) to order?
If your dog is older (7+), or has more serious/chronic health issues such as allergies or arthritis, consider Ultimate Canine Advanced. And if your dog has existing heart issues or if you are concerned about the increasing incidence of DCM (Dilated Cardiomyopathy) in dogs, then choose Ultimate Canine Advanced Plus.
But if your dog is younger, has milder health issues, and you are looking for long term preventive care, choose Ultimate Canine Original formula - just click the jar size you'd like below.
Dr. Jones' Ultimate Canine is a Complete, All-Natural Nutritional Health Supplement designed to support the overall well-being of dogs. Dr. Jones' Ultimate Canine is crafted to assist your dog in various aspects of health, ensuring they live a happier, more active life. Here's how Ultimate Canine can benefit your furry friend:
- Supports mobility and ease of movement
- Enhances agility and fluidity in actions
- Promotes healthy skin and reduces the urge for constant scratching and chewing
- Encourages healthy ear environments
- Supports digestive health and comfort
- Contributes to a balanced gastrointestinal system
- Supports urinary tract health
- Boosts vitality and energy levels
- Assists in mobility, making it easier for climbing stairs or hopping into the car
- Supports a robust immune system
- Aids in maintaining clear eyes
- Helps in keeping your dogs skin and ears odor-free
- Enhances the quality and sheen of your dogs coat
- Promotes joint comfort and ease
- Supports efficient digestion
For more detailed information on the ingredients and the potential benefits for your dog, choose the jar size you would like below, then click the Ingredients & Benefits tab.
Ultimate Canine comes with a serving scoop. Recommended dosages:
- Up to 10lbs: 0.5 servings / day
- 10-50lbs, 1 serving / day
- 50-100lbs, 1.5 servings/day
- over 100lbs, 2 servings/day.
Select jar size / flavor to order now:
ULTIMATE REWARDS PROGRAM
Buy 10 jars of Ultimate Canine and get 1 FREE!
Starting with your first order, we'll automatically add you to our Ultimate Rewards Program. Whether you are on an auto-ship program or not, we'll keep track of your orders and send updates, and on your 10th order, we'll AUTOMATICALLY ship you a FREE jar! (Free jar will be included with your shipment when you reach your 10th jar). See more about it here.
Click a jar size above to order now.
Dr. Jones' Ultimate Canine Advanced Health Formula (30 Day Supply)
Dr. Jones' Ultimate Canine Advanced Formula: Complete, All-Natural Nutritional Health Supplement for dogs.
Ultimate Canine Advanced is a holistic choice for your pet's wellness, being Non-GMO, gluten-free, and devoid of wheat, corn, soy, as well as any artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. (Ultimate Canine Advanced with Taurine has evolved to Advanced Plus, please go here for Advanced Plus.) Dr. Jones' Ultimate Canine Advanced is crafted to nurture your dog's well-being in numerous ways. Ultimate Canine Advanced is designed to:
- Promote balanced inflammatory responses with 95% curcuminoids.
- Support healthy skin with additional Omega 3 fatty acids.
- Encourage a vibrant coat and skin, minimizing itching and scratching.
- Foster optimal paw health and reduce hair loss.
- Contribute to ear health.
- Bolster and maintain gastrointestinal health with added probiotics.
- Support digestive wellness, easing episodes of discomfort.
- Strengthen the immune system with increased colostrum.
- Enhance joint mobility and comfort.
- Promote graceful and fluid movements.
- Support brain health with enhanced probiotic levels and added taurine.
- Bolster vitality, especially if your pet is less active or sleeps more.
- Enhance skin resilience against sensitivities with curcumin, EFAs, and probiotics.
- Support robust immune defenses.
- Offer protection against harmful bacteria.
- Assist in reducing strong odors from skin or ears.
- Enhance the texture and appearance of your dog's coat.
- Ease joint sensitivity, ensuring comfort during touch.
- Support efficient digestion.
- Maintain balanced mental well-being with probiotic support.
- Assist in ease of movement, particularly in climbing stairs or jumping into the car.
For more detailed information on the ingredients and the potential benefits for your dog, click the Ingredients & Benefits tab.
Looking to save money? Order on our Auto-ship plan (on a 1, 2 or 3 month or 6 weeks schedule and save 10%) - choose your plan term under 'Subscription type'.
Dr. Jones' Ultimate Canine Advanced Health Formula is a powder, and the 30 Day supply jar contains one month's supply for dogs up to 50 lb in size (30 servings). For larger dogs, the recommended dosage is: 50-100lbs, 1.5 servings/day; over 100lbs, 2 servings/day.
ULTIMATE REWARDS PROGRAM
Buy 10 jars of Ultimate Canine Advanced and get 1 FREE!
Starting with your first order, we'll automatically add you to our Ultimate Rewards Program. Whether you are on an auto-ship program or not, we'll keep track of your orders and send updates, and on your 10th order, we'll AUTOMATICALLY ship you a FREE jar! (Free jar will be included with your shipment when you reach your 10th jar). See more about it here.
DH Dental Health Dry Canine Formula
Chicken, chicken meal, brewers rice, ground yellow corn, ground wheat, corn gluten meal, animal fat preserved with mixed-tocopherols, dried beet pulp, brewers dried yeast, powdered cellulose, dried egg product, animal liver flavour, glycerin, salt, potassium chloride, calcium carbonate, phosphoric acid, tetra sodium pyrophosphate, mono and dicalcium phosphate, Vitamin E supplement, L-Lysine monohydrochloride, choline chloride, L-ascorbyl-2-polyphosphate (Vitamin C), zinc sulfate, ferrous sulfate, manganese sulfate, niacin (Vitamin B-3), potassium sorbate (a preservative), Vitamin A supplement, calcium pantothenate (Vitamin B-5), thiamine mononitrate (Vitamin B-1), copper sulfate, Vitamin B-12 supplement, riboflavin supplement (Vitamin B-2), pyridoxine hydrochloride (Vitamin B-6), garlic oil, folic acid (Vitamin B-9), menadione sodium bisulfite complex (Vitamin K), calcium iodate, Vitamin D-3 supplement, biotin (Vitamin B-7), sodium selenite. C-2621
