probiotics?

[alexis]

As I've probably made overly clear on this board, Zane has a sensitive stomach. It's occurred to me that probiotics might help. I know some of you feed your dogs yogurt, does anyone give their dogs a stronger probiotic supplement? If so, do you have a type you recommend or things to avoid? Or should I just give the yogurt a try (I'm skeptical of Zane's ability to digest dairy, though maybe yogurt won't be as unfortunate as cheese)?

[felixone123]

my vet carries probiotics (expensive), but I do believe you can give them the human ones. I know someone on here will know, or you can do a google search for the correct amount. They are really good for the digestive system, which keeps everything else in balance. You won't get enough live cultures from feeding yogurt and I'm not a believer in giving my dogs dairy.

They could only help Zane.

[alspyce]

I do homemade Yogurt for my dogs, but also use a product called PB 8, for when I get short on time and don't have enough made. I don't use store bought yogurt---most of the cultures aren't live/active in it.
The sugars (lactose) in the milk is what bothers most folks, and that's what the yogurt cultures feed on while it incubates, so the lactose intolerant issue isn't usually a problem.

[felixone123]

I do homemade Yogurt for my dogs, but also use a product called PB 8, for when I get short on time and don't have enough made. I don't use store bought yogurt---most of the cultures aren't live/active in it.
The sugars (lactose) in the milk is what bothers most folks, and that's what the yogurt cultures feed on while it incubates, so the lactose intolerant issue isn't usually a problem.

I knew you would know!! How do you know so much about natural remedies/holistic treatments for dogs/humans?

[Christie M]

I have had very good luck with the "Probios" brand. You can by a big tube at farm supply stores for horses and it is the same thing.

Another thought - has Zane ever had his pancreatic enzymes checked? Its not an uncommon problem and often presents as just an upset stomach or loose stools.

[alexis]

Thanks all, these are great suggestions!

And no, Christie, not that I know of (we've only had Zane about 8 months, and don't have any medical records prior to his showing up at the rescue org). I'll ask the vet about checking them at his next visit. We have to be very careful about his diet or he gets loose stools, so it would be nice to find a real solution that would let him have a wider variety of foods!

[k9katet]

We order our supplements from b-naturals.com.

[alexis]

Our probios just came in a couple days ago and I started Zane on it, so will let you all know if it makes a noticeable difference!

[alspyce]

You might also want to think about some digestive enzymes, and as Christy suggested, have him checked for pancreatitis.

[alexis]

yes, that's on the list for his next vet visit! so far so good on the probiotics, but no big changes yet.

[alexis]

guys, it is miraculous! I'm giving him less than the dose recommended on the bottle (a probios tablet every couple of days rather than 3 per day), and his pooping is so much better. The probiotics did seem to upset his stomach a little at first, but now they're working!

[felixone123]

yay!!! this is good news!!

[CaroleBoaz]

I got expensive probiotic powder from my vet for one of my dogs. I wondered why she wouldn't eat her food, so I tasted it. UGH! It was so terrible that I threw it all away, and will never pay for that stuff again.

[alexis]

the probios tablets I got are chicken liver based, and zane will eat them out of my hand like a treat. so, they might be worth a try if you want to use a probiotic (they were $14.99 for 45 tabs, including shipping on amazon).

[alspyce]

Glad the probiotics have helped. You might also consider a tbls. of Bragg's (organic/raw/unfiltered/unpasteurized) apple cider vinegar. (I put it in the food for dogs and horse.)