Blog: The Benefit of Probiotics for Pets

Does your pet struggle with GI health? Probiotics may be just what the vet ordered!

Probiotics are live microorganisms that can be introduced into the body to help with digestion and offer protection from harmful bacteria.

Just as live cultures in yogurt can help keep a human gut healthy, probiotics can also help maintain the natural balance of organisms (known as microflora) in a pet’s digestive tract. In fact, many veterinarians are now recommending probiotics—in capsule, tablet or powder form—for management of chronic diarrhea or as adjunctive therapy for pets on antibiotics.

A normal digestive tract already contains many types of probiotic bacteria that reduce the growth of harmful bacteria and promote a healthy digestive system. A decrease in this beneficial bacteria, however, can often lead to digestive issues such as diarrhea or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). In addition, antibiotics often kill the good bacteria along with the bacteria responsible for illness. Adding a probiotic supplement to your pet’s diet can help replace the beneficial bacteria that has been lost, returning the digestive system to a normal state.

Probiotics may also aid in immune system function as well as improve many other conditions, such as allergies, diabetes, obesity and liver disease.

Dr. Michele Drake, veterinarian and owner of The Drake Center for Veterinary Care, has been treating pets in Encinitas for over 20 years. For more information on pet health or to schedule an appointment for your pet, please call The Drake Center at (760) 753-9393 or visit www.thedrakecenter.com.