When Should I Take Probiotics After Antibiotics
When youre taking antibiotics, you can take probiotics either before or after them. For best results, we recommend taking the probiotics two hours after you take the antibiotic. The important factor is to leave at least two hours between taking probiotics and antibiotics. This allows each to take the action that is right for optimizing your health, without them interfering with each other.
Taking probiotics throughout the course of your antibiotics is key. Be sure to always take the full course of antibiotics that your doctor has prescribed. Natren probiotics should be doubled for two weeks after you finish your antibiotic course, to ensure the healthy gut flora is replenished.
You may be tempted to consider a lower priced probiotic, however, keep in mind that quality is worth paying for. A cheap probiotic on the shelf of a health food store does not guarantee any level of purity or quality.
Instead, Natren probiotics come with a 100% potency guarantee, so you know that you and your family are getting the quality you deserve. Learn more about our family of probiotics here and remember that the best probiotic to take after antibiotics – as well as throughout your course of antibiotics – are those backed by Natren: a company with the highest standards of excellence.
What Are Probiotics For Dogs And Cats
Many traditional and holistic veterinarians recommend a probiotic for regular and occasional use in their canine and feline patients. Probiotics contain live, beneficial microorganisms, including bacteria and/or yeast, to support and replenish the pets body.
Probiotic supplements are generally used for gut health, to help restore healthy gut flora after taking antibiotics, for stress-induced events, and overall immune system support. Trends in the consumer marketplace often spill over into the pet space, and probiotics are commonly used in millions of pets every day.
The prefix pro- is Greek for promoting, while biotic means life. There are several formulations depending on your pets personal preference and needs. Probiotics are available in capsules, chews, powders, pastes, and even pet foods. Some pet parents prefer to give their dog unsweetened plain yogurt with live cultures.
Several pet food brands add probiotics to their diets, which some pet parents prefer for ease of administration. However, the type of prebiotics in the pet food matters as does the way the dog food is made and stored. For these reasons, probiotic supplements for pets are often the better choice and what well focus on in this article.
What You Should Know Before Purchasing Cat Probiotics
Cat probiotics are available as pills, powders, and even disguised in treats. To derive the maximum benefit out of a probiotic health supplement, choose the one with the highest CFU . According to experts, diversity also plays an important part. Ensure that there is a diverse range of probiotics not just one type of bacteria.
Bifidobacterium and Enterococcus families are the two strains cats derive maximum benefit from. While Bifidobacterium resides in the small intestine, the Enterococcus strain can be found in the colon . Each strain has a different function in regulating health.
Bifidobacterium is more involved with digestion and Enterococcus assists in forming feces and maintaining colonic health. It doesnt really matter if there are other strains of bacteria too, but choosing a supplement with the above two bacterial strains is very important.
Experts opine that there should be at least two different types of bacteria as they function in different locations. Ideally speaking, the supplement could have five different types of Bifidobacterium and five different types of Enterococcus.
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Best Probiotic Bacteria Strains For Cats
You will see products that boast 3, 5, or even 10 or more strains of bacteria. You would likely need a biology degree to fully understand the exact relationship each strain will have on your cats digestive tract, as well as on each other. That being said, there are two families of strains that have proven more effective than others in helping cats:
Although there are several other types of bacteria that are helpful, it is important that any product you buy has those two. Ideally, the product will have a few strains from each family. This is particularly true if you are trying to treat existing issues with the digestive system.
They’re Common Medications For Cats And Dogs
Your pet may not be able to tell us exactly how they’re feeling, but observant pet parents may notice changes in their behavior from new medication. In fact, two of the most commonly prescribed medicines for cats and dogs â antibiotics and steroids â both come with sometimes irritating side effects. Fetch teamed up with veterinarian and pet health advocate Dr. Aliya McCullough to share what pet parents need to know about these common medications and their side effects. â
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What Are The Best Probiotics For Feline
The following factors must influence your buying decision:
Most importantly, a probiotic must have live and healthy bacterial strains to pass on all their health benefits to your cat. On the other hand, there are dead bacteria too which can affect your cats digestion. However, the impact of the dead bacteria cannot be greater than that of live bacteria. Probiotics have live bacteria certification. Their lifespan is what one has to look for. In packaged form, live bacterial strains can survive for a limited period of time.
2. Pure Microbial Strains
There are probiotics that only carry live bacteria. They can be sold blended with digestive enzymes and even prebiotics. This combination is technically okay because both the latter ingredients complement the functioning of the live bacteria to help improve digestion. According to experts, Bifidobacterium and Enterococcus species are good for improving digestive health and colonic health, respectively.
3. With added ingredients
Some probiotics contain added digestive enzymes and prebiotics and such combinations do work well. However, products such as artificial preservatives and other ingredients could be added too. Some contain flavoring agents as well. It depends on the cat owners whether they would prefer such additional ingredients added to probiotics.
What Are Probiotics And What Are The Benefits In Cats
A cats body contains trillions of live bacteria, most of which reside in the gut. These gut bacteria are part of their microbiome, and each cats bacteria population is unique to the individual and subject to change based their diet, health status and lifestyle choices.
During times of stress and infection, the microbiome balance can increase in the number of bad bacteria, knocking their system out of balance and potentially causing digestive upsets such as decreased appetite, vomiting, diarrhea or stool changes. Conversely, good bacteria when at optimal levels, have been shown to help keep the digestive system healthy, minimize the proliferation of bad bacteria and work to return the microbiome to a healthy balance.
Probiotics are a way to add good bacteria to your cats body and are live, good bacteria. When given to a pet either through their food or as a supplement, probiotics work to help populate and balance the microbiome of the gut to produce positive health effects in both the digestive system and for the overall health of the cat.
70% of a cats immune system resides in their digestive tract, keeping it balanced with an array of good bacteria is a great way to ensure that your feline stays healthy.
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Probiotic Effect On Intestinal Parasites And Viruses
To our knowledge, there are only few studies assessing the interactions of specific probiotics on parasites and viruses in companion animals. In a double-blinded placebo controlled study a probiotic mix of L. fermentum VET9A, L. plantarum VET14A, and L. rhamnosus VET16A at a total concentration of 2 × 109 CFU/ml was administered 100 mL twice a day for seven days to 24 dogs suffering from acute and intermitted diarrhoea. Faecal parasites and viruses were monitored prior to administrating the study product. Virus account was detected also post administration at day 8 with no relevant findings .
A study evaluating 6-week probiotic treatment with E. faecium SF68 to dogs with chronic naturally acquired subclinical giardiasis did not affect giardial cyst shedding or antigen content and did not alter innate or adaptive immune responses . Administrating a genetically modified L. acidophilus for three days to cats with feline immunodeficiency virus suggested the probiotic having an upregulating role in transcellular transport across the gastointestinal ephitelial barrier . There is a recent report in human infants suggesting that specific probiotics or prebiotics may have an impact on human respiratory tract infections caused by rhinoviruses . The interaction has been suggested to be modulated by binding viruses .
Zesty Paws Probiotic For Dogs
- Support Fido’s Tummy – These functional soft chew supplements have a base of pumpkin and papaya plus probiotics for digestion, bowel, and immune support to care for canine pets.
- Features Clinically Studied DE111 Probiotic – This chewable functional supplement contains DE111, a clinically studied Bacillus subtilis that supports proper digestive function and the immune system.
- Six-Strain Probiotic Powder Blend – These chewables contain six probiotics that support gut function and proper gut flora for support against occasional diarrhea, gas, and bloating.
- Supports Doggy Gut Flora – Probiotic Bites help support microflora for occasional gastric distress support and digestive tract health for your doggie.
- Treat Fido to Tasty Immunity Support – The DE111, Lactobacillus acidophilus, L. plantarum, L. brevis, L. fermentum, and L. lactis help animal immune response for small, medium, and large breeds.
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Microbial Interaction Between Pets And Owners Is There A Connection
Gastrointestinal disorders are one of the main reasons owners bring their pets to the veterinarian for healthcare. In addition, specific bacterial canine enteropathogens such as Salmonella and Campylobacter are well-documented zoonoses , being a challenge for pet owners, veterinary and medical care. Dogs may harbour and shed cysts of protozoan parasite Giardia lamblia without showing clinical signs and ascariasis. Both are common potentially zoonotic diseases leading to human infections . The enteric zoonotic agents in domestic cats are also important. A study by Tun and collaborators identified a range of potential enteric zoonotic pathogens and genes involved in antimicrobial resistance in feline excrements which highlight the potential for transmission of opportunistic infections to human.
Understand How Antibiotics Work
Second, understand what antibiotics actually do your to cat’s body and what issue you’re trying to address. In the simplest of terms, they kill all bacteria in the body indiscriminately. Further, antibiotics can continue their activity for a number of days after therapy has ended. This fact poses a problem for the vital good bacteria your cat has been hosting since they were a kitten.
Knowing this, we need to take care to nurture more good feline bacteria and get ahead of the pathogens.
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Capsule Form Probiotic Supplements:
DrFormulas Nexabiotic probiotic for cats can help treat your pets diarrhea and maintain healthy intestinal health. This probiotic contains a proprietary blend of 23 different probiotic strains and is clinically proven to support regular bowel movements and feline health.
These include Saccharomyces boulardii, B. animalis lactis , Lactobacillus acidophilus, S. thermophilus, L. rhamnosus LB3, and L. brevis. This probiotic has been made in an FDA and GMP inspected facility. You can also choose Nexabiotic to help keep your cat healthy and happy.
When Should I Stop Giving Probiotics
We recommend probiotics as a wellness supplement, like a vitamin you give daily. Your cat’s microbiome is likely bombarded daily with chlorinated water, processed foods, and other gut destroyers. For this reason, a regular serving of Probiotic Miracle is suggested to maintain a positive balance.
Related: Understanding Probiotics for Pets: CFU, Species, and Dosage Explained
Cites and References
Fair, Richard J, and Yitzhak Tor. Antibiotics and bacterial resistance in the 21st century. Perspectives in medicinal chemistry vol. 6 25-64. 28 Aug. 2014, doi:10.4137/PMC.S14459
Olin, Shelly J, and Joseph W Bartges. Urinary tract infections: treatment/comparative therapeutics. The Veterinary clinics of North America. Small animal practice vol. 45,4 : 721-46. doi:10.1016/j.cvsm.2015.02.005
Grzekowiak, ukasz et al. Microbiota and probiotics in canine and feline welfare. Anaerobe vol. 34 : 14-23. doi:10.1016/j.anaerobe.2015.04.002
Stokes JE, Price JM, Whittemore JC. J Vet Intern Med. 2017 Sep 31:1406-1413. Epub 2017 Jul 29. Randomized, controlled, crossover trial of prevention of antibioticinduced gastrointestinal signs using a synbiotic mixture in healthy research dogs.
The Truth About Probiotics for Dogs: Antibiotics and Dogs. Published September 2009.
Berry AS, Kelly BJ, Barnhart D, Kelly DJ, Beiting DP, Baldassano RN, Redding LE. PLoS ONE. 2019 Aug 30 14: e0215497. Gut microbiota features associated with Clostridioides difficile colonization in puppies.
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Nom Nom Probiotic For Cats
Few probiotics for cats are formulated according to any stringent standards or come with any quality assurance. This probiotic supplement appears to be one of the more trustworthy, coming from a company thats active in microbiome research. Its formulated with a veterinary nutrition and microbiology team and manufactured in an FDA-registered facility under GMP guidelines.
Each serving provides 20 billion CFUs with four different strains represented among them. These strains are Enterococcus faecium, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium longum, and Lactobacillus plantarum.
The probiotic bacteria are complemented by Fructooligosaccharide as a prebiotic.
Side Effects Of Antibiotics In Pets
Even the healthiest dog or cat has likely been on antibiotics once or twice. Antibiotics treat bacterial infections in the skin, respiratory tract, urinary tract, blood and more.
The most common side effects are:
- Vomiting: which can be prevented by giving the medication with food.
- Diarrhea: you should give your pet probiotics or feed them yogurt to normalize good bacteria.
However, each antibiotic produces different side effects. Before leaving the vet’s office, ask your vet about potential side effects. That way, you’ll know what to look out for in case an adverse reaction occurs.
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Fera Vet Formulated Probiotics For Cats
This probiotic supplement contains as many as 11 strains of probiotic bacteria to keep your kittys digestive health up to the mark. Moreover, it is completely organic and also guarantees the number of living cultures. The formula has been specially worked out by a vet to meet a cats unique needs.
Being a tasteless product, it can be easily mixed with your cats food without spoiling its taste. It is also free from other ingredients such as fillers, preservatives, and additives. Though a vegan product, it is also completely free of wheat, soy, corn, milk or gluten. Both these products make this product stand out in the market. The dose depends on the weight of your pet.
The National Animal Supplement Council has certified this product, which comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee if the product does not meet your expectations.
Pros:
- Contains six strains of probiotic microbes.
- Being tasteless, it can be easily mixed with food without changing its taste.
Cons:
- Few cats refuse to eat food mixed with this probiotic supplement
Our Other Favorite Probiotics For Dogs And Cats
This tasteless, odorless, high-potency probiotic formula safely and effectively eliminates common pet health concerns, including diarrhea, yeast infections, constipation, and even poop eating. Just scoop and sprinkle the powder on your pets food and let the blend of seven carefully selected strains of diverse beneficial bacteria get to work. Within just two weeks, look for improved energy and vitality in your dog or cat, plus a shinier coat and healthier skin, thanks to a strengthened digestive tract and immune system.
Highlights
FullBucket is a 100 percent all-natural yeast strain probiotic for dogs. Sprinkle one 5-cc scoop onto an adult dogs food daily or ¼ scoop for puppies. The complete transparency of 5 billion CFUs of a specific yeast strain coupled with prebiotics, probiotics, and L-glutamine make this a pet parents go-to product for their dogs. Given daily, FullBucket is designed to support a dogs gut microbiome, help digest key nutrients, and boost overall health. The company also has a Daily Cat Probiotic, which offers the same features as the Daily Dog Probiotic but contains a lower amount of CFUs for our feline friends .
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Things to Consider
- Proviable DC is available from many pet supply retailers, but advanced formula Proviable-Forte is available from veterinarians only.
- Some reviews note diarrhea continued in their pets while taking Proviable DC, but every experience is different.
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Things to Consider
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How Do You Feed Probiotics To Your Cat
The feeding instructions for any given probiotic supplement are specific to the product and should be clearly explained by the manufacturer.
For powered supplements, sprinkling it over wet food is the generally recommended method.
For fussier cats, you may need to mix it into the food so it isnt as noticeable, but many cats will be happy to eat the food even if the powder is visible.
Liquid probiotics, on the other hand, generally require the addition of water and can be mixed in with dry food or given by themselves. The majority of cats arent bothered by the addition of probiotic supplements to their meals, but for the ones that are try buying a product thats formulated as a treat to get their interest.
Probiotics For Cats On Antibiotics
Antibiotics can wipe out both good and bad bacteria. Regular doses of a probiotic supplement help to rebuild the friendly populations destroyed during antibiotic therapy.
Probiotics and antibiotics can be friends if you give them to your cat together. You dont have to wait until antibiotic therapy is complete. Instead, give your cat a probiotic a few hours before or after each antibiotic treatment. Your veterinarian can give you guidance on how to time giving probiotics during antibiotic treatment.
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