The term probiotic comes from the Greek “pro” e “bios” which literally means “pro-life”. Probiotics are nothing but live and beneficial microorganisms which, when administered in case of intestinal disorders, are able to restore the delicate balance.
But are lactic ferments formulated for humans good for dogs too? You can give theenterogermina in dogs with diarrhea without risk?
What to do when your dog has diarrhea?
Diarrhea in our 4-legged friends is one of the most frequent intestinal symptoms, which shouldn’t alarm us too much, but it shouldn’t be taken lightly either.
Diarrhea in dogs can occur due to trivial coldness, due to something they ate and did not digest well, just like us. So it’s likely that it’s a transient insult and maybe you don’t have the opportunity to consult the vet immediately.
So what to do?
Here are some tips you can follow if the dog has had diarrhea:
- In case of diarrhea, a 24-hour fast is often recommended.
- After 24 hours, we can give him light food, such as rice and chicken (or cod) which will help cleanse his body in case something he ate caused the disturbance.
- We always leave fresh water available, which will help Fido rehydrate and replenish mineral salts.
- Let’s avoid drinking excessively for the first few hours, since if there is intestinal inflammation in progress, the water will not be completely reabsorbed, contributing to exacerbate the diarrhea.
- To shorten Fido’s recovery we can give him probiotics.
If the diarrhea does not go away in a couple of days or if you have noticed further symptoms, it is advisable to immediately submit your Fido to a veterinary check
What to give to the dog with diarrhea?
Giving probiotics to your dog when he has diarrhea is a quick and substantial remedy risk free. Buying special products for animals guarantees their effectiveness, since they are tested with proven scientific studies. Furthermore these probiotics are often enriched with prebiotics (which enhance the action of microorganisms) or different extracts, specifically designed for Fido’s intestinal function.
However, even the “lactic ferments for animals” can be purchased in pharmacies, and you must (almost always) order them. Therefore an often recommended short-term solution is that of give enterogermin to the dog with diarrhea.
My dog has diarrhea can I give him enterogermina?
Enterogermina contains spores of a “good” bacterium intended for human use, belonging to the genus Lactobacillus. This can also be found in Fido’s intestinal flora, therefore enterogermina it can be given to the dog without particular problems.
As we have said, these are live microorganisms and not actual drugs, which are often heavy for the body to metabolize. Indeed, probiotics are sometimes recommended in the prevention of diarrhea caused by drugs such as antibiotics, since they act against all microorganisms, even the good ones.
Which lactic ferments can be given to dogs?
It should be noted that lactic ferments such as enterogermina they have no proven efficacy on dogsfor this reason it is always advisable to use formulations specifically designed for 4 paws.
The probiotics for dogs that you find on the market include some microorganisms that are beneficial for Fido, such as:
- Enterococcus faecium,
- Lactobacillus acidophylus; L. reuteri
- Bacillus subtilis
- Bifidobacterium longum
- Saccharomyces cerevisiae
For a regulatory issue you will find them as additives present in complementary feed, but the aim is the same.
How much enterogermin to give a dog with diarrhea?
One can think of the integration of probiotics as a microscopic and copious army that rushes to the aid of the intestinal flora and helps it to win its battle against the intestinal insult.
In fact, to be effective, formulations must contain a certain quantity, below which the effects would be negligible. But that doesn’t mean we can give Fido too much either.
The recommended dose is 1 vial of enterogermina every 10kg of weight of the dog.
How to give enterogermina to the dog?
Having no taste, enterogermina is generally taken without problems by the dog. It can therefore be given directly into the mouth without accompanying it with food. In fact, it would be better to give enterogermina to the dog away from meals.
Although it is a safe remedy, always ask your vet for advice first. He will be able to suggest the most appropriate solution to your friend’s problem.