Probiotics

I give Sparrow probiotics due to the intestinal surgery she had last year leaving her tummy in a muddle. I also give them to Merlin just to keep him healthy.

I don't use a specific brand, but I always make sure the probiotic I use contains this bacterium:
Enterococcus faecium E1707
It is EU-registered and it is the bacterium found in the probiotic pastes vets give you when your dog is poorly. I also keep some of the same probiotic paste on hand for digestive upsets.

 

Shelties need probiotics?

 

Some dogs benefit from probiotics, if for instance they have digestive problems, just like people. But on the whole they are not necessary if a dog toilets normally. Adding a probiotic to a normal dog's diet will not probably change anything, though it probably won't hurt either.

Sparrow had emergency surgery on her bowel last July, any surgery where the bowel is pulled around tends to leave it bruised and less good at doing its work for a while. Couple that with the large amounts of post-surgery antibiotics she needed, which destroy the gut flora, and you are left with a dog that has a less than perfect digestive system. Since her op Sparrow has become allergic to beef and poultry. She has a fish based diet, but still gets regular bouts of loose bowels. So I use a veterinary approved probiotic to try and keep her intestines functioning normally and to replenish her gut bacteria.

 

When Missy was having some tummy problems, our vet gave us some FortiFlora. I don't give it to her often, only when she starts getting loose. They come in little packets so you can take some with you when traveling.

https://www.purinaveterinarydiets.com/pet-food-nutrition/canine/products/fortiflora/