Dogs with Digestive Disorders Benefit from Probiotics #sponsored
by Christy Caplan
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August 25, 2016 
You can easily add it to Pumpkin or their meals.
All my readers can receive 10% off by using this coupon code- mylifewdogs when you check out. (I do get a few pennies if you buy something from Imagilin).
MitoMax: Dogs with Digestive Disorders Benefit from Probiotics (#sponsored)
Let’s celebrate National Dog Day by talking about digestive disorders for dogs! Yes, really – let’s actually look at a probiotic I’m using with the dogs.
Bruiser was diagnosed with a digestive disorder (Irritable Bowel Disease) years ago and he’s on Tylan Powder, an antibiotic, so I looked at a wide variety of probiotics that would help put the beneficial microorganisms back into his gut. I’ve used a few brands over the past five years.
Digestive disorders vary from Irritable Bowel Disease to constipation, one of the most common disorders.
First, what is a probiotic?
Probiotics are beneficial microorganisms naturally existing in gastrointestinal (GI) tracts of human and animal. The biggest reason I take an antibiotic is that I’m too busy to get sick. FACT: 70% of your immune response is coming from the gut… so you need a healthy gut.
Let’s start with some facts about probiotics:
- “Since the discovery of probiotics, many probiotics related health benefits such as antibiotics-induced diarrhea, acute diarrhea, traveler diarrhea, allergy, respiratory and urinary tract infections, inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome, colon and bladder cancer, and rheumatoid arthritis have been reported (Doron and Gorbrach, 2006; Goldin and Gorbach, 2008, Kaur et al 2009),” according to the Imagilin white paper Pediococcus-The choice of probiotics for health benefits
I found a company, Imagilin, who manufactures probiotics for humans and animals in the U.S. Imagilin Technology has a unique and patented probiotic strain, Pediococcus acidilactici NRRL B- . MitoMax, the plant based pet probiotic contains one unique bacteria strain and a complementary yeast. S. Boulardi (yeast) is used in human brands including Florastor which I take.
Given Bruiser is on an antibiotic for IBD (it’s super safe, Tylan Powder, as mentioned above) it’s important he’s also supported with a probiotic and the combined bacteria strain and yeast help his gut health. I reviewed their white papers extensively and the research is real – dogs with IBD, Immune Mediated Diseases (IMHA), and chronic disorders that require high doses of corticosteroids benefit from probiotics as the drug dosage can be reduced.
That being said, antibiotics and other drugs like NSAIDS often cause diarrhea. Probiotics help with common disorders so it’s also important to look at probiotics if your dog needs either of these drugs. According to Whole Dog Journal, “Human studies have documented the effectiveness of certain strains in treating diarrhea, irritable bowel, and intestinal inflammation.” Imagilin has done studies with dogs and MitoMax helps dogs with this common problem.
Some other advantages of MitoMax? These are the benefits that I really like about the brand – we’ve been using this probiotic for over two weeks and there haven’t been any side effects. We have had zero issues with vomiting, diarrhea and constipation.
- The product is shelf stable at room temperature for two years. So I like that it doesn’t have to be refrigerated AT ALL and I can bring with when we’re on outdoor trips or long car rides.
- We’ve talked about this my second favorite benefit is it works congruently WITH antibiotics.
The strain can survive in the stomach’s acidic , the first line of defense. Typically the bacteria have to survive their trip through your pet’s stomach acids and bile salts in order to successfully make it to the gastrointestinal tract. This strain eliminate this issue.
Pediococcus acidilactici as compared to Lactobacillus in varying levels of pH levels. Our stomach acids are generally around the pH level of 2.0 but the Pediococcus acidilactici is able to survive in more acidic environments.
More on how to add this to food!
All my readers can receive 10% off by using this coupon code- mylifewdogs when you check out. (I do get a few pennies if you buy something from Imagilin).
Sidenote: Everyone should be taking a probiotic. I’ve been taking one for years and my father was diagnosed this year with C-Diff, a probiotic helped with his recovery. In fact, without it I’m not sure he’d have recovered as quickly.
Resources:
- Testimonials
- http://www.imagilin.net/news.php
- http://www.imagilin.net/scientific-research.php
- Whole Dog Journal has some solid tips on probiotics: http://www.whole-dog-journal.com/issues/15_3/features/Probiotics-For-Dogs_20473-1.html
- A great post on why probiotics: http://fidoseofreality.com/give-dog-probiotics/
Disclaimer: We received supplements from Imagilin as part of their blogger program in exchange for an honest review. I only share information about products that I believe in and already fit into our doggie lifestyle and routine. I was compensated for this post and the above discount code is an affiliate link.
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My parents rave about probiotics for humans, great to hear that dogs can get relief, too! I love your multi-step defense against digestive troubles, with the pumpkin, very nice!
yes! We do add pumpkin and other GI upset supplements in addition to probiotics which seems to help overall for digestive health!
Charlie the cat has IBD, so probiotics are a regular part of his maintenance routine – they really do make a difference. We use human grade products rather than vet specific ones though, as generally we find the quality is better.
Charlie is like Bruisy. I’ve used human grade with the dogs too and found that to be a solid solution as well.
I often add probiotics to Montecristo’s food a week before, during and a week after travel. Like us the change in water and air and environment can cause little tummy upsets when travelling internationally with a dog. It’s been very helpful. Spirulina and chlorella too.
Such a good point – this one doesn’t require refrigeration so it’s a great option for folks traveling. Such an important time to give these!
Teutul has gotten pro biotics daily since his pancreatitis diagnosis. Works wonders!
Totally agree! Such a good point that dogs diagnosed with pancreatitis benefit as well. I’m sorry that happened to Teutul. 🙁
Tucker, Alpha of the Tribe of Five has tummy issues and propbiotics are used in our house too!
We’re such a fan – they’re just part of the feeding routine now!
Our previous dog, Pip, had all kinds of digestive issues, but Ruby fortunately has only had one instance of digestive distress in three years. We do have a cat with IBD – I will have to check out their product for cats.
They do carry the same product for cats and there are some awesome testimonials on their site.
When Rugby was a younger pupper, we had some tummy troubles with him, but since I’ve been keeping his world smaller, he hasn’t had the same levels of stress which seemed to trigger ugly things from him. I’m so glad for the information. As a dog trainer, I often run into stuff with clients, and I’ll know how to point them in the right direction!
Same with our household – stress = diarrhea. Event a change in their routine results in digestive upset so we also try and keep their worlds manageable.
Love probiotics, been using them for a long time now. One concern Dr. Dodds raised, though, was to be careful not to have the probiotics mask a bigger issue and leaving it unaddressed.
Oh great point – I’ve never heard anyone talk about that issue before. I’ll ask the brand about this too as I’d be interested in hearing more about this specifically.
Poor Bruiser, I didn’t know he had IBD! It’s so good to learn that a probiotic can help with IBD as well as temporary tummy troubles, interesting. Great job on your videos! I love your oh-so-smooth save in the second video when the pop top broke off, you handled that like a total video pro, Christy, LOL! Sharing!
Thank you so much and thanks for sharing the Facebook post too! LOL! I was like – um really the top isn’t coming OFF, come ON!!!!! 🙂
Thanks. We are a very pro-probiotic family. I appreciate your review and will check out the brand.
Thank you! Holler with questions.
We are big fans of probiotics for humans and I have read a lot of research- one we use was tested with dogs in France and worked wonders for them too. Kilo has been so healthy he just gets a little yoghurt but am planning to look into more as he ages.
What’s the brand you all use for humans? I’d be interested for sure. I’ve been taking Florastor but would like to explore others.
I have used probiotics with my dog in the past and I probably should be using it for myself too. Very informative!
Thank you!
Yes! Probiotics are so important! (And we are a long-time fan and feeder of pure pumpkin, too). Will check out this brand. Thanks for the review!
Awesome, let me know if you have any questions as you research!
Luke had some digestive issues when he was younger, but he either outgrew them or switching him to grain free food did the trick. Luckily for us, the girls have never had any. I still like to give pure pumpkin and yogurt every so often though just to keep things that way.
It’s so awful – I know how I feel when I have digestive issues – the worst! I’m glad Luke outgrew them or to your point his diet switch did the trick. I like to add pumpkin too – it’s easy…
I’ve always had a sensitive tummy so I get probiotics every day. Mom takes them too!
I think everyone can benefit!
Very informative. I should look into to getting our older pup on some probiotics.
I think it’s excellent for immune support for the older guys.
I’m a fan of probiotics for humans. It makes perfect sense for dogs too! Great information.
Thank you so much!
SUPER cool that you have video in the post! Thanks for these awesome tips, and great write-up! 🙂
Thanks! I’m trying out videos in posts now so I appreciate your kind words.
I was recently put on probiotics everyday to help with my Celiac Disease. I think my mom’s dog needs to take them.
How are you feeling? Are they helping -I’m sorry to hear you have Celiac Disease. I know that probiotics have a lot of benefits for that condition.
This sounds like a great probiotic for dogs! Getting the right probiotics is very helpful to your dog’s immune system. It is great that this one can be used with antibiotics and other treatments.
The antibiotic benefit is a big differentiation for sure.
I was giving probiotics to Layla till recently and started adding the fruitable pumpkin which is mixed with fruits, veggies and ginger into her food and its working wonders. She loves a Lebanese white cheese which I give her as a treat which has probiotics instead now 🙂
That’s pretty awesome – that cheese sounds outstanding!
It is a lesson to humans that a lot of mre nturally focused remedies are also pet friendly.
I have had my partner use probiotics for digestive issues and seeing it recommended for dogs has me nodding in agreement. I aim to use some with our oldster Dusty. He loves his food, and something like probiotics will be a breeze to get into his diet!
I think seniors really benefit from added immune support. Since Bruisy is a senior, I’m a big advocate.
I am not very familiar with probiotics for dogs. One of my dogs occasionally throws up in her crate at night. I’ll check with my vet to see if a probiotic might be helpful for her.
Definitely check with your vet – perhaps it could help as ongoing support?
We gave Mr. N probiotics after he had pancreatitis but tapered off after he recovered. I think it helped.
Right on – I didn’t know N had pancreatitis! I’m so glad he’s OK.
Thanks for such a detailed description on probiotics. Finn doesn’t have too many tummy upsets, but this has certainly broadened my thinking.
Thank you! I’m so glad that Finn doesn’t have many digestive disorders – holler if you have questions.
I just wrote a piece on probiotics and am a big believer in them when used properly and the right one(s) at that. This sounds like a great option. My Brandy Noel had IBD and we had to use them. I’ve learned so much – great post with fabulous points. I will tweet.
Thank you for tweeting! I loved your piece last week on Probiotics and added it to my resources section! We’re huge advocates. I have all three dogs on them now and will ongoing.
This is a very informative piece. We liked your video, too. We should think of doing one for a review.
I think a video helps bring the story to life for sure! Thank you!
This was interesting, I always enjoy learning more about probiotics!
Thank you!
In my opinion we can never share enough about the powerful benefits with probiotics in our dogs diet. I’m so happy you told me about this post. I am loving the changes I see in Harley. He’s doing so much better with his allergies and I associate it to probiotics and Omega Oils 3, 6, &9. Wishing Bruiser much success with MitoMax. Take care!
I was so happy to see your review in the hop this week! I may have missed it otherwise! I agree and I honestly believe it just helps strengthen the immune system overall and help keep things from brewing. Thank you! Bruisy is doing really well and almost 13 so I feel like “don’t fix it if it ain’t broke” he’ll be on those probiotics ongoing. 🙂 Thanks and you too!
When I first started fostering Piper, she had a whole host of stomach issues and we had to do several rounds of Tylan powder. She was either having diarrhea or serious regurgitation issues – she was a mess. It took a long time to get her stomach settled and, after reading this piece, I can’t help but think that if someone had pointed us in the direction of probiotics for dogs she might have healed up sooner. Great post and I love the video!
Bruiser is on Tylan Powder! He’s been on this for years and probably will be ongoing. I think it’s good to introduce a probiotic and then just keep that as maintenance as it can help with digestive order overall. Thank you 🙂 The video was a last minute experiment!
Useful information. Thank you very much for sharing. Dog owner should know these knowledge to take care for their dogs.
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I give my dogs probiotic also i think they need it just as much as humans. My vet recommended Mitomax and I haven’t tried other probiotics products beside from it yet so I don’t really know what’s the difference. I usually mix probiotic with my dog food.
That’s awesome your vet recommended MitoMax. I’ve been using that now for months but I also used a product called Nutrigest that has a combination of herbs and probiotics. If you’re looking to try a variety of products! I also mix it up in food and break up thee capsules – I find that a lot easier. I have that discount code if you want to use that for future purchases. Thanks so much!
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