Natural Health Alternative For Pets Probiotics act as the body's first line of defense against potentially harmful bacteria and microorganisms your dog/cat eats or inhales. Probiotic supplements help maintain a constant supply of friendly bacteria in optimal numbers and ratio your dog's/cat's GI tract to help prevent/treat a wide range health problems. Puppy/Kitten Stage: At birth, the intestinal tract is relatively "clean" and sterile. Fortifying the tract with beneficial bacteria is recommended. Probiotics are also beneficial when a puppy/kitten starts to wean, helping the digestive system to adjust to the dietary change from mother's milk to puppy/kitten food, assisting in food digestion and nutrient absorption. After Antibiotic Treatment: Drugs such as antibiotics or steroids kill off good, beneficial bacteria in the digestive tract. If a dog/cat has undergone antibiotic treatment, probiotic supplement will help replenish beneficial bacteria in the digestive tract and restore the balance of intestinal microflora in the tract. Digestive Disorder: For digestive disorders, such as diarrhea and gastric ulceration due to infectious causes, probiotics can be used as part of the treatment. Other digestive problems such as constipation flatulence, bloat, etc., can also benefit. Allergies/Skin Problems: Many allergy symptoms (itching eczema, etc.). are connected with an imbalance in the intestines. Supplementing with probiotics can alleviate these symptoms. Stress: Stressful situations (long trips, vaccinations, environmental changes, surgery etc.), often reduce appetite and can lead to malnutrition and weakened immunity. Probiotics can help improve digestion and strengthen the immune system. Probiotic supplements can help with: Digestion disorders Maintaining normal intestinal balance Dietary change or poor diet Exposure to a pathogenic virus or bacteria Exposure to pollutant or allergens, such as pesticides, chemical fertilizers, etc. Allergies and skin problems Stress