Loose Stool

[rottnelmo]

Originally Posted by moondog

The probiotics I've purchased all recommend refrigerating after opening, even if they are kept on the shelf while sealed, and using within a limited period of time (mine says 90 days). I assume this is because the bacteria populations are perishable and using a fresh product that is kept refrigerated will slow their demise and get more good stuff in the dog.

Hmmm...I had never heard that and my bottle of pro lasts for about 6 months. I am checking with my distributor right now to find out what the "shelf" life of my pro is and if it should be refridgerated.

Elmo did not cooperate with getting a stool sample before the vets office closed on Saturday. Guess he didnt have to go. We got one today and ran it up there, should know something in the next hour as to whether he has an virus, infection or worms. Hoping it is nothing and we should just switch foods.

I will let you know what the vet says.

[hcelsa]

Originally Posted by rottnelmo

Ingredients:
Lactobacillus Acidophilus Fermentation Product Dehydrated, Water, Lactic Acid, Dried Kelp, Vitamin D Supplement, Folic Acid, Ascorbic Acid, Vitamin A Supplement, Magnesium Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Zinc Sulfate and Iron Sulfate with Calcium Propionate, Sodium Benzoate and Phosphoric Acid as preservatives.

Hmmm...to each his own, but I wouldn't (and I know my vet wouldn't recommend it either) give a supplement with all these different ingredients to a dog with digestive upset. I've also met quite a few dogs that have had negative reactions to some kelp products (not my own dogs, but people who I know did elimination diets and found kelp as the "culprit").

Sorry to be "disagreeable", but this isn't a supplement I'd use, especially without keeping it refrigerated--I too have always been told that quality pro-biotics require refrigeration.

[rottnelmo]

Originally Posted by hcelsa

Hmmm...to each his own, but I wouldn't (and I know my vet wouldn't recommend it either) give a supplement with all these different ingredients to a dog with digestive upset. I've also met quite a few dogs that have had negative reactions to some kelp products (not my own dogs, but people who I know did elimination diets and found kelp as the "culprit").

Sorry to be "disagreeable", but this isn't a supplement I'd use, especially without keeping it refrigerated--I too have always been told that quality pro-biotics require refrigeration.

Not to be disagreeable as well, BUT...

First...did you show the ingredients of this product to your vet? How do you know he/she wouldnt recommend it?

Second...I have heard the direct OPPOSITE regarding the refrigeration of pro-biotics. All of the pro's that are at my vets office are NOT refrigerated, and this one WAS recommended as a very good pro by my vet. I just refaxed her the ingredients and she agrees it is a quality pro. (Both vets in the practice are holistic and well educated).

Third...as far as the refrigeration of pro...I was told that the cold actually kills the cultures in it and the cultures feed more off of room tempature, especially in the pro that I currently feed.

Fourth...I see what you are saying about the kelp, but since I have up'ed his intake of pro this week, his stools seem to be getting firmer, not worse.

[rottnelmo]

The stool sample came back as negative...so now we are looking at a food switch. The vet recommeded that we switch to Healthwise Lamb Meal and Oatmeal. Hopefully this will help with his stool. I asked about an ID food, but because the stools have started form, she doesnt think that is necessary at this point and she has had good luck with the Healthwise.