Balance up your pet's body

Homeostasis is another word for balance. Specifically it is used to describe balance in any organism, from single cell plankton to human beings and everything in between. 

Homeostasis describes a healthy state. 

There are many things that can change homeostasis and throw the body out of balance. One is illness, another is the medication used to treat illness. Antibiotics are a wonderful life saving tool for fighting illness, but they are a lot like using a shotgun. Antibiotics kill off ALL bacteria, not just the bad ones. This is why diarrhea is a common side effect of antibiotics, the normal bacteria in the gut is killed off. Yeast infections frequently follow a course of antibiotics, because normally good bacteria and yeast keep each other in check in the body.

Steroids are another commonly used medication for cats and dogs. They are pretty effective at decreasing inflammation and edema when used short term, but can cause an overgrowth of the body's normal yeast population because of increased blood sugar levels. Yeast thrives in a high sugar environment and can overcome the good bacteria that keeps the yeast levels in check. As many pet owners can tell you, steroids and antibiotics are frequently prescribed together. These are effective at treating the problem they are prescribed for but they can cause more problems down the road.

So what can you do to help restore homeostasis in your cat or dog after antibiotics or steroids? Adding pre and probiotics to the diet can really help restore balance. We've all seen the yogurt commercials talking about active cultures and gut health. In a normally healthy digestive system that does work. But after medications you need to repopulate the prebiotics as well as the probiotics. Prebiotics are the food for probiotics, without those probiotics won't survive to repopulate the gut. This is true for cats, dogs and people.

There are several companies that make pre and probiotic formulas for cats and dogs. We carry InClover Optigest, Ark Naturals Gentle Digest and Healthy Dogma Tender Tummy. Given after a course of antibiotics, steroids or both the formulas can help repopulate the gut with the normal bacteria your dog or cat needs to thrive. Remember, it's all about homestasis!

 OptaGest *For Cats and Dogs
OptaGest is a complete digestive formula to quickly relieve gas and diarrhea, while supporting a strong immune system and a healthy skin and coat. The 4 plant-based enzymes ensure proper digestion and absorption of nutrients throughout the entire digestive system. Clinically-proven levels of the prebiotic FOS selectively feed the native bacteria naturally present in your pet’s healthy GI system. OptaGest contains NO fillers, sugar, or preservatives. Slightly sweet flavor pets enjoy. NASC Quality Seal and 100% guaranteed. Made in the USA.





Ark Naturals Gentle Digest *For Cats and Dogs
Promotes the growth of beneficial intestinal bacteria. Use for occasional diarrhea, gas, constipation, ear yeast issues. Aids digestion by breaking down food into nutrients that can be readily absorbed.










Healthy Dogma *Formulated for dogs only
A proprietary blend of kelp, flaxmeal, slippery elm, licorice and ginger to decrease acidity and sooth the stomach as well as probiotics to promote healthy levels of gut bacteria. This is in granular form that can be mixed with food.