Those of us in the business of caring for pets know all too well the challenges of keeping them healthy and happy while in our hands. Stress is often at the root of declining health issues, and the sources of stress are abundant: separation anxiety, diet change, exposure to new routines or other dogs. The list goes on and on, but the result is often a bout of diarrhea, runny eyes or nose, upset tummy, or weight loss. We spend a huge amount of time and money on cleaning and disinfecting, verifying vaccinations, filtering and controlling airflow, and offering routines to combat stress. Despite these efforts, we continue to see the intestinal upset and the “back-end” and communicable issues that create operational problems and threaten animal health and our treasured reputations. The reality: the solution may be as simple as offering the right treats to your canine guests.

The pet industry is following yet another humanization trend: suggesting the regular use of probiotics for the health of our dogs and cats. These beneficial bacteria are often prescribed by veterinarians for dogs undergoing antibiotic treatment or having chronic intestinal problems. Not only do probiotics help regulate digestion, but they also support nutrient absorption, boost immunity, and may even help with things like ear infections. Interest and research into just how extensive these benefits may be for our family pets has grown dramatically in the last several years.

There are currently probiotic dog treats on the market that offer a great solution for ensuring dogs get their daily dose. Some are in chew and biscuit form, and others are available as frozen yogurt treats. The frozen treats serve a dual purpose, as the licking is a de-stressor for dogs. Most of us are familiar with the yogurt and Activia craze that has overtaken America and the world, for that matter, by storm. You would be hard pressed to find a human physician or vet that wouldn’t support the addition of yogurt to one’s diet. It’s healthful claims for digestion, immunity, and overall health are widely recognized and supported. The live cultures or probiotics are the key to these healthful benefits.

Many of you may be aware that, in general, dairy products are not well tolerated by dogs. This is due to the presence of lactose in these products. Dogs, like people with lactose intolerance, lack the enzyme necessary to break down lactose molecules properly. Fortunately, the fermentation that creates yogurt acts to break down the lactose, making it easy for dogs to digest. Yogurt is a great way to add to a dog’s diet protein and calcium in addition to the probiotics it offers.

As a pet care professional, think of the advantages of incorporating probiotics or a healthy yogurt treat into your daily offerings. It is an up-sell, increasing your bottom line, while showing your customers how much you care about their pet’s health and well-being. Probiotics can turn around non-eaters and gently introduce them back into eating or simply give them an edge against the unavoidable effects of stress that come with a change in surroundings and routine. If you offer daycare services, consider suggesting an ongoing probiotic routine to your clients. You will encounter fewer outbreaks of pesky health issues and ensure the dogs are healthy enough to come back day after day. The savings in time and effort on clean up and operations is an added bonus. Everyone benefits when dogs come and go from your facility in happy, healthy condition. What are you waiting for?

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