Does your dog have diarrhea? FortiFlora may help them feel better
Our on-staff vet shares tips for how to safely serve FortiFlora to your pup.
You and your dog’s morning routine might look like a wake-up walk, breakfast (immediately after!), then they sit at your feet while you organize and take your morning vitamins. But what if your dog could benefit from a supplement ritual, too?
FortiFlora, a probiotic supplement, can help dogs with diarrhea feel better. So if your dog's bathroom habits are often on the fritz, keep reading to learn if this medication is a safe option for them.
What’s FortiFlora for dogs?
Dogs’ bodies already create natural probiotics, which help their gastrointestinal tract and immune system function properly. However, if a pup is struggling with diarrhea or an upset stomach, supplements like FortiFlora can help them feel better sooner.
You should always get your veterinarian’s approval before giving your pup any supplements, including FortiFlora. Unfortunately, extremely sick dogs with severely compromised immune systems probably shouldn’t take this medication because it can sometimes lead to a bacterial infection, Dr. Aliya McCullough, Fetch’s on-staff veterinarian, explains.
What are the side effects of FortiFlora for dogs?
FortiFlora isn’t known to cause any negative side effects in healthy dogs, Dr. McCullough says. So with your vet’s approval, you should feel confident when giving your pup this supplement.
However, medications affect all dogs differently. So, if your pup shows signs of an adverse reaction after taking FortiFlora, you’ll want to stop administering it and call your veterinarian.
RELATED: Should I give my dog glucosamine?
How should I give FortiFlora to my dog?
You can give FortiFlora to your pup orally, and Dr. McCullough recommends mixing it into their food. So, if you’re planning on giving your dog this medication during your morning routine — you can combine two steps by putting it in their breakfast.
Whenever your vet recommends FortiFlora for your pup, they’ll let you know the proper serving size for your individual dog.
Your dog might not like FortiFlora, and that’s OK. There are plenty of probiotic supplements to choose from. Ask your veterinarian for the best alternatives (even if they’re over-the-counter).
Other dog-specific probiotic supplements can come in tablet, paste or powder forms. But when choosing another supplement option, you’ll want to talk to your veterinarian about the ingredients to avoid, like sweeteners, preservatives and anything artificial.
How long should dogs take FortiFlora?
Follow your veterinarian’s recommendations for giving your pup FortiFlora. Sometimes, diarrhea can be acute (when it lasts just a short time) or chronic (long-lasting). So, if your dog’s stomach issues are chronic, they may need to take FortiFlora more regularly.
Save up to 90% on unexpected vet bills
Use any veterinarian in Canada or the U.S.
Rated 'Excellent' on Trustpilot
The most comprehensive pet insurance
Photo by Melissa Keizer on Unsplash
The Dig, Fetch Pet Insurance's expert-backed editorial, answers all of the questions you forget to ask your vet or are too embarrassed to ask at the dog park. We help make sure you and your best friend have more good days, but we’re there on bad days, too.
