Lactobifadol for dogs: a drug based on beneficial bacteria

Lactobifadol is a probiotic drug that is used to maintain the qualitative and quantitative balance of intestinal microflora in cats. Violation of the latter can cause stool disorders, weakened immunity, chronic diseases, general exhaustion of the body and deterioration of the coat. Such problems can be solved and their occurrence can be prevented by the timely use of Lactobifadol.

general description

Lactobifadol is a Russian product. The drug is produced in a cardboard package with a picture of a cat, inside of which there is a vacuum plastic bag with the drug. It has the appearance of a homogeneous free-flowing powder, the color of which can vary from white to light brown. The composition does not contain stabilizers, preservatives, dyes, GMOs and hormonal components, antibiotics and flavoring additives.

Important! It is strictly not recommended to use a drug with a violation of the integrity or tightness of the packaging, without appropriate markings on the packages, with a changed consistency or color, or with the presence of foreign impurities!

The shelf life of the probiotic in original packaging is 12 months at a temperature of 2-10°C or 3 months at room temperature. For storage, choose a dry place, protected from direct sunlight, out of reach of children and pets.

When is a cat especially susceptible to dysbiosis?

Cats become especially susceptible to dysbiosis in the following cases:

• while staying in a special hotel for cats;
• when moving to a new home;
• when a new animal appears in the house.

Emotional or physical stress can upset the balance of microflora in a cat's intestines, leading to constipation or chronic diarrhea. The consequences of these diseases can be very serious. The absorption of amino acids and other elements important for the health of the animal is impaired. As a result, this can trigger the development of allergies, sepsis and even intestinal lymphoma.

Often, pet owners are interested in what to give their cat for diarrhea. To answer this question, it is necessary to do tests and find out the cause of the disease. Only after receiving the results will the veterinarian be able to tell whether probiotics for cats are indicated in a given case.

Composition and action

The probiotic formula is based on live cultures of microorganisms, which are dried by the sorption method using a natural plant carrier.

1 g of the drug contains at least:

• 1 million lactobacilli (acidophilus);
• 80 million bifidobacteria.

Additionally, the composition includes organic acids, a complex of vitamins, macro- and microelements, but their exact name and quantity are not indicated.

After entering the intestines, live bacteria produce lactic acid and other substances that inhibit the proliferation of pathogenic and putrefactive microorganisms (including salmonella, staphylococci, escherichia, etc.). They also stimulate the restoration of microflora and appetite and the maintenance of digestive processes to eliminate diarrhea or constipation. In combination with the action of vitamin and mineral supplements, the drug has a positive effect on the functioning of the animal’s immune system, optimization of metabolic processes, the structure of articular cartilage and bones, prevention of obesity and normalization of weight.

The balanced formula ensures that the body receives enzymes, biologically active additives and vitamins that help improve liver function, the condition of the coat and skin. The drug provides a protective effect against harmful substances and carcinogenic factors contained in the environment or produced in the body of cats.

Practical impact

The effectiveness of the drug is ensured by the beneficial bacteria it contains. After the powder has entered the dog’s body, these bacteria begin to actively multiply, resulting in the release of lactic acid. This acid helps to isolate and displace pathogenic flora; it neutralizes not only E. coli, but also Salmonella, Protea, and other pathogens.

At the same time, the drug has the following positive effects on the body:

• Improving intestinal motility;
• Strengthening immunity;
• Increasing the absorption of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients;
• Restoration of microflora;
• Assistance in recovery from stress and related complications;
• Toxins and waste are effectively removed from the body;
• Bones and joints become stronger, the condition of the skin and coat improves, a pleasant healthy shine appears;
• The functioning of the digestive system as a whole improves, and appetite increases.

Lactobifadol is available exclusively in powder form. No other forms (solution, ampoules, tablets) are available for production. Each batch of goods is packed in a plastic bag and hermetically sealed. Next - packing in a cardboard box, complete with instructions.

Indications for use

According to the instructions for use, Lactobifadol is suitable for use in various cases when there is a need to maintain a healthy balance of intestinal microflora:

• to normalize digestion and appetite, maintain normal microbiocenosis (qualitative and quantitative composition of microorganisms) of the gastrointestinal tract, including in the postoperative period;
• for the treatment and prevention of constipation/diarrhea of ​​various etiologies;
• to normalize metabolic processes, the condition of the skin and coat, strengthen the immune system, including in preparation for competitions or exhibitions;
• for viral infections to prevent bacterial complications;
• in the treatment of diseases of the skin, joints, gastrointestinal tract, liver, kidneys as an additional remedy;
• during pregnancy of a cat for the birth of healthy offspring and after birth to maintain lactation;
• bottle-fed kittens up to 30 days old for the prevention or treatment of dysbacteriosis;
• after poisoning, antibiotic therapy, a course of hormonal drugs, deworming, taking hormonal, antihistamine, antitumor and other drugs;
• with a tendency to frequent diseases in animals of different ages.

Content

1. Description of the drug lactobifadol 2. Main characteristics of the drug, its composition and properties 3. Practical effects 4. Indications 5. Instructions for use 6. Contraindications and side effects 7. Advantages and possible disadvantages 8. Existing analogues 9. Reviews:

Experts have appreciated all the benefits of using probiotics, these highly effective and irreplaceable builders of the body's immune system. One of these effective drugs is lactobifadol, a product that maintains an optimal balance of beneficial bacteria. A completely domestic development based on innovative discoveries in the field of microbiology, it was possible to create a drug that is safe for the animal’s body.

Instructions for use

To calculate a single dose of Lactobifadol, you should be guided by the formula: 0.1-0.2 g of powder per 1 kg of animal weight. It is convenient to measure a portion with an electronic scale, but if you don’t have one, you can use a teaspoon that holds 9 g of probiotic. For kittens weighing up to 1 kg, a portion will consist of literally a few grains, for animals up to 10 kg - no more than ¼ teaspoon, over 10 kg - up to half a spoon.

The powder should be given to the cat 1 or 2 times a day along with food or water. The duration of application depends on the initial purpose:

• for prevention: from 10-15 days to several months;
• for treatment: until a stable clinical effect is achieved.

Important! The powder should not be diluted with hot liquid or mixed with hot food, since at high temperatures the living strains will die and taking Lactobifadol will not have any effect.

Prebiotics and probiotics for dogs and cats

First you need to understand what prebiotics and probiotics are, and how they differ?

Probiotics are live beneficial bacteria.
Normally, many microorganisms are found in the intestines of any animal, and probiotics make it possible to replenish their number and, accordingly, suppress harmful microflora. Intestinal microflora is a very important component for the proper functioning of the gastrointestinal tract. It performs many different functions that the animal’s body is not always capable of. Prebiotics are food components that are not digested or absorbed in the animal’s stomach and intestines, but are food for microorganisms that populate the intestines. And most importantly, these components feed only beneficial microflora, preventing them from feeding on harmful ones. This is possible due to the “acidification” of the intestinal environment, which becomes unfavorable for the growth of harmful bacteria.

Why do you need to give pre- and probiotics?

As we have already found out, intestinal microflora is very important for the proper functioning of the gastrointestinal tract. Improper feeding, sudden changes in diet, treatment, especially with antibiotics, eating dirty snow or drinking water from puddles, as well as stress, travel, decreased immunity - all this undermines the healthy flora, reduces its quantity - dysbacteriosis occurs. Pre- and probiotics are used not only for treatment, but also for the prevention of dysbiosis. If you decide to change your pet’s food, or are going on a trip, or when your dog drank water in a nearby pond while out for a walk, it is better to play it safe and give her a course of pre- or probiotics.

When should you give your pet a course of pre- or probiotics?

When switching to a new food. Regardless of how similar two different foods are, they are produced from different raw materials, using different methods and often even in different factories. Therefore, your pet’s gastrointestinal tract may react negatively when switching to a new food. If you start giving pre- and probiotics shortly before switching to a new food, and continue to give them until your pet starts eating only the new food, you can prevent stool failure and also make the food more attractive to your pet.

Any treatment, especially antibiotics, affects the microflora of the gastrointestinal tract. Unfortunately, this cannot be completely avoided. But you can help the intestinal microflora if after treatment you give your pet a course of pre- and probiotics. Then the microflora will be restored faster, and stool loss can be avoided.

During walks in winter, many dogs eat snow, and in summer and in the off-season they drink from puddles and ponds. Water from these sources is usually contaminated with harmful substances, and stagnant water contains a lot of different microorganisms that have an adverse effect on the dog’s intestines. Drinking water from such sources may lead to vomiting and diarrhea. A preventative course of pre- and probiotics will help strengthen the intestinal microflora in advance and reduce the impact of harmful substances on your pet’s body.

Stress, for example, during fireworks displays or trips to the veterinary clinic, or moving, has an adverse effect on the animal’s body. Of course, the intestines also suffer, along with the bacteria that live in it. A decrease in immunity due to illness, during the vaccination period, and in the off-season also affects the beneficial intestinal microflora. You can support the microflora and increase its quantitative and qualitative composition in advance with a course of pre- and probiotics.

Which is better to choose?

Currently, there is no need to experiment with drugs for humans; pre- and probiotics specifically for dogs and cats can be found in stores. Let's look at several drugs and find out for which situation each of them is better suited.

FortiFlora

This is a probiotic preparation in the form of a dry powder that contains live Enterococcus faecium microorganisms. The probiotic is contained in the form of microcapsules, which eliminates the digestion of bacteria in the stomach. The protective film dissolves only when exposed to gastric juice, allowing bacteria to freely penetrate the intestines. The supplement is sold in sachets, 30 sachets per box.

There is FortiFlora for dogs and for cats, they differ in the content of additives. The preparation for cats additionally contains taurine, which is not produced in the body of cats, and the preparation for dogs is rich in vitamin C. The entire contents of the sachet must be poured into your pet’s food once a day. The FortiFlora supplement contains meat and its processed products, so the supplement has an attractive smell, so it is eaten with pleasure by both dogs and cats. It is convenient to pour the powder onto the food, but, unfortunately, it may partially fall to the bottom of the bowl and not all of it will be eaten.

Pro-Kolin Protexin

This drug is also a probiotic for Enterococcus faecium, but is available in the form of a paste, which is very convenient to squeeze out of a dispensing syringe. The paste can be squeezed onto food or directly into the animal’s mouth. And picky cats can get their paws dirty in it - the cat will start washing itself and lick off all the probiotic! Pro-Kolin contains beef flavoring, which increases its appeal to our pets. But the probiotic does not contain beef protein, therefore, there can be no allergy to it. Available in volumes of 15 ml, 30 ml and 60 ml, which allows you to buy as much of the drug as you need for the course specifically for your pet.

Pro-Kolin probiotic also contains pectin and kaolin. Kaolin is a white clay consisting of the mineral kaolinite. Kaolin is a natural adsorbent of harmful substances, and it also has bactericidal properties. During diarrhea, kaolin absorbs harmful substances, forms feces and helps reduce or completely eliminate diarrhea. Pectin is a polysaccharide that can inhibit the growth of harmful intestinal microflora. Pectin, like kaolin, has an adsorbing effect. Both of these substances help to quickly stop or reduce diarrhea, making it easier for beneficial bacteria to colonize the intestines.

Despite its many beneficial properties, Pro-Kolin is not a medicine. If your pet has vomiting or very intense diarrhea that does not stop for more than 8-12 hours, you should not experiment with treatment, you should immediately consult a veterinarian.

Viyo Reinforces

This is a prebiotic drink that does not contain live microorganisms. This prebiotic contains fructooligosaccharide fibers and inulin. They are not digested in the gastrointestinal tract of animals, but reach the large intestine, where they are fermented and serve as food for beneficial microflora, while suppressing harmful ones. The prebiotic is sold in sachets, 7 sachets per package. Viyo is designed for dogs and cats of different ages, so it is not difficult to choose a supplement specifically for your pet. The prebiotic can be used in its pure form, mixed with food or water.

Manufacturers have been achieving high product palatability for many years, and currently it is 85-95%! Such a high coefficient is achieved due to a special combination of meat, animal by-products, plant products, oils, fats, milk and dairy products. Because this drink is so tasty, it is often given to cats that don't drink much. By adding a prebiotic to water, you can make it more attractive to your cat, and she will drink with greater pleasure. It is also very convenient to switch your pet to a new food using Viyo. A tasty drink will make the new food more attractive to your pet, and the prebiotic it contains will support the intestinal microflora while the body gets used to the new diet.

Visible results from taking the drug occur after about two weeks of daily use. It is recommended to give the drink to animals for 4 weeks, repeating the course 4 times a year.

Types of Viyo: Viyo Reinforces Cat Kitten Prebiotic Drink for Kittens. Viyo Reinforces Cat Adult prebiotic drink for adult cats. Viyo Reinforces Cat Senior prebiotic drink for older cats.

Viyo Reinforces Dog Puppy prebiotic drink for puppies. Viyo Reinforces Dog Adult prebiotic drink for adult dogs. Viyo Reinforces Dog Senior prebiotic drink for older dogs, 7*30 ml.

Synbiotic Protexin DC

This drug is different from all those listed above, as it contains both the prebiotic gum arabic and the probiotic Enterococcus faecium. It comes in capsule form, but if you find it difficult to persuade your pet to eat the capsule, you can open it and pour the contents onto the food. Live bacteria and food for them in one capsule - what could be more convenient! Indeed, most preparations contain either a prebiotic or a probiotic. But in many situations both are necessary. Then it will be much more convenient and cheaper to choose a synbiotic, rather than mixing several different additives.

Below is a comparison table of all the supplements listed in the article.

Comparison table of pre- and probiotics

What conclusions can we draw?

Pre- and probiotics are very important supplements that support the intestinal microflora at the level necessary for good functioning of the gastrointestinal tract. Many factors in our pets' lives negatively impact beneficial gut bacteria. Stress, a change in diet, poor-quality food and feed, decreased immunity and much more can affect the microflora, reducing its quantitative and qualitative composition.

Most often, this does not lead to visible consequences for us, such as diarrhea. But this does not necessarily mean that the microflora is not affected. It’s just that the animal’s intestines and immune system cope and compensate for the lack of microflora.

In order to restore the number of beneficial intestinal bacteria, pre- and probiotics are used. Prebiotics, being food only for beneficial bacteria, indirectly improve the intestinal microflora, and with the help of probiotics you can “populate” the intestines with bacteria directly. Beneficial microflora not only participates in the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, but also destroys harmful bacteria, preventing the animal from getting sick.

Pre- and probiotics are not drugs, they have no side effects and cannot be overdosed. The worst thing that will happen if you give your pet a lot of supplements at once is that most of them simply will not be able to take hold and will be released in the feces, but the required amount will still remain in the intestines.

Prevention is the best treatment. If your pet is expecting any changes soon, if he ate or drank something inappropriate, you can give him a course of pre- and probiotics to prevent dysbiosis. Or you can give these supplements in courses recommended in the instructions to always maintain your pet’s intestinal microflora at the proper level.

In the online pet store Mister Woof you can buy prebiotics and probiotics for dogs and cats with delivery throughout Russia, Kazakhstan and Belarus .
We will quickly send supplements to any city, and for Chelyabinsk and Kopeysk we will deliver them to your door by our own courier service.

Additional recommendations

When using Lactobifadol, you should consider the following useful recommendations that will help you achieve the maximum effect from taking it:

• The bacteria in the probiotic are resistant to most antibiotics, which makes it possible to use it in combination with parenteral (subcutaneous, intradermal, intramuscular) administration of these drugs.
• In the first days of taking it, the nature of the stool may change, so you should start with a minimum dose (at the tip of a spoon) and increase it to the optimal dose over a few days, which will ensure normal frequency, consistency of bowel movements, and a healthy appetite. In case of severe liver pathologies, chronic enterocolitis and pancreatitis, the dose should be adjusted to the optimal dose within several weeks.
• It can be prescribed simultaneously with antibiotics, anthelmintic drugs and coccidiostats and after their use in order to normalize digestion.
• In case of serious damage to the mucous membranes of the gastrointestinal tract, the duration of the course can vary from 2-3 months to lifelong use.

Types of probiotics

They are divided into several types:

Among the monocomponent drugs, you can choose Biovestin for your animal.

• Monocomponent. Such preparations contain only one type of beneficial bacteria. The list of the best remedies includes the following names: “Bifidum”;
• "Biovestin".

Contraindications and side effects

The drug is of natural origin and contains cultures of bacteria found in the intestines of a healthy cat, therefore it has no obvious side effects or contraindications. The only contraindication listed in the instructions for Lactobifadol is individual sensitivity to the components. In some cases the following may appear:

• loose stools;
• increase/decrease in the number of trips to the toilet;
• increased gas formation in the intestines.

These phenomena are considered a variant of the norm and, if they occur, disappear 2-3 after the start of administration, when the cat’s body gets used to the probiotic.

Why are they needed?

Probiotics should be given to a cat to restore intestinal microflora in the following cases:

• Malabsorption. This is a condition when nutrients are poorly absorbed in the digestive system, resulting in diarrhea.
• Detox. It is carried out after antibiotics, since taking these drugs is very toxic and disrupts the natural microflora in the body.
• Kidney failure. In animals it often occurs as a consequence of hyperthyroidism. In this case, it is recommended to give the cat food with probiotics.

Lactobacilli take part in the synthesis of B vitamins, which are necessary for small cats to gain weight and grow.

Advantages and disadvantages

The advantages of Lactobifadol include:

• no age restrictions for use;
• possibility of use in combination with antibiotics;
• the absence of synthetic vitamins and minerals, which eliminates unwanted reactions when taken with any type of food;
• lack of a pronounced taste, which allows you to “mask” the probiotic with cat food.

A minor drawback is the not very convenient packaging for storage in the form of a bag without any fasteners. But it can be easily eliminated if you pour the powder into an existing small container with a closing lid.

Price and analogues

Estimated cost of "Enterofuril":

• in capsule form, 100 mg (30 pcs.) - from 200 to 250 rubles;
• in capsule form, 200 mg (16 pcs.) - from 260 to 300 rubles;
• in the form of a suspension of 200 mg - from 400 to 500 rubles.

If the veterinarian prescribed this medication for diarrhea, but it is not in the pharmacy, then you can replace it with other medications containing nifuroxazide.

Sources:

https://beletual.ru/enterofuril-dlya-kotyat-dozirovka/ https://generic-forum.ru/lechenie-jeludochno-kishechnogo-trakta/enterofuril-analogi/enterofuril-dlya-sobak-i-koshek-pri- ponose-pravilnoe-lechenie-pitomtsa/ https://pets2.me/bok/2013-kak-davat-enterofuril-kotu.html

Owner reviews

Marina, owner of a 2-month-old kitten:

“We took home a month-old kitten from the street. He was very weak and thin; for several days he could only eat milk, and it was to this that he added Lactobifadol powder. After just one serving, the baby began to eat pate, and after a couple of days his appetite completely woke up. I can confidently recommend it even to the smallest pets, it greatly stimulates digestion and appetite!”

Yuri, owner of a 4-year-old cat:

“After a course of antibiotics, the cat began to have diarrhea and the veterinary pharmacy advised me to take Lactobifadol. At first we tried adding it to the food, but for some reason the cat refused to eat it, so we had to give it diluted in water. The effect was noticeable after the first day of use, and after 5 days the stool finally returned to normal. After the course, the condition of the coat also improved noticeably.”

"Bifitrilak"

The drug contains a mixture of antioxidants, a prebiotic, natural sugars, micro- and macroelements, a natural mineral sorbent and antimicrobial natural substances. It is a brown powder with shiny inclusions that have a pearlescent sheen. It has no taste or smell. This is a pure, natural product with prebiotic, probiotic and sorbent properties. Absorbs and removes toxins from the body.

The activity of the drug is determined by the bifidobacteria and lactobacilli included in the composition, which are active against a wide range of opportunistic and pathogenic microorganisms. Expanded vermiculite, used as an adsorbent, absorbs gases, alkaloids, and heavy metal salts.

The drug is used mixed with milk, water, colostrum or feed. The suspension is prepared immediately before use, shaking the composition well until smooth. Adult cats are given 0.3 grams per day for 2-3 days. For kittens, the dose is halved.