Proviable Dogs and Cats FAQs
What is Proviable?
Proviable products from Nutramax
Laboratories
Veterinary Sciences, Inc. are
multi-strain probiotic products that also contain prebiotics. There are two product lines: Proviable and
Proviable-Forte. Both product lines have two offerings, kits and
capsules. A daily administration of
each product line contains billions of seven different strains of probiotic microorganisms plus
two
prebiotics. Capsules are typically used long-term for intestinal health and balance. Kits, which
include
paste and capsules, are used for short-term digestive upset.
When should Proviable products be given?
Proviable kits and capsules can be given
when
your pet experiences loose stool
due to an intestinal imbalance. Kits have the addition of tasty Proviable-KP paste that not only helps
intestinal balance but also helps firm stools. Capsules may also be given before stressful
situations,
such as traveling and kenneling. They can be used long-term as recommended by your veterinarian
for
certain gastrointestinal conditions.
When should I see a change in my pet’s condition?
For sudden onset in which the pet otherwise appears normal, the paste in Proviable
kits should be given for 48-72 hours to help form stools; however, some pets may respond in a shorter
period of time. Capsules should be continued as recommended by your veterinarian. If no change is
noted,
or if your pet is not eating or is vomiting, please contact your veterinarian as soon as possible.
Why do I need Proviable products when there are
probiotics in
my pet’s food?
Probiotics that are supplied in pet foods may be ineffective when ingested by
the pet due to the manufacturing processes of the food. In addition, there may not be sufficient
numbers of the probiotics to elicit a response, and the strains included in the food may not have the
beneficial properties of a probiotic microorganism. Proviable
products,
in comparison, provide a
guaranteed concentration of live bacteria and provide multiple beneficial strains.
Can I give my pet yogurt instead of Proviable?
Yogurt products may contain probiotic bacteria but not usually at concentrations
necessary to help populate the intestinal tract of the dog or cat in order to elicit a beneficial
response, especially during times of imbalance. Furthermore, the probiotic species in yogurts may not be
live or be a beneficial strain for dogs and cats.
Can Proviable products be given with
medications?
The kaolin and pectin in KP Paste could delay absorption of some medications, so
the administration of the paste should be separated by 1-2 hours from medications. Capsules and chewable tablets should not
be given at the same time as antibiotic medications to help maintain probiotic viability; therefore, it
is best to separate the administration times by 1-2 hours.
Are there any safety concerns or side effects with Proviable
products?
Probiotics should be given based on the recommendation of your veterinarian. They
are not recommended for pets that are critically ill or that have a suppressed immune system, or in
animals that are severely dehydrated or vomiting. There are no known side effects with Proviable when
given according to package recommendations. Proviable-KP Paste
should
only be used for 48-72 hours
unless directed otherwise by your veterinarian, as the kaolin and pectin could potentially cause
constipation with prolonged use at higher than recommended levels.
How should Proviable products be stored?
The probiotic bacteria in Proviable products
are
protected to ensure viability
with storage at room temperature, not to exceed 77° F, for two years. The expiration dates are found
on
the packaging. If there is concern about storage at temperatures above 77° F, Proviable products can be
stored in the refrigerator as long as they are not frozen.