Conventional vets often prescribe antibiotics, antacids (Pepcid and Tagamet) and steroids for
gastrointestinal upsets. These medications function by reducing or stopping the normal stomach
acids that naturally occur in the stomach to aid digestion. Antibiotics indiscriminately kill the
beneficial bacteria in the digestive tract. Steroids are anti-inflammatory drugs that do not correct
the underlying causes.
Conventional treatments simply mask or cover up the symptoms and never resolve the underlying
cause. The suppression of symptoms results in an endless (and discomforting) cycle of vomiting,
diarrhea and gas for the dog.
According to many experts, excess stomach acid is not the real villain. Bacterial invaders, such as
Helicobacter pylori, Bacillus cereus, Enterococcus feacalis, e coli, and others are present in as much
as 83% of commercial foods. These bacteria burrow into the mucosal lining of the stomach,
wreaking havoc when gastric acid burns the lining causing a sore (ulcer). Dogs may harbor these
bacteria for years leading to chronic gastrointestinal disorders.
Low levels of stomach acid also allow harmful bacteria to multiply in stagnant pockets along the
GI tract. This is called diverticulitis - an inflammation in the pouches where the bacteria has
flourished. Excess gas is produced and antibiotics compound the problem because they
indiscriminately kill the resident flora, both the naturally occurring beneficial bacteria and the
bacterial invaders.
HardyPet Complete contains probiotics (beneficial bacteria), prebiotics (food for those good bugs)
and digestive enzymes which promote better nutrient absorption and help with problems such as
a sensitive stomach and chronic diarrhea. Probiotics are especially beneficial for young puppies,
changes in diet, animals on a raw diet, dogs with allergies, stressful situations such as boarding,
and dogs being treated with antibiotics. |
