ProviableⓇproducts from Nutramax Laboratories Veterinary Sciences, Inc. are multi-strain probiotic products that also contain prebiotics. There are two product lines:ProviableⓇandProviableⓇ-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.

ProviableⓇkits and capsules can be given when your pet experiences loose stool due to an intestinal imbalance. Kits have the addition of tastyProviableⓇ-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.

For sudden onset in which the pet otherwise appears normal, the paste inProviableⓇ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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.