Having a pet isn't what it used to be. In the recent past dogs were bought as workers, helping farmers, hunters and the police. Cats were helpful in keeping snakes and vermin at bay, as well as bringing good fortune.

Modern pet ownership is entirely different, with people getting pets as an addition to their family. This beautiful new perception of cats and dogs as a part of the family has revealed a lot of new information about their health. 

We now have a range of pet supplements which can provide a range of health help from immune support for cats to homeopathic cancer treatment for dogs.

Gut Flora

We're learning more and more about the role our gut flora plays in the health of our bodies, and unsurprisingly the same rings true for cats and dogs. It's a well known fact now that a strict diet of pet biscuits or tins of pet food can overload our pets with sodium and empty calories. 

Many people treat their pets diet as important as their own, ensuring their fur baby is eating everything they should be eating to be healthy. Although it's undeniable that we can't control everything that goes in your pets mouth.

Cats

With cats we've all seen them bring in some filthy vermin as a trophy for you and your family, but even if your cat doesn't do that there's still ways for unwanted bacteria to get in their bellies. Cats are masters of getting into tight squeezes and exploring everything, a viral video a couple years ago revealed a cat using a sewer pipe to get around. After rubbing against all kinds of muck they come home and groom themselves, and that's an almost daily routine.

To ensure your cat doesn't end up with inflammatory bowel disease, probiotics for cats can give your kitty the gut flora it needs to fight bacterial infection, as well as boosting its immunity.

Dogs

More active in perhaps a smaller area, dogs are as curious as cats, and definitely more involved. Dogs will stick their nose anywhere, and if the smell doesn't tell them what they need to know, they will happily lick anything. Instead of trying to train this behaviour out of them, why not give them the means to fight any bacteria they accidentally chomp up.

Probiotics for dogs have not only proven to improve their gut flora, but also reduce stress and anxiety, greatly improving their mood. They have also be known to help with the symptoms of cancer in dogs, although this is still widely debated.

Food For Thought

Supplements can only help so much, if your pet isn't getting enough nutritious food, exercise and water, then you may not see the expected results. Treat your fur baby like you would a baby, giving them the life they deserve and ensuring their quality of life is the best you can give them. 

Always ask for professional advice before giving any supplements or medication to your pets, and avoid giving them human medication as it can disrupt their digestive system.