We recently had the opportunity to feature in the Australian Dog Lover blog. Here’s what they had to say:
Gold Coast based company prescribes a solution for anxiety in pets
A leading pet probiotic company has identified separation anxiety as a major issue for the 70 per cent of households owning a dog or cat, especially as Australia returns to normal working schedules.
Ipromea resident vet Dr Claire Stevens says while pet ownership in Australia increased by 10 per cent since 2020, responsible pet owners need to be aware of separation anxiety and how to combat it.
“We see a lot of pet owners come to the clinic desperate to help their pets cope with separation anxiety, believing the only option is to medicate their pets with antidepressants,” says Dr Stevens.
“We’re prescribing a lot more Fluoxetine, Amitriptyline, Trazodone for dogs and Gabapentin for dogs and cats, which can be problematic when it comes to ensuring good overall health.
“Probiotics are an excellent additional therapy without any adverse side effects unlike the medications mentioned before, which is an advantage.”
Whilst research between the brain and gut microbiomes is in its preliminary stages, the idea presents a fascinating avenue of research and a likely connection between the two.
You can try supplementing your pet’s diet with natural products that regulate their stress levels, which will help them transition from a full-time working from home schedule.
Dr Stevens says changes are difficult for pets to process, which has resulted in dog separation anxiety increasing by 700 per cent in the last two years.
“There are more natural ways to support your pets’ nervous system rather than turning to medication,” says Dr Stevens.
“Pet owners need to start taking extra care of their pets’ gut health, especially now that scientific studies have shown probiotics can also help to reduce the signs of anxiety in dogs.
“A good and easy way to boost your pet’s gut health is using high-quality probiotic meal toppers or clean treats that contain probiotic strains like Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium or Prevotella copri (P. copri).”
Dr Stevens says pet probiotics mixed with functional natural ingredients like hemp powder, chamomile or valerian extract will help calm pets down and assist with treating their anxious behaviour, working from the inside out.
“With more than 12 million dogs living in Australia, 100,000 approximately just on the Gold Coast, separation anxiety in dogs might be one of the strongest side effects of the pandemic seen in animals,” says Dr Stevens.
“While vet advice should always be sought before taking any action, helping your pets cheer up again with a balanced diet, exercise and natural supplements is a great way to kickstart their mental health.”
Ipromea is a Gold Coast-based company that manufactures and supplies exceptional gut-friendly probiotic products for pets.
The local company has recently launched a scientifically backed product, i-PRO Calm Nervous System Support, which contains pro and pre-biotics alongside all the best relaxation enhancing ingredients, like Hemp Powder, Chamomile Extract and Valeriana Officinalis.
Read full Australian Dog Lover article here