Libby Sheridan, Scientific Affairs Manager at Purina explains that research on the microbiome has expanded enormously in recent years, “From the gut-brain axis to the gut-lung axis, it’s clear that disruptions in the microbiome can have a significant impact on many aspects of animal health and behaviour. Dysbiosis can result in clinical signs ranging from mild to severe acute or chronic GI signs, including diarrhoea, vomiting, decreased appetite, and weight loss and in fact, some treatment protocols such as antibiotics can themselves contribute to a worsening of dysbiosis, adding to the burden for an already compromised pet. We’re looking forward to having the opportunity to talk to veterinary teams about how they help nutritionally support the gut through such challenges.” A good quality, complete dog food is formulated to provide the right nutrition for your dog, including levels of fibre. The fibre often found in complete, manufactured dog foods include beet pulp or the bran of oats, rice and wheat - all of which are tasty for your dog too!

Pro-biotic supplements can also be used if you know a stressful situation is coming up; this way, you may prevent the problem before it starts. Managing your dog’s diarrhoea PURINA PRO PLAN Veterinary Diets EN Gastrointestinal dog food is also suitable for puppies as the medium chain fatty acids are easy to digest and also provide a good source of energy.If your dog has sudden or persistent constipation, it’s time for a trip to the vet just to be sure that nothing else is wrong. Managing your dog’s constipation Balanced recipe:provides puppies with all key nutrients for development; helps adult dogs maintain good body condition All members of the veterinary team are welcome on the stand – Purina recently sponsored a census of VCAs in conjunction with AVACA and has developed resources for veterinary receptionists in conjunction with BVRA and within the Purina Vet Centre online. Laura Hughes, Veterinary Nurse Development Manager says the need for a ‘one team’ approach has never been stronger, “Working together positively is so crucial at the moment – we’re all more aware than ever that if we fully utilise the skills of everyone in the team, not only can we offer a better client experience, we can also help alleviate the pressure felt by our colleagues. We want to support the whole team with the resources they need to achieve this and have so many practical toolkits that can be easily used in a fast-moving practice environment.” The recommended feeding amounts indicated are based upon the average nutritional needs of an adult dog with a normal activity level (using a standard 8 oz/250 ml measuring cup, which contains approximately 96 g of Purina ONE). Factors, such as a dog’s metabolism, breed size, activity level, age and whether the dog is spayed or neutered, will affect the amount of Purina ONE needed to maintain an ideal body condition. The pet experts at Purina have provided the feeding amounts indicated as a starting point. If you find that your dog is losing weight or becomes overweight when fed these amounts, please adjust accordingly. To help your dog maintain an ideal body condition, monitor your dog’s weight on a regular basis, making sure that his ribs are easily felt and his waist is visible when viewed from above. Maintaining an ideal body condition can impact your dog's lifelong health. Making the Switch to Purina ONE

Adjustments must be made for environmental conditions, activity level, body condition and breed size. As reflected in the feeding tables, smaller breed dogs can require 15% to 25% more kilocalories per pound of body weight than larger breed dogs. Provide fresh water in a clean container daily.

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Tempting as it is, adding human food to a nutritionally complete and balanced commercial dog food can cause digestive problems in dogs. Purina is attending London Vet Show this year and will be bringing its expertise in the microbiome and dysbiosis to the fore. The company is also taking part in UK Pet Food’s, ‘Food for Thought’ stream with an enlightening lecture on the power of probiotics at 2pm on 16 th November. On Purina’s stand L50 there will be exciting opportunities to take part in a challenging game with prizes for those who hit the heights of the leaderboard, as well as coffees, refreshments, samples, and giveaways. Conversations on the stand will centre around tools and resources to help vets in practice, with access to evidence-based information on developments around scientific understanding of the importance of a healthy microbiome. The following feeding program is recommended as a guideline only, with discretionary clinical adjustments for proper weight maintenance. FEEDING GUIDE 1 Your vet will tell you how your dog’s colitis can be managed; normally this is easily done through diet and medication, such as a dietary supplement. A dietary supplement will provide additional nutritional support, ensuring your dog still gets everything they need to stay on top of the world.

Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets Feline DM ST/OX Diabetes Management is a specialist diet for adult cats with diabetes, which meet the nutritional needs of diabetic cats and is clinically proven to help reduce the amount of insulin needed. The ingredients in this wet food are specifically formulated to help reduce fluctuations in your cat's blood sugar levels. There is a low carbohydrate content, as a high carbohydrate content can result in a rapid increase in blood sugar levels. Additionally, Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets Feline DM has an increased Vitamin E levels, which can help to reduce oxidative stress. Purina diabetic cat food can be fed long-term, as well as a temporary diet. To reduce your canine companion’s risk of constipation, make sure they have enough fibre or ‘roughage’ in their diet. It is also important to make sure your dog is drinking plenty of water and getting enough exercise, which can all help.Fibre, which your dog should get in their food, helps reduce constipation. This is because fibre absorbs water, which makes the food in their intestines bulkier and easier to pass. It also stimulates the movement of the intestinal tract and normalizes the passing of stools. PURINA® PRO PLAN® VETERINARY DIETS EN Gastrointestinal Cat Food is recommended for acute or chronic gastrointestinal diseases such as acute or chronic diarrhoea, gastroenteritis and colitis, malabsorption and maldigestion, food intolerances, inflammatory bowel disease, liver disease (not associated with encephalopathy), pancreatitis and convalescence. EN food is not suitable for hepatic encephalopathy & chronic kidney disease. Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets Feline OM ST/OX Obesity Management is a wet dietetic cat food that is low in calories, which is developed to reduce excessive weight. The high protein content helps to maintain your cat's healthy muscle mass during weight loss, while the fibre content helps your cat feel fuller for longer. Purina Obesity Management cat food can also help to prevent the formation of urinary stones, which overweight cats are more likely to suffer from. Please consult your vet before feeding your pet with a veterinary diet. Your vet will be able to give further information and advice on possible treatment