FAQs
Please find a range of FAQs on this page. If your question is not answered please don't hesitate to contact us and one of our Technical Advisors will be more than happy to help.
Please fill in our contact form, email us on info@protexin.com or call us on +44 (0) 1460 243 230.
The capsule can be given whole, hidden in a small tasty treat if necessary. Or the capsule may be opened and the contents mixed in with food.
This product should be used for as long as supplementation is deemed necessary by your veterinary surgeon. Please follow your veterinary surgeon’s recommendation when using this product.
Cobalaplex should be stored somewhere cool and dry – a cupboard is usually ideal.
Cobalaplex will last until the Best Before End (BBE) date printed on the packaging.
Cobalaplex is safe to be given alongside all other Protexin products; although you should speak to your veterinary surgeon before giving Cobalaplex alongside Pro-Enzorb and Pro-Kolin Enterogenic as these products also contain cobalamin (vitamin b12).
Cobalaplex should never be mixed with hot food or mixed with food prior to cooking. We advise letting food cool to no more than ‘lukewarm’ prior to mixing in Cobalaplex
8 weeks of age (or from weaning). This product should always be used under the guidance of a veterinary surgeon.
No. We do not advise using any product that has passed the expiry date on the package.
Yes. Cobalaplex is suitable for cats and dogs.
Yes. The flavouring in Cobalaplex is entirely artificial and contains no actual chicken protein or derivatives. This artificial flavour has been designed to ensure there are no allergic responses from animals with allergies to specific meat proteins.
No. Cobalaplex does not contain any Soya.
No. Cobalaplex is yeast free.
No. Cobalaplex does not contain wheat or wheat derivatives.
No. Cobalaplex is free from dairy.
Yes. You can safely use Cobalaplex even if your pet is taking another source of prebiotics.
Yes. Cobalaplex can be given at the same time as antibiotics.
Yes. Cobalaplex can be given at the same time as other medications. This product should always be used under the guidance of a veterinary surgeon.
No. There are no contraindications with Cobalaplex and other medications. This means it is safe to use Cobalaplex even if your animal is taking other medications. This product should always be used under the guidance of a veterinary surgeon.
You should always speak with your veterinary surgeon before using Cobalaplex in pregnant or lactating animals. The Protexin Veterinary Technical Team will be able to advise your veterinary surgeon if they require any assistance with product choice in these cases.
The capsule can be given whole, hidden in a small tasty treat if necessary. Or the capsule may be opened and the contents mixed in with food.
Cystophan should never be mixed with hot food or mixed with food prior to cooking. We advise letting food cool to no more than ‘lukewarm’ prior to mixing in Cystophan.
We advise, if possible, giving the capsule whole or opened and mixed with food; although Cystophan could be mixed with a small amount of water to make a ‘paste’ if needed.
You can use a small amount of water to dampen the dry kibble and allow the Cystophan to adhere to the damp surface when subsequently mixed, or you can mix Cystophan in with a small amount of ‘wet’ food.
Cystophan is safe to be given alongside all other Protexin products.
Cystophan can be used in cats from 6 months of age. Please speak to a member of the Veterinary Technical Team if you feel there may be an indication to use Cystophan in kittens below this age.
No. Cystophan should be stored somewhere cool and dry – a cupboard is usually ideal.
No. We do not advise using any product that has passed the expiry date on the package.
There should be no need to give these products together. We advise that you speak to your veterinary surgeon if you are unsure which product would be best for your cat: or alternatively, you can contact the Veterinary Technical Team here at Protexin ADM.
Cystophan has been specifically designed to support healthy bladder function in cats. We would advise using CystoPro if you require a product to support healthy bladder function in your dog.
Yes. The flavouring in Cystophan is entirely artificial and contains no actual chicken protein or derivatives. This artificial flavour has been designed to ensure there are no allergic responses from animals with allergies to specific meat proteins.
No. Cystophan contains no yeast or yeast derivatives
No. Cystophan contains no wheat or wheat derivatives.
No. Cystophan is free from dairy.
Yes. Cystophan can be given at the same time as antibiotics.
We would advise exercising caution if giving Cystophan alongside any medications that are known to increase levels of serotonin. There is a very rare adverse effect called serotonin syndrome reported in people, but no animals to date, which may follow an excessive release of serotonin due to concurrent drug administration. Cystophan contains L-tryptophan which is a serotonin precursor. Please speak to your vet for further advice or contact the Veterinary Technical Team.
It is not recommended to use Cystophan during pregnancy or lactation. While the use of L-tryptophan in pregnant animals has not been documented, pregnant and lactating women are advised to avoid L-tryptophan supplementation.
No. Cystophan has no effect on urine pH.
Yes. Cystophan has no effect on urine pH and therefore will have no effect on bladder stone formation or dissolution.
Protexin products have a 2 years shelf life from manufacture even if the syringe or tub has been opened. For products which come in blister packs – the tablet/ capsule should only be removed from the packaging when it is due to be given to the animal.
Yes. We recommend giving the entire dose of CystoPro once daily.
The capsule can be given whole, hidden in a small tasty treat if necessary. Or the capsule may be opened and the contents mixed in with food.
CystoPro should never be mixed with hot food or mixed with food prior to cooking as this will kill the beneficial bacteria (probiotic). We advise letting food cool to no more than ‘lukewarm’ prior to mixing in CystoPro.
We advise, if possible, giving the capsule whole or opened and mixed with food; although CystoPro could be mixed with a small amount of water to make a ‘paste’ if needed.
We advise either administering the capsule whole (you can try hiding the CystoPro in a small tasty treat if you find tableting difficult) or you can use a small amount of water to dampen the dry kibble and allow the CystoPro to adhere to the damp surface when subsequently mixed.
CystoPro is safe to be given alongside all other Protexin products.
Whilst cranberry extracts are very safe we have no specific safety studies in puppies/kittens and so we would advise liaising with your veterinary surgeon regarding CystoPro administration in animals younger than 12 weeks of age.
No. CystoPro should be stored somewhere cool and dry – a cupboard is usually ideal.
It would not cause harm to the animal but there is a chance that the ingredients may have become less effective after exposure to high temperatures.
No. We do not advise using any product that has passed the expiry date on the package.
Yes. CystoPro is safe to use in cats.
There should be no need to give these products together. We advise that you speak to your veterinary surgeon if you are unsure which product would be best for your cat: or alternatively, you can contact the Veterinary Technical Team here at Protexin ADM.
You can give your cat half a capsule mixed with food - although capsules can be hard to split so you don’t need to worry about giving exactly half – giving a whole capsule to a small cat would still be very safe.
CystoPro does not contain any soya and can safely be used in animals with soya allergies.
Yes. The flavouring in CystoPro is entirely artificial and contains no actual chicken protein or derivatives. This artificial flavour has been designed to ensure there are no allergic responses from animals with allergies to specific meat proteins.
CystoPro contains mannan-oligosaccharide (MOS); this is a purified molecule, derived from the yeast cell wall. Whilst these should not cause the same allergic response as whole yeast we would advise to use with caution in animals with known yeast allergies.
No. CystoPro contains no wheat or wheat derivatives.
No. CystoPro is free from dairy.
We advise ideally giving CystoPro and antibiotics a few hours apart (antibiotics first).
Yes. There are no known adverse effects from giving CystoPro with other medications.
Whilst cranberry extracts have been shown to be safe in pregnant humans there is no specific data relating to their use in pregnant dogs/cats thus we would advise discussing this with your veterinary surgeon. The other ingredients in CystoPro are safe for use in pregnant animals.
No. CystoPro has no effect on urine pH.
Yes. CystoPro has no effect on urine pH and therefore will have no effect on bladder stone formation or dissolution.
Dasuquin is a new and innovative joint support supplement for dogs that not only contains one of the most biologically active combinations of glucosamine and chondroitin available but it also contains the patented ingredient: NMX1000® Avocado-Soybean unsaponifiables (ASU). With over 80 published and peer-reviewed scientific papers supporting the benefits of Dasuquin’s ingredients you can be assured that you are giving your dog one of the most scientifically supported and complete joint supplements available.
ASU stands for Avocado-Soybean Unsaponifiables. ASU is a specific fraction of oil that is extracted from soybeans and avocados. Over 30 published studies on ASU have demonstrated the ability of this ingredient to support canine joints.
Glucosamine and chondroitin are essential components required for the building blocks of cartilage known as proteoglycans. Studies have shown that ASU works synergistically with FCHG49® glucosamine hydrochloride and TRH122® low molecular weight chondroitin sulphate to support new cartilage growth.
Dasuquin is the only joint support available that contains the innovative new ingredient ASU along with the optimal amount of FCHG49® glucosamine hydrochloride and TRH122® low molecular weight chondroitin sulphate for your dog. This unique combination has been shown, in numerous scientific studies, to support new cartilage production.
Yes. None of the foods contain the same researched combination of high quality ingredients found in Dasuquin and there are no foods available on the market containing ASU. In addition, both glucosamine and chondroitin sulphate may degrade when subjected to the heat or extreme pressure in the manufacturing process of commercial dog food.
Dasuquin is extremely safe. There are no known contraindications or known interactions between Dasuquin and any drug or nutritional supplement.
Although some reactions to avocados have been reported in dogs, the ASU in Dasuquin is taken from a very small fraction (1%) of the oil produced from avocados and is not the same as actually eating an avocado. Safety studies have shown ASU to have no adverse effects in dogs.
Dasuquin is available in two different sizes: Dasuquin for Small to Medium Dogs for dogs less than 25kg and Dasuquin for Large Dogs for dogs 25kg and over. Both sizes are packaged in pots containing 80 tablets.
The loading period lasts 4-6 weeks, to ensure that the active ingredients in Dasuquin reach beneficial levels. This is based are based on scientific studies which have been carried out to assess the amount of Dasuquin needed to achieve maximum efficacy for all active ingredients. Once the loading period has finished the number of Dasuquin tablets your pet receives daily can be halved. This is sufficient to maintain beneficial levels of Dasuquin’s active ingredients long term. For full usage guidelines please visit our product page.
We strongly advise, when transitioning from another joint supplement to Dasuquin, that you do still complete the recommended loading period of Dasuquin. This is so that the combination of ASU, FCHG49® glucosamine hydrochloride and TRH122® low molecular weight chondroitin sulphate can reach peak levels in the joint within the shortest time frame possible to enable your dog to receive the maximum benefit from Dasuquin.
Dasuquin is available from your veterinary surgeon. As your pet’s health care professional, your veterinary surgeon is best qualified to decide if Dasuquin may benefit your dog.
We recommend giving your Protexin probiotic product a few hours after antibiotics so that the beneficial bacteria contained in the product are not killed by the antibiotic itself.
No. We do not advise using any product that has passed the expiry date on the package.
It is unlikely to cause harm to the animal but there is a chance that the ingredients may have become less effective after exposure to high temperatures.
No, they should be stored somewhere cool and dry – a cupboard is usually ideal.
All Protexin Veterinary products, except Denamarin, can be mixed with food or given straight to the animal. Denamarin must be given on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before food, to enable maximum absorption of the ingredients.
Protexin products should never be mixed with hot food or mixed with food prior to cooking as this will kill the beneficial bacteria (probiotic). We advise letting food cool to no more than ‘lukewarm’ prior to mixing in Protexin product.
The flavourings used in our gastrointestinal range are all artificial, and do not contain any meat-derived proteins which may trigger an allergy.
PF is safe to be given alongside all other Protexin products.
PF is safe to be given alongside all other Protexin products.
8 weeks of age.
We recommend giving the entire dose of PF once daily but if your animal is unwilling to take the whole amount in one go then the dose can be split between 2 meals throughout the day.
It would not cause harm to the animal but there is a chance that the ingredients may have become less effective after exposure to high temperatures.
No. We do not advise using any product that has passed the expiry date on the package.
Yes. PF is for cats and dogs.
We would advise discussing duration of treatment with your veterinary surgeon. PF can safely be administered long-term.
Yes. Under the guidance of your veterinary surgeon the daily amount of PF administered to your animal can be adjusted as required (increased or decreased).
No. The PF Rabbit contains a probiotic that is not licensed for use in dogs and cats. In addition PF Rabbit has been formulated specifically for herbivores and thus would not be suitable for the nutritional requirements of dogs/cats.
PF does not contain any soya and can safely be used in animals with soya allergies.
Yes. The flavouring in PF is entirely artificial and contains no actual beef protein or derivatives. This artificial flavour has been designed to ensure there are no allergic responses from animals with allergies to specific meat proteins.
No. PF does not contain yeast.
Yes. PF contains wheat feed and wheat bran and is not advised for use in animals with known wheat allergies.
No. PF is free from dairy.
We advise ideally giving PF and antibiotics a few hours apart (antibiotics first).
We would advise that you give the PF a few hours later than other medications (if this is difficult then a minimum of 1 hour later) to ensure the absorption of other medications is not reduced by the presence of the fibre; there is only a very small risk of this occurring but we would rather be safe.
Yes. There are no contraindications with PF and other medications (apart from administration timings).
Yes. PF is safe to be used in pregnant and lactating animals.
PF is a palatable pellet which can be mixed with the food. We advise leaving the pellets whole but if your pet will not eat them whole they can be crushed (although this may reduce the overall effectiveness of the product).
PF should never be mixed with hot food or mixed with food prior to cooking as this will kill the beneficial bacteria (probiotic). We advise letting food cool to no more than ‘lukewarm’ prior to mixing in PF.
PF is a palatable pellet and can just be added to your animal’s normal kibble ration.
To administer the correct amount of the product use the handy wheel on the syringe plunger. Rotate the wheel until it is to the right of the number representing the desired quantity to be administered (as indicated on the dose table printed on the packaging)
See diagram below showing the correct and incorrect position for 10ml.
Remove the cap from the end of the syringe and press the plunger to deliver the product directly into your pet’s mouth; you can also mix the product in with your pet’s food. Ensure the nozzle is thoroughly cleaned and dried after each use and always replace the cap. For further information you can access the dose and administration instructions via the following link: http://www.pro-kolin.com/pro-kolin/404/directions-for-use
We would recommend giving PKA for 2-3 days (although it may be used for longer under instruction from your veterinary surgeon). Any animal with digestive disturbances lasting longer than 2-3 days should be checked by a veterinary surgeon. If your animal shows signs of being unwell then you should contact your veterinary surgeon as soon as possible.
PKA should be stored somewhere cool and dry – a cupboard is usually ideal. If the weather is extremely hot and there are no suitable storage areas in your house that would be cool enough then you can store the Pro-Kolin+ in a refrigerator.
PKA will last until the BBE date printed on the syringe; as long as it is stored in a cool, dry place and the nozzle is cleaned and dried after each use, and the cap replaced.
PKA is safe to be given alongside all other Protexin products.
Yes. PKA can be mixed with food or given straight from the syringe.
PKA should never be mixed with hot food or mixed with food prior to cooking as this will kill the beneficial bacteria (probiotic). We advise letting food cool to no more than ‘lukewarm’ prior to mixing in PKA.
PKA can be used in animals from 12 weeks of age. Please contact the Veterinary Technical Team if you feel you may need to use this product in younger animals.
It would not cause harm to your pet but there is a chance that the ingredients may become less effective after exposure to high temperatures.
No. We do not advise using any product that has passed the expiry date on the package.
PKA has been formulated with separate versions specifically designed for dogs and cats. The flavours were selected for maximum palatability in each species. In addition PKA cat contains taurine, an essential amino acid for cats.
Yes it is safe to give PKA Dog to cats, however they will not benefit from the chicken flavour which was selected especially for cats, nor will they receive the taurine, added to cat PKA, which is an essential amino acid for cats.
PKA contains Soya Oil and should not be used in animals with soya allergies/sensitivities.
Yes. The flavouring in both PKA Dog (liver flavour) and PKA Cat (chicken flavour) is entirely artificial and contains no actual meat protein or derivatives.
PKA does not contain whole yeast but it does contain Beta glucans; these are highly purified molecules derived from the yeast cell walls. Whilst these should not cause an allergic response we would still advise to use with caution in animals with known yeast allergies.
No. PKA does not contain wheat or wheat derivatives.
No. PKA is free from dairy.
Yes. You can safely use PKA even if your pet is taking another source of probiotics/prebiotics.
We advise ideally giving PKA and antibiotics a few hours apart.
As PKA contains clay we would advise that you give the PKA a few hours later than other medications (if this is difficult then a minimum of 1 hour later) to ensure the absorption of other medications is not reduced by the presence of the clay: there is only a very small risk of this occurring but it is important to ensure that your pet receives the maximum benefit of any medication they may be taking.
No. There are no contraindications with PKA and other medications (apart from administration timings). This means it is safe to use PKA even if your animal is taking other medications.
Yes. PKA can be given to pregnant and lactating animals.
PK+ contains Soya Oil and should not be used in animals with soya allergies/sensitivities.
Yes. The flavouring in PK+ is entirely artificial and contains no actual beef protein or derivatives. This artificial flavour has been designed to ensure there are no allergic responses from animals with allergies to specific meat proteins.
Yes. You can safely use PK+ even if your pet is taking another source of probiotics/prebiotics.
We advise ideally giving PK+ and antibiotics a few hours apart
We recommend giving the entire dose of PKE once daily but if your animal is unwilling to take the whole amount in one go then the dose can be split between 2 meals.
No. PKE should be stored somewhere cool and dry – a cupboard is usually ideal.
It would not cause harm to the animal but there is a chance that the ingredients may have become less effective after exposure to high temperatures.
No. We do not advise using any product that has passed the expiry date on the package.
Yes. PKE is suitable for use in both cats and dogs.
We would recommend giving PKE for a minimum of 1 month and, if your animal is responding well, it can be safely given longer-term.
PKE does not contain any soya and can safely be used in animals with soya allergies.
Yes. The flavouring in PKE is entirely artificial and contains no actual chicken/beef protein or derivatives. This artificial flavour has been designed to ensure there are no allergic responses from animals with allergies to specific meat proteins.
PKE contains beta glucans and mannan-oligosaccharide (MOS); these are highly purified molecules derived from the yeast cell wall. Whilst these should not cause the same allergy response as whole yeast, we would advise to use with caution in animals with known yeast allergies.
No. PKE does not contain wheat or wheat derivatives.
No. PKE is free from dairy.
We advise ideally giving PKE and antibiotics a few hours apart (antibiotics first).
As PKE contains clay we would advise that you give the PKE a few hours later than other medications (if this is difficult then a minimum of 1 hour later) to ensure the absorption of other medications is not reduced by the presence of the clay; there is only a very small risk of this occurring but we want to ensure that your pet receives maximum benefit from any medications they may be taking.
Yes. There are no contraindications with PKE and other medications (apart from administration timings). This means that PKE can safely be given to your pet even if they are taking other medications.
You should always speak with your veterinary surgeon before using PKE in pregnant or lactating animals. The Protexin Veterinary Technical Team will be able to advise your veterinary surgeon if they require any assistance with product choice in these cases.
Yes. Vitamin B12 is a water soluble vitamin and so any excess will be safely excreted in the urine.
The contents of the sachet may be mixed with food. If your pet eats dry food you can wet the food with a small amount of water so that the powder sticks to the kibble. It can alternatively be mixed with lukewarm water to make a paste, which can be mixed with food or syringed directly into the mouth. We recommend that this product is administered once a day.
PKE should never be mixed with hot food or mixed with food prior to cooking as this will kill the beneficial bacteria (probiotic). We advise letting food cool to no more than ‘lukewarm’ prior to mixing in PKE.
PKE can be mixed with cold or lukewarm water to form a paste
PKE is safe to be given alongside all other Protexin products; although we advise speaking to your veterinary surgeon before using PKE alongside Pro-Enzorb or Cobalaplex as these products also contain cobalamin (vitamin b12).
8 weeks of age. However we advise that all animals are assessed by a veterinary surgeon prior to starting supplementation with PKE.
Yes. PK+ can be mixed with food or given straight from the syringe
PK+ should never be mixed with hot food or mixed with food prior to cooking as this will kill the beneficial bacteria (probiotic). We advise letting food cool to no more than ‘lukewarm’ prior to mixing in PK+
PK+ can be used in animals from 2 weeks of age, however we always advise to consult your veterinary surgeon first before using PK+ in animals younger than 8 weeks of age.
It would not cause harm to your pet but there is a chance that the ingredients may become less effective after exposure to high temperatures.
No. We do not advise using any product that has passed the expiry date on the package.
Yes. PK+ is suitable for cats and dogs.
PK+ 60ml contains the same product as the 15ml and 30ml syringes and is safe to use in cats. The only reason the 60ml syringes do not mention cats on the packaging is that we primarily sell through veterinary surgeries and the 60ml was designed as a short course of treatment for large breed dogs. You may find that it is difficult to administer the smaller doses required for cats from the 60ml syringe.
No. PK+ is yeast free.
No. PK+ does not contain wheat or wheat derivatives.
No. PK+ is free from dairy.
As PK+ contains kaolin clay we would advise that you give the PK+ a few hours later than other medications (if this is difficult then a minimum of 1 hour later) to ensure the absorption of other medications is not reduced by the presence of the clay: there is only a very small risk of this occurring but it is important to ensure that your pet receives the maximum benefit of any medication they may be taking.
No. There are no contraindications with PK+ and other medications (apart from administration timings). This means it is safe to use PK+ even if your animal is taking other medications.
Yes. PK+ can be given to pregnant and lactating animals.
To administer the correct amount of the product use the handy wheel on the syringe plunger. Rotate the wheel until it is to the right of the number representing the desired quantity to be administered (as indicated on the dose table printed on the packaging)
See diagram below showing the correct and incorrect position for 10ml.
Remove the cap from the end of the syringe and press the plunger to deliver the product directly into your pet’s mouth; you can also mix the product in with your pet’s food. Ensure the nozzle is thoroughly cleaned and dried after each use and always replace the cap.
We would recommend giving PK+ for 2-3 days (although it may be used for longer under instruction from your veterinary surgeon). Any animal with digestive disturbances lasting longer than 2-3 days should be checked by a veterinary surgeon. If your animal shows signs of being unwell then you should contact your veterinary surgeon as soon as possible.
PK+ should be stored somewhere cool and dry – a cupboard is usually ideal. If the weather is extremely hot and there are no suitable storage areas in your house that would be cool enough then you can store the Pro-Kolin+ in a refrigerator.
PK+ will last until the BBE date printed on the syringe; as long as it is stored in a cool, dry place and the nozzle is cleaned and dried after each use, and the cap replaced.
PK+ is safe to be given alongside all other Protexin products.
The microflora consists of various bacteria, protozoa and yeasts. These are distributed throughout the length of the gut and coexist in a symbiotic (mutual) relationship in the healthy animal. These micro-organisms can be health positive (beneficial), health neutral or health negative (potential to cause disease).
Dysbiosis is the condition of having a microbial imbalance on or within the body. This typically involves the health negative micro-organisms outnumbering the health positives.
Probiotics are defined by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as “live micro-organisms which when administered in adequate amounts confer a health benefit on the host”.
Probiotics have been shown to work by the following mechanisms:
- Competition for nutrients – within the gut beneficial and pathogenic micro-organisms will be utilising the same types of nutrients. This results in a general competition between bacteria for these nutrients. When a probiotic is administered there is an overall reduction in nutrients available for pathogenic bacteria and consequently this minimises the levels of pathogenic micro-organisms.
- Competition for adhesion sites – beneficial bacteria can attach to the gut wall and form colonies at various sites throughout the gut. This prevents pathogenic bacteria from gaining a foothold, resulting in their expulsion from the body.
- Improvement in digestion – probiotics have been shown to increase the efficiency of digestion and therefore provide an improvement in digestion.
- Lactic acid production – probiotics produce lactic acid which acts to reduce the gut pH, inhibiting the growth of pathogenic bacteria, which prefer a more alkaline environment.
- Effect on immunity – probiotics have been shown to increase the levels of cell-signalling chemicals and the effectiveness of infection-fighting cells (white blood cells).
When choosing a probiotic for your pet or other animal it is important to identify the best product possible. When assessing probiotics it is important to check:
- Safety – the micro-organism chosen must be non-pathogenic and non-toxic. Within the EU all probiotics must be registered for use in an individual animal species. For example, Enterococcus faecium (NCIMB 10415) E1707 is registered for use in dogs.
- Viability – the micro-organisms within a probiotic product should remain viable during their storage. The probiotics should also be able to pass safely through the stomach so that they can colonise the gut. A good freeze-drying process will enable the product to be stored at room temperature throughout the duration of its shelf life. Microencapsulation will afford protection throughout the high acidity of the stomach.
- Sufficient numbers – the concentration of a probiotic must be such that inclusion rates provide a beneficial effect.
- Quality assurance – when manufacturing probiotic products high quality standards and processes are imperative. This ensures that the product meets label specifications and is also effective and safe to use.
There are no side effects associated with the use of probiotics. All EU-registered probiotics have to pass stringent safety trials before being approved for use in each species. It is not possible to give too great a quantity of probiotics as any excess will simply pass out in the faeces.
Yes, evidence shows that taking a probiotic at the same time as an antibiotic can reduce the incidence of antibiotic-associated diarrhoea. For the best results give the probiotic at the opposite end of the day to the antibiotic. Where this is not possible give the probiotic at least three hours after the antibiotic. The probiotic will not affect the effectiveness of the antibiotic.
The main causes of dysbiosis in companion animals include:
- Antibiotic treatment
- Intestinal pathogens
- Dietary indiscretion (e.g. scavenging)
- Sudden change of diet
- Prolonged fasting
- Stress (e.g. travel, shows and kennels)
- Life-stage (e.g. weaning and old age).
The most common symptom associated with dysbiosis is diarrhoea. Other clinical signs that can be seen include vomiting, bloating, flatulence and borborygmi (excessive rumbling or gurgling noise that occurs from the movements of fluid and gas in the intestines)
A prebiotic is a non-digestible carbohydrate (complex sugar) which acts as a food source for beneficial bacteria and therefore stimulates their growth.
Preplex® prebiotic is exclusive to Protexin and consists of fructo-oligosaccharide (FOS) and acacia (Gum arabic). This dual source prebiotic is of benefit across a larger area of the gut compared to a single source prebiotic.
We would recommend that Protexin products are stored in dry, clean conditions, out of direct sunlight and kept sealed once the original container has been opened in order to exclude moisture and thermal decomposition. The shelf life of Protexin products, if stored at room temperature, is 24 months
There are no contra-indications for the use of probiotics for pets and their use will always be of some benefit. In pets and animals suffering from long-term problems, prolonged use is indicated and no 'resistance' will develop to the probiotic micro-organisms.
Live yoghurt can be used to provide some live micro-organisms, however it has some distinct disadvantages when compared to Protexin products.
The concentration of live micro-organisms present in the yoghurt is unknown but will tend to be relatively low and will depend on the freshness of the yoghurt and the conditions in which it has been stored. After opening, the microbial concentration can become depleted. Compare this with the high and guaranteed concentration of probiotics in Protexin products.
The actual strains of micro-organisms contained within live yoghurts will tend to be chosen for taste and textural properties rather than a probiotic benefit. The micro-organisms contained within the yoghurt may not produce any probiotic benefit.
All of our plastic pots and lids can be recycled without any special consideration (their plastic-type number will be on the base/underside of lid), as long as they are clean.
You may also need to check with your local recycling centre or curbside collection service, as they may require labels to be removed, but most do not.
The syringes are five assembled components; featuring HDPE and LDPE plastics, as a result they will need cleaning and separating before recycling.
To find more about which type of plastics can be recycled in your area contact your local council.
Unfortunately, our blister packs can’t be recycled at the moment however we are looking into alternatives.
**Edit - Exciting recycling development
The supplier of our blister packs has found a method of recycling these blister packs and we are currently in the process of setting up a trial at our manufacturing site with this supplier. The recycling process is quite involved as it requires separating the plastic from the foil layer. The manufacturer has found a method of processing the packaging into very small particles (like sand) where the materials then delaminate and can be split by weight into plastics and aluminium. The aluminium can be reused for many purposes, potentially even reused in the blister packs. The plastic, however, would only be used for down-graded purposes, e.g. drainpipes. The current trial of this process will only recycle our unused blister packs from the manufacturing process, however, if the trial is successful, the next stage would be rolling it out to local councils to take our customers blister pack waste.
We've got our fingers crossed and we hope to update you all soon!
A good tip for checking to see if you can recycle any Protexin Veterinary packaging is to look out for the plastic type number which is in a triangle, this number corresponds to a type of plastic. For example, a number 2 is HDPE, high-density polyethylene.
Using this information you can then determine if your council collect the plastic via curbside or local recycling centres.
Unfortunately our sachet foil cannot be recycled at the moment, however we are looking into alternatives.
No. We do not advise using any product that has passed the expiry date on the package.
Yes. Synbiotic DC is suitable for cats and dogs.
No. Synbiotic DC is free from Soya.
No. Synbiotic DC is yeast free.
No. Synbiotic DC does not contain wheat or wheat derivatives.
No. Synbiotic DC is free from dairy.
No. Synbiotic does not contain any flavouring.
Yes. You can safely use Synbiotic DC even if your pet is taking another source of probiotics/prebiotics.
We advise ideally giving Synbiotic DC and antibiotics a few hours apart
Synbiotic DC can be given at the same time as other medications (except for antibiotics: see above)
No. There are no contraindications with Synbiotic DC and other medications (apart from administration timing with antibiotics). This means it is safe to use Synbiotic DC even if your animal is taking other medications.
Yes. Synbiotic DC can be given to pregnant and lactating animals.
The capsule can be given whole, hidden in a small tasty treat if necessary. Or the capsule may be opened and the contents mixed in with food.
Synbiotic DC should never be mixed with hot food or mixed with food prior to cooking as this will kill the beneficial bacteria (probiotic). We advise letting food cool to no more than ‘lukewarm’ prior to mixing in Synbiotic DC
Synbiotic D-C is safe for long term daily use. If you are giving Synbiotic DC to your pet to provide extra gut support during a specific event (e.g. kennels/cattery, during fireworks season, travelling) we would recommend starting a few days before the event and continuing for a few days after it has finished. Likewise, if using alongside of antibiotics, we would recommend continuing Synbiotic D-C for a few days after the antibiotic course has finished.
Synbiotic DC should be stored somewhere cool and dry – a cupboard is usually ideal. If the weather is extremely hot and there are no suitable storage areas in your house that would be cool enough then you can store the product in a refrigerator.
Synbiotic DC will last until the BBE (Best Before End) date printed on the packaging; as long as it is stored in a cool, dry place.
Synbiotic DC is safe to be given alongside all other Protexin products.
Synbiotic DC can be used in animals from 2 weeks of age, however we always advise to consult your veterinary surgeon first before using Synbiotic DC in animals younger than 8 weeks of age.
It would not cause harm to your pet but there is a chance that the ingredients may become less effective after exposure to high temperatures.