A leading vet has spoken out in support of surgeries switching to probiotic-based cleaning products and care treatments.
Wylies Pet Wellness Centre in Essex is well-known for its ethical and environmental stance on pet care, and the practice is leading the way by switching to probiotic cleaning products, as well as probiotic care products including for eyes, ears and dental.
A growing movement of pet professionals and experts, who look closely at the ingredients that are in the everyday products that they use, have found an alternative option to chemicals for practices across the UK and beyond.
Probiotics, which are commonly thought of as something you take after a bout of gastric difficulty, have been found to be as effective as bleach at cleaning surfaces and for bathing and caring for pets, are not harmful and are better for the environment too.
The use of cleaning chemicals in the name of health and hygiene has grown exponentially since the Second World War; even more so since the Covid-19 pandemic.
Dr Richard Doyle of Wylies Pet Wellness Centre, said: "We stock a range of probiotic products from gut stabilisers, to allergy sprays, shampoos, dental, eye and ear preparations. We also use probiotic cleaning products and hand soaps.
"These product’s definitely have a role to play in our modern world as we realise the importance of ‘good bacteria’ in the maintenance of health but also the fight against pathogens.
"A dog’s mouth is no exception! We find the dental health product is very good at controlling plaque build-up, gingivitis and halitosis before more serious dental disease ensues."
March is Dog Dental Month, with brands including Ingenious Probiotics shining a light on the role on the cheap and simple things that owners can do to protect their pets' teeth.
The company's LUCAA+ Probiotic Pet Dental Care is a simple to use mouth spray that makes dental care easier for cats and dogs.
The core ingredient are specifically selected probiotics naturally sourced from plants. This quickly restores healthy microflora balance to the mouth. They clean teeth and gums at a microbial level, inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria and foster better dental health. The link between good dental health and general organ health has been known and understood for quite some time both in our pets and in humans (that’s why we floss!)
The product reduces plaque and tartar build up and bad breath, as well as the risk of inflammation and periodontal disease. This is achieved by a simple but effective bio-competition method – the good bacteria (the probiotics) simply out-gun the pathogenic bacteria and remove the organic waste they would otherwise feed upon. In this respect, the probiotic cleanser for the dental area works in a similar way to the cleaning product range.
Joe Flanagan, of Ingenious Probiotics, who supply Wylies with the LUCAA+ range, added: “Simple changes to your dog’s routine really do make all the difference, and at a time when everyone is tightening their belts, could save you a lot of money too.
“There are plenty of things we can all do at home cheaply and effectively to ensure that our dogs’ teeth stay healthy, and avoid costly visits to the vet.”
To find out more about the Ingenious range go to https://ingenious-probiotics.com/