30 Day FortiFlora Challenge with #Chewy + Teutul Update

Disclosure: Chewy sent a 30 day supply of FortiFlora to Lapdog Creations, free of charge, for review purposes. I was not compensated for this review and all opinions expressed are my own.

We were asked by our friends over at Chewy to participate in a 30-day challenge with Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets FortiFlora. As part of the challenge, will be doing three posts this month: an introduction, mid-way check in, and final thoughts.

FortiFlora, a probiotic supplement for dogs (they also make a cat version), promotes intestinal health and balance, as well as a healthy immune system.  

Purina® Pro Plan® Veterinary Diets FortiFlora® is a nutritional supplement for dogs and has been formulated to achieve the following characteristics:

• Contains guaranteed amounts of live active cultures
• Proven to promote intestinal health & balance
• Nutritional supplement for dietary management of dogs with diarrhea
• Helps reduce flatulence (gas) in dogs

I was familiar with FortiFlora before this challenge, as it was recommended by our vet many years ago. We use it with all of our dogs when they have tummy or digestive issues, so I tend to keep a box on hand at all times for quick access whenever an "issue" pops up.  However, we've never used it on an every day maintenance basis.  That is about to change...

One of the things I love most about FortiFlora is how easy it is to use.  You don't have to shove a pill down your dog's throat or worry about measuring out the proper dose.  FortiFlora is conveniently packaged in 30 individual packets.  You simply tear one open and sprinkle it in your dog's food once a day.  It's as simple as that.  You can add a little water or canned food and mix it up if you prefer.  In the past 12 years or so, I've never had a dog turn his or her nose up to it... so it must be pretty tasty! 

The timing of Chewy's challenge couldn't have been more perfect. 

Teutul had two unscheduled vet visits last week.  At the first, he was diagnosed with double ear infections (which seem to be clearing up quite nicely).  At the second, he was obviously feeling crappy from something else and on Thursday, we received the diagnosis. 

Teutul has pancreatitis. 

No, the ear infections were not related... just bad luck that my boy had to battle both at the same time. 

Teutul has been on a bland diet, antibiotics and daily doses of Pepcid, Cerenia, and FortiFlora.  Ironic?  Perhaps... but I suppose what better way to truly put FortiFlora to the test, right?

My boy's last bout of vomiting was on Thursday morning. He's gotten his appetite back and is not a fan of "small meals."  He spoke loud and clear about that issue when he did something he's never done before - he stole chicken bones from the trash! Never mind my stress over the pancreatitis... I was horrified, but thankfully I noticed his antics right away and was able to pull the bones out of his mouth (and only suffered one very minor wound in doing so). 

Last night was his last schedule dose of Cerenia and fingers are crossed we don't see any vomiting return.  We will continue a bland diet this week and then began to switch him over to a new, lower fat kibble. 

And, of course, we will be continuing to use FortiFlora every day! I look forward to reporting more mid-month. In the meantime, you can pick up a box of FortiFlora for your dog (or cat), or one of thousands of other fantastic items at Chewy!