DIGESTIVE tract upsets and gastrointestinal diseases and in dogs are composed of disorders with varying and unrelated underlying causes which manifest as acute or chronic diarrhoea and, in some cases, vomiting or anorexia.

These disorders can be caused by viruses, illnesses, bacterial infections, antibiotics, toxins, unfamiliar food and parasites such as giardia (one of the most common parasites infecting dogs). Stressful conditions such as weaning, moving to a new home and dietary changes are all known to affect the intestinal microflora of dogs and cats. Probiotics can help to re-establish normal populations of intestinal flora.