Bene-Bac^® Plus contains live, naturally occurring digestive bacteria found in the intestinal tract. It aids normal digestion during stressful times and is recommended for animals under adverse conditions, such as antibiotic therapy, post-surgery, birth, weaning, worming or traveling. This product contains probiotics and FOS, a prebiotic to support the growth of probiotic bacteria.

How it Works

• Newborn mammals have no bacteria in their GI tract at birth. Inoculation typically comes from nursing on their mother. If these newborns are being bottle-fed, giving a probiotic may help to speed the growth of needed bacteria in the GI tract.
• Mammals, birds, or reptiles with diarrhea lose bacteria from their GI tract because of the rapid passing of fluids. Reinoculation can help to speed recovery.
• Stress causes a change in the pH of the GI tract. This may cause a loss in needed bacteria. Supplying Bene-Bac^® Plus with the seven different bacteria may help to re-establish the correct gut pH so the natural flora can again grow.
• Antibiotics kill not only the bad bugs but also the good ones. Give Bene-Bac^® Plus once or twice per day. (If giving twice, split the daily recommended amount.) Do not give at the same time as the antibiotic, but generally an hour to two hours before. For birds, it is best to consult your veterinarian as it is possible to cause crop overgrowth with overdose.

Dogs and Cats

• When traveling, your pet may become stressed or overexcited. Giving Bene-Bac ^® Plus one to two days before the trip, the day of the trip, and the next day is recommended. This is also the recommendation when shipping puppies or kittens.
• When changing food, give Bene-Bac^® Plus the day before, on the day of change, and on the following day. It is recommended that a day is skipped after the last day and then a final amount given.
• If a dog is going to training classes, give Bene-Bac^® Plus the day before and then the morning of the classes.
• If going to the grooming parlor, follow the above recommendation.
• Give daily to puppies and kittens in pet shops.
• Maintenance
  • Give once weekly to dogs and cats as part of a healthy diet program.
  • Give every third day to orphaned infants until weaning. They can then move to a once-a-week program.
• Tips for use:
  • Most dogs like the taste of the gel and will take it right from the tube. The powder can be sprinkled on top of their food.
  • With cats, the gel may be spread on their paw.

Pocket Pets

• Bene-Bac^® Plus should be given daily to these animals while in the pet store to help prevent wet tail.
• Animals being shipped to stores should receive several doses prior to shipping.
• Each animal that is sold should be sent home with either the powder or gel.
• Any condition that creates stress or any antibiotic therapy should be treated as described above.
• Rabbits are very prone to GI tract stress. Bene-Bac^® Plus may be given to them daily, especially with infants and young with good results. Adults do well with this product as part of a regular maintenance program.
• Tips for Use:
  • Bene-Bac^® Plus powder may be put in the water for these animals. Care must be taken to change the water bottle each day.
  • If fruit or vegetables are being fed, they may be moistened and then sprinkled with the powder.
  • The gel is palatable and may be dispensed on their food.

Birds

• Hatchlings should have Bene-Bac^® Plus mixed into their food. Either powder or gel may be used, but it should not be added until after the food is mixed and heated and just before feeding to prevent the bacteria from being killed.
• Birds on antibiotic therapy should be treated as mentioned in "How It Works" above.
• Birds that are molting should be given Bene-Bac^® Plus every third day, as this is a stressful time for birds.
• When shipping or traveling, a dose should be given two days before, the day of travel, and on the second day after arrival.
• This product is also suitable for poultry and works well for peepers, turkey poults, ducklings, and goslings.
• A maintenance program for using once a week is recommended.
• Tips for Use:
  • Bene-Bac^® Plus powder may be mixed in the drinking water. Care must be taken to change the water every 12 to 24 hours depending on the temperature.
  • The powder may also be used to coat fruit or vegetables.
  • For large birds being fed large pieces of extruded diet, a piece or two may be dampened and coated with powder.
  • The gel may be dispensed either directly into the birds mouth or may be put on a piece of fruit or vegetable. It is palatable and most birds will eat it readily.

Reptiles

• In store, giving to all reptiles on display is recommended.
• For reptiles that eat on a daily basis, Bene-Bac^® Plus should be given every third day.
• For reptiles that only eat occasionally, Bene-Bac^® Plus should be give at each feeding.
• When signs of molting are noticed, the last meal before they shed their skin should contain Bene-Bac^® Plus.
• Tips for Use:
  • If the reptile is an insectivore, you may slightly dampen the powder and allow the insects to crawl in it for a short time before feeding to your pet.
  • If your reptile is a carnivore, you can dampen the prey and sprinkle the powder on it or place the powder in a bag, add prey, and shake.
  • If your reptile is not eating, then use the gel and place directly in their mouth. If dealing with a very large snake, a folded piece of X-ray film with a hole cut in the center will make it easier and prevent injury to you and the snake. It is suggested that you consult with your veterinarian if your reptile has stopped eating.

Equines

• Bene-Bac^® Plus should be given to foals immediately after birth and every second or third day for the first week of their life. No probiotics with vitamins or trace minerals should be given in the first 48 hours as these can cause death.
• Pregnant females should be given Bene-Bac^® Plus every other day for the week before foaling and a week after foaling. At that time, she can be given a weekly maintenance dose.
• Weaning - Give the foal and its mother a dose a day before weaning, the day of weaning, the day following weaning, and then the next day. Continue with a weekly dose.
• Show horses - Give a dose the day before the show, the morning of the show, and the day following the show. If the show is more than one day, the horse should receive a dose every day or every other day depending on its temperament, activity, and stalling conditions.
• Traveling - Give horses that will be traveling a dose several days before traveling, the day before traveling, the day of travel, and the day of arrival. If the horse is on the road for more than one day and is receiving the same food and water that it is used to, one dose can be given daily or one dose every other day if the horse is calm.
• For antibiotic therapy, see recommendations at beginning.
• A maintenance program would ensure Bene-Bac^® Plus is given once a week.
• Tips for Use:
  • Most horses like the taste of Bene-Bac^® Plus gel; however, if you have a horse that is difficult to give a paste to, you can mix the powder into the grain portion of their diet. If you are watering from a bucket, you can mix it into a small amount of water and let the horse drink that amount before refilling the bucket for the rest of its drink.

Other Livestock

Bene-Bac^® Plus is safe for all other livestock (goats, sheep, cattle, and swine). Tips for use in horses may be followed for these animals. Show animals are especially prone to stress, even when at home and being fed for maximum performance. Using Bene-Bac^® Plus as a maintenance program may help keep your prize winner gaining properly without any downturns. Using prior to and during the time of the show will help keep them eating and drinking.