Antibiotics

Question
Hi Helen, My potbelly just got done with antibiotics for infected gums. She has bad teeth too. Now they are treating her with a month of doxycycline for lymes disease. I've noticed she is real bloated, can her good bacteria- in the gut- be attacked by the antibiotics also, like in humans? When you are on antibiotics too long? Thanks Helen.

Answer
I am not a veterinarian and can not give medical advice or make a diagnosis over the internet.

Yes, antibiotics kill both good and bad bacteria. Oral infections are particularly nasty and often require the strongest antibiotics available.

Constipation is a side effect of antibiotics. Canned pumpkin is a great laxative for constipation piggies. Probiotic foods, like some kinds of yogurt, can help too. But, read the label when choosing probiotic foods, pick ones with active or live cultures.

When piggy is regular again, a little extra fiber may be all that's needed to keep her comfortable while she's on the antibiotics. Oatmeal and leafy greens (collard, spinach, grass) are good choices, and it won't hurt to give her a little canned pumpkin every day. Be sure to get plain, canned pumpkin, not the "pie mixes". The "pie mixes" have extra sugar that piggy doesn't need.