My cat regularly gets an upset stomach, and as a result these days I have a tube of Protexin Pro-Kolin ready in my cupboard. I was first introduced to this by my vet.

The conventional treatment of infection is to use antibiotics, which are like nuclear bombs to bacteria - they kill both good and bad indiscriminately. Probiotics are microorganisms used to combat other microorganisms, and can provide an alternative to antibiotics that rapidly become obsolete. Pro-Kolin is a probiotic paste containing kaolin and pectin. Probiotics are live microbial supplements given by mouth, and they balance the micro-organisms in the intestinal tract, combat bacterial overgrowth, and restore any imbalance in the gut flora. Kaolin is a natural binding agent, and Pectin, which soothes the gut lining during digestive upsets such as diarrhoea.

So when is it indicated to use Pro-Kolin? It can be used in the acute phase of any intestinal upset, such as vomiting and diarrhoea, or in the case of chronic digestive discomfort. It is also good to use together with antibiotics to prevent the destruction of the normal gut flora.

The paste comes in a white syringe, that has a graduated measure. The advised dose is 1-2ml every 8 hours for cats and puppies, and 2-5ml every 8 hours for dogs, depending on size. It is available in a 15ml, and 30ml syringe.

The paste is a light brown colour, and is somewhat the consistency of peanut butter, and feels slightly grainy. It is supposed to be beef flavoured.

The best way to administer it, is to squirt the required dose directly in the back of the throat. I am honest, my cat hates it! However, I dont think it is so much the taste they hate, as it is the consistency. Due to the "peanut butter" consistency, they seem to struggle a bit to swallow it, hence it is so important to make sure you squirt it in the back of the throat. If you are lucky, your cat will lick it off your finger, or eat it with food. This will also be a much easier way to administer to dogs. As I say I think they like the taste, as they have licked small amounts from my finger before.

But it is a sure fact that it definitely works!! Whenever my little devil starts getting a loose tummy, I just give it to him for a day or two, and it is cleared.

It is however of the utmost importance to make sure you use it on the advice of your veterinary surgeon. Diarrhoea can be extremely dangerous in young animals especially, and delaying treatment can be fatal. I know my cat well enough now to know when it is just a regular upset like he usually gets. Otherwise I would still take him to the vet just to be certain.

It is a pricey item, retailing at around £7.50 for the 15ml, and £12.20 for the 30ml, but as you dont need a prescription, shop around on the many online vetdispensary websites out there. It will possible be a bit more expensive from your vet.

In my opinion, this is one of those products any pet owner should be aware of....it is Yakult for pets!