Supporting Gastrointestinal Health in Dogs and Cats with Supplements: A Science-backed Approach
0.5 CE Credit Hour / Veterinarians & Veterinary Technicians
Overview:
Gastrointestinal upset is one of the most common presentations in small animal general practice. As understanding of antibiotic stewardship and the gut microbiome continues to evolve, veterinarians are increasingly seeking supportive, evidence-informed approaches for managing uncomplicated gastrointestinal cases in dogs and cats. This course will review key differences between supplements and pharmaceuticals and outline common presentations gastrointestinal upset in dogs and cats. Participants will explore foundational gastrointestinal physiology and mechanisms commonly targeted by dietary and supplemental support, including barrier function, microbial balance, immune signaling, and appetite support. The program will also review current evidence and emerging data related to gastrointestinal supplements, including formulation considerations, species-specific probiotics, immunoglobulin-based ingredients, and palatability. Emphasis will be placed on appropriate clinical positioning, regulatory considerations, and transparent interpretation of available data to support confident, responsible recommendations in practice.
Learning Objectives:
- Describe key differences between dietary supplements and pharmaceuticals, including regulatory oversight
and appropriate claims language. - Identify common physiologic systems involved in gastrointestinal health in dogs and cats, including barrier
integrity, microbial balance, immune signaling, and appetite regulation - Apply evidence-informed reasoning to evaluate the role of gastrointestinal supplements as supportive tools in clinical practice.
- Communicate the role and limitations of gastrointestinal supplements to clients using accurate, compliant, and transparent language.
- Integrate supportive gastrointestinal strategies into clinical decision-making while maintaining appropriate antibiotic stewardship.
- Summarize key considerations for responsible supplement use in gastrointestinal cases to colleagues and veterinary team members.
Lindsey Kock, DVM
Dr. Lindsey Kock is the Market Development Manager for Companion Animal Genomics at NEOGEN, based in Lincoln, Nebraska. In this role, Lindsey manages current and new business opportunities, including product development for the genomic testing of dogs, cats and horses. As a veterinarian, Lindsey is passionate about developing enhanced genomic testing to better understand and manage the heritable risk for common health conditions in animals. This includes educating pet owners and health care providers on how to understand and apply genetic risk information to provide personalized veterinary care and better quality of life for people and their pets. Lindsey is a native of Nebraska and received her DVM through the ISU-UNL Professional Program in Veterinary Medicine with two years of study at the University of Nebraska and second two years at Iowa State. Prior to joining Neogen in 2015, Dr. Kock spent three years in mixed animal practice in and was awarded the Iowa Vet Med Association’s “Rising Star”, an award given to veterinarians in the first 7 years of their career for their accomplishments in the field.
Sam AI-Murrani, Ph.D., M.B.A
Dr. Al-Murrani has a B.Sc. in Animal Science and a Ph.D. in Immunology and Biochemistry from the University of Edinburgh. He holds an M.B.A. in Finance and is certified as a Preventive Controls Qualified Individual (PCQI). He has numerous editorials and articles in various industry and scientific peer reviewed journals and has authored a chapter on “Nutrigenomics” in the 5 th edition of the “Small Animal Clinical Nutrition”. Sam also has several issued and pending patents worldwide on subject matter relating to molecular therapeutics, therapeutic nutrition, vaccines and diagnostics for humans and animals. Dr. Al-Murrani, has served and continues to serve on the boards of several for-profit and non-profit organizations and he is currently a member of the selection committee for the Animal Health Corridor’s Animal Health Summit. Previously he served on the “Dragon’s Panel” for the European Animal Health Investment Forum (currently Animal Health, Nutrition and Technology Innovation) in London and on the advisory board for the International Animal Health Journal.
This course is RACE-approved for 0.5 continuing education credits hours in jurisdictions that accept RACE-approval.
This activity is sponsored by Bimini Pet Health.
