It is widely known that after antibiotic treatment, it is worth supporting the flora of the digestive tract. Does the digestive system of dogs need such support as well? The answer is YES! And contrary to popular belief, gut flora can be supported at any time with probiotics if the need arises. In this article, you will find
What are probiotics?
Probiotics are food supplement containing beneficial microorganisms that is intended to restore and/or maintain the health of gut flora. These tiny microorganisms are responsible for proper digestion and absorption of nutrients. Proper nutrient absorption is of key importance for dogs in all life stages. A properly maintained gut flora contributes to skin&coat health and the overall well-being of dogs. Amazing, isn’t it?
You must have already heard about probiotics before reading this article. But did you know there are prebiotics too? Prebiotics feed the aforementioned beneficial microorganisms so they can multiply more quickly. The unique thing about prebiotics is that they are not damaged by the acids of the upper digestive tract and they reach the intestines intact. Depending on the health issue, your dog may need both.
Types of probiotics
Did you know? Similarly to humans, dogs’ gut flora is made up of the same six families of bacteria. Composition of gut flora varies from dog to dog, so this means every gut flora is unique, like fingerprints, or nose prints! These beneficial bacteria help to keep the balance and facilitate proper nutrient absorption. There are three main types of probiotics that need to be supplemented in case of an illness or after medical treatment.
- Lactic acid bacteria – called Bifidobacterium – resist the digestive acids, and act fast if the need arises. Fortunately there are natural ingredients you can boost your dog’s food with. The most well-known are yogurt and kefir. Dogs usually love smell of yogurt and kefir, and a small amount – depeding on the size and age of the dog – can help a lot.
- 2. Probiotics in the soil – yes, you read it right! Micro-organisms found in soil and waters are extremely resistant and thanks to their protective cover, they can reach places where they are needed the most. Natural moor, for instance, can be a great supplement if your dog suffers from stomach upset or diarrhea.
- Saccharomyces boulardii – this special yeast fungus has turned out to be an effective probiotic in restoring the gut flora. Its big advantage is that it can be taken safely with antibiotics.
Of course, to determine your dog’s probiotic needs, it’s recommended to ask your vet about this, and to carry out some examinations to get a clearer picture of your canine companion’s gut flora.
Why healthy gut flora is important for your dog?
Similarly to humans, one of the most important „building blocks” of the dog’s immune system is the gut. If there is some kind of bacterial imbalance, it can trigger a several health issues in a relatively short time, so you need to act fast. Due to antibotic treament, presence of toxins, side effects of certain medicines and improper nutrition, the microbiome – that is the collection of beneficial bacteria – can be easily damaged. That is why it is important to support your dog’s gut healthy with natural pre-, and probiotics if needed.
There are some cases when your dog’s gut health need some support. For example when you switch from one dog food to another or you change your dog’s diet completely. This period can be very stressful for your dog’s digestive system, and stomach upset, diarrhea can occur. To prevent this and to make sure your dog’s gut is properly maintined, try to add probiotics to your dog’s diet for a certain period of time. Rest assured, the result will be amazing.
