Probiotics are increasingly recognized as a vital component of preventative care for dogs, offering a wide range of health benefits that extend beyond simple digestion. Advertisements frequently highlight their ability to support a healthy gut microbiome, which plays a crucial role in nutrient absorption and overall well-being. While well-established for treating diarrhea and gastrointestinal upset, emerging research reveals their potential in addressing urinary tract infections, immune system disorders, and even anxiety. The connection between gut health and mental state is particularly exciting, suggesting that probiotics can significantly influence a dog’s emotional regulation.
One of the most compelling discoveries involves the bacterium Bifidobacterium longum, specifically strain BL999. Research led by Dr. Ragen T.S. McGowan, a pet behavior researcher at Nestlé Purina, indicated that dogs supplemented with BL999 exhibited reduced stress-related behaviors such as excessive barking, jumping, spinning, and pacing in anxiety-inducing situations. These dogs were also more inclined to explore new environments, showcasing improved confidence and emotional resilience. This underscores the profound impact of gut health on a dog’s mental and emotional state. For more insights into canine nutrition, consider exploring dog food for dental health to understand how diet impacts overall health.
Choosing the Right Probiotic
Probiotics are available as nutritional supplements, with live cultures often found in products like yogurt. When selecting a probiotic, it’s essential to examine the label carefully. Look for an expiration date, the specific species of bacteria, and the number of microorganisms present. A guarantee for the number of live organisms is also a good indicator of product quality. Manufacturers should be able to provide evidence of the product’s efficacy, ideally supported by studies from external, accredited researchers.
Dr. Joseph J. Wakshlag, a professor of clinical nutrition and sports medicine and rehabilitation at Cornell University, recommends products like Fortiflora and Proviable due to their proven efficacy in studies. He also notes that VSL#3 may be beneficial for dogs suffering from irritable bowel disease. Probiotics are quantified in colony-forming units (CFUs), with a daily recommendation for dogs typically ranging from 1 to 10 billion CFUs. Most dogs readily consume probiotics when mixed with their food. For more discerning eaters, probiotics in capsule form can be easily concealed within a favorite treat.
Strategic Feeding of Probiotics
Probiotics can be administered proactively to help dogs cope with anticipated stressful events, such as boarding or moving house. Starting supplementation several days before the event allows your dog’s gastrointestinal system to establish an optimal microbial balance. Alternatively, probiotics can be incorporated into your dog’s daily diet as a long-term health maintenance strategy, contributing to their ongoing well-being.
Supporting Digestive Health
The mechanism by which probiotics benefit digestion involves normalizing the intestinal environment. They achieve this by altering the local acidity within the digestive tract and releasing short-chain fatty acids. This process creates an environment less hospitable to harmful bacteria, such as Salmonella. Probiotics inhibit the growth of these pathogens by competing for essential nutrients and resources. By enhancing the population of beneficial bacteria, they reduce the availability of sustenance for harmful microbes, thereby lowering their numbers to manageable levels for your dog.
Bolstering Immune Function
A significant portion of your dog’s immune system, approximately 70%, resides within the gastrointestinal tract. This strategic location positions the gut as the first line of defense against pathogens entering the body. By promoting a balanced and healthy digestive system, probiotics enable the immune system to function optimally, effectively protecting your dog from illness.
Safety and Considerations
Probiotics are generally considered safe for canine consumption. Reputable product studies should demonstrate that the probiotic does not contribute to antibiotic resistance in other bacteria and is not inherently pathogenic. However, severely immunocompromised dogs should only receive probiotics under strict veterinary supervision. Their compromised immune systems may struggle to manage any bacterial load, regardless of its non-pathogenic nature. For owners seeking to optimize their dog’s diet, resources on healthy food for older dogs can provide valuable guidance.
Conditions Potentially Benefiting from Probiotic Therapy
- Allergies
- Anxiety
- Bad breath
- Coat quality
- Diarrhea
- Immune disorders
- Intestinal inflammation
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Liver disease
- Obesity
- Skin disorders
- Urinary tract infections
Beneficial Probiotic Species for Dogs
- Bacillus coagulans
- Bifidobacterium animalis (strain AHC7) – aids in acute diarrhea
- Bifidobacterium bifidum
- Bifidobacterium longum (BL999) – helps manage anxiety
- Enterococcus faecium (strain SF68)
- Lactobacillus acidophilus – improves stool quality and frequency
- Lactobacillus casei
- Lactobacillus plantarum
- Lactobacillus rhamnosus (strain LGG) – potentially effective for diarrhea, mirroring benefits seen in humans.
Understanding Probiotics vs. Prebiotics
Probiotics are live, beneficial microorganisms that colonize your dog’s intestines. Prebiotics, on the other hand, are types of fiber that serve as food for these beneficial bacteria. While both occur naturally, they can also be administered as supplements or added to a dog’s food. For dogs with specific dietary needs, looking into options like hills digestive care dry dog food might be beneficial.
This article was reprinted with permission from the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine’s DogWatch newsletter.
References
- Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine’s DogWatch newsletter.
