Probiotics are increasingly being recognized as a vital component of your dog’s overall well-being, extending far beyond just digestive health. Advertisements often highlight their role in preventative care, but recent research reveals an even broader spectrum of benefits, including significant positive impacts on mental and immune health. Understanding how to choose and administer these beneficial microorganisms can lead to a happier, healthier canine companion.
The gastrointestinal tract of your dog is a complex ecosystem where healthy gut bacteria play a crucial role in food digestion and nutrient absorption. Probiotics are well-established for their efficacy in treating diarrhea and general gastrointestinal upset. However, their potential to combat urinary tract infections, various immune system disorders, and even anxiety is an area of growing excitement and discovery.
One of the most captivating revelations is the connection between gut health and mental well-being in dogs. The gastrointestinal tract and the brain are in constant communication. When the intestines are populated with the right microorganisms, it can significantly aid in emotional and mental regulation.
The Power of Bifidobacterium Longum (BL999)
The bacterium Bifidobacterium longum, often referred to by its strain designation BL999, is at the forefront of this groundbreaking research. Dr. Ragen T.S. McGowan, a pet behavior researcher affiliated with Nestlé Purina, conducted studies demonstrating remarkable results. Dogs that were administered BL999 exhibited a decreased likelihood of exhibiting distress-related behaviors such as barking, jumping, spinning, or pacing in situations that typically caused them anxiety. Furthermore, these dogs were more inclined to explore new environments, indicating a reduction in fear and an increase in curiosity. This suggests that probiotics can be a powerful tool in managing behavioral issues and enhancing your dog’s quality of life.
Choosing the Right Probiotic Supplement
While live cultures found in yogurt are commonly associated with probiotics, they are also readily available in nutritional supplement form. When selecting a probiotic product for your dog, it’s essential to examine the label carefully. Look for an expiration date, the specific species of bacteria, the precise number of microorganisms, and a guarantee for the number of live organisms present. The manufacturer should ideally provide supporting evidence for the product’s efficacy, preferably through studies conducted by an external, accredited researcher.
Dr. Joseph J. Wakshlag, a professor of clinical nutrition and sports medicine and rehabilitation at Cornell University, recommends products like Fortiflora and Proviable, noting that they have studies validating their effectiveness. For dogs suffering from irritable bowel disease, VSL#3 may also be a beneficial option. Probiotics are measured in colony-forming units (CFUs), with the current recommendation for dogs ranging from 1 to 10 billion CFUs per day. Fortunately, most dogs readily accept probiotics mixed into their food. For pickier eaters, probiotics in capsule form can be easily hidden within a favorite treat.
Strategic Administration of Probiotics
Probiotics can be administered proactively in anticipation of known stressful events, such as boarding your dog while you are on vacation or during a move to a new home. Starting the probiotic regimen several days in advance ensures that your dog’s gastrointestinal tract is already fortified with beneficial microorganisms by the time the stressful event occurs. Additionally, probiotics can be given daily as a consistent part of your dog’s long-term health and wellness routine, supporting their system continuously.
Supporting Digestive Health
Probiotics work to normalize the intestinal environment by altering the local acidity within the digestive tract and releasing beneficial short-chain fatty acids. This process significantly aids your dog in combating harmful bacteria, such as Salmonella, should they be ingested. Probiotics inhibit the growth of these detrimental bacteria by competing for the same nutrients and resources. By increasing the population of beneficial bacteria, they limit the availability of nutrients for harmful microbes, thereby reducing their numbers to more tolerable levels for your dog. This competitive exclusion principle is a key mechanism by which probiotics maintain gut health.
Bolstering Immune Function
A remarkable 70% of your dog’s immune system resides within their gastrointestinal tract. This strategic location places it on the front lines for preventing pathogens from entering the rest of the body. By normalizing the conditions within the digestive system, probiotics enable the immune system to function optimally and respond effectively to threats. A healthy gut microbiome is intrinsically linked to a robust immune response, helping to protect your dog from illness and infection.
Safety and Considerations
Probiotics are generally considered safe for dogs. Reputable studies for any given product should confirm that the probiotic does not contribute to antibiotic resistance in other bacteria and that it is not pathogenic itself. However, severely immunocompromised dogs should only be given probiotics with extreme caution and under direct veterinary supervision. Their compromised immune systems may struggle to handle any bacterial load, regardless of its beneficial nature. Consulting your veterinarian is always recommended before introducing new supplements, especially for dogs with pre-existing health conditions.
Conditions Potentially Benefiting from Probiotic Treatment
- Allergies
- Anxiety
- Bad breath
- Coat quality
- Diarrhea
- Immune disorders
- Intestinal inflammation
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Liver disease
- Obesity
- Skin disorders
- Urinary tract infections
Key Probiotic Species Beneficial for Dogs
- Bacillus coagulans
- Bifidobacterium animalis (strain AHC7) – helpful for acute diarrhea
- Bifidobacterium bifidum
- Bifidobacterium longum (strain BL999) – aids in managing 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 the live, beneficial microorganisms that colonize your dog’s intestines, contributing to a healthy gut flora. Prebiotics, on the other hand, are essentially fibers that serve as food for these beneficial microorganisms. Both occur naturally in a dog’s diet but can also be supplemented or added to commercial dog food to enhance their benefits. Supporting both probiotics and prebiotics creates a synergistic effect for optimal gut health.
This article has been reprinted with permission from the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine’s DogWatch newsletter, published by Belvoir Media Group. When you [become a member](https://dogs.vet.cornell.edu/campaign/riney-canine-health-center-membership/c482044) of the Riney Canine Health Center, you will receive a free subscription to DogWatch.
