The Truth About Dog Probiotics: How They Help With Digestion, Allergies, and Anxiety

Benefits of Probiotics For Dogs

In this article I am going to be reviewing information about probiotics for Dogs and what the implications are on their health.

The current review summarises the effects of probiotics on canine microbiota and the protective effect of probiotic interventions against several diseases and gastrointestinal discomforts.

Companion dogs need nutritional care to maintain good health [1]. Dogs are fed with foods supplemented with appropriate nutrients such as choline, vitamins (E, B5, B3, B2, B1, K, B6, A, B9, B12, D), and minerals (calcium, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, etc.) in addition to the dietary components, such as proteins, carbohydrates, fats, and fibers [1]. Malnutrition can occur due to an excess or a deficiency in nutrient intake, which could be harmful to dogs.

Even if companion animals are fed with nutritionally balanced diets to maintain good health, any differences in their normal microbiota can facilitate illness upon exposure to harmful environmental influences and pathogens. The supplementation of probiotics positively regulates the microbiota of the host and improves their health.

The joint Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations and World Health Organization (WHO) defines the term “probiotics” as “live microorganisms which when administered in adequate amounts confer a health benefit on the host” [8]. The term “probiotics” refers to live microbes (isolated from different sources, such as gut commensals, fermented foods, and any other source) that have been characterised and evidenced in adequate controlled studies to have a health beneficial effect, and their safety has been verified.

The ideal characteristics of probiotics include

•  Being non-pathogenic to the host

• The ability to tolerate low pH levels

•  High concentrations of bile acids in the gastrointestinal environment

• The ability to proliferate in the gut by adhering to the intestinal epithelium.

Since the supplementation of probiotics is not universally safe and effective in humans, probiotics should also be used with caution in companion animals until the limitations of probiotics usage in companion animals are found. Probiotics have been reported to have several health benefits in humans.

The intervention of a probiotic-supplemented diet can protect dogs from various health effects. The supplementation of probiotics has been used for the alleviation or prevention of atopic dermatitis and treatment of gastrointestinal diseases, such as diarrheal diseases in companion animals.

Health Benefits of Probiotic Supplementation in Diseased Dogs

1- Chronic Kidney Disease

Supplementation effectively increased the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) in dogs with chronic kidney disease.

2- Atopic Dermatitis

This study demonstrated that early administration of L. rhamnosus GG has long-term immunological and clinical effects in dogs.

3- Gastrointestinal Diseases and Abnormalities

3.1 Chronic Enteropathy

The dogs with chronic enteropathies were administered Saccharomyces boulardii (1 × 109 CFU/kg/12 h) for 60 days in addition to the standard treatment. The Canine Chronic Enteropathy Clinical Activity Index (CCECAI), stool consistency and frequency, and body condition score were improved after the probiotic treatment.

3.2. Acute Diarrhea

Daily intervention of fermented sour milk products containing 2 × 109 CFU/mL of L. fermentum VET 9A, L. rhamnosus VET 16A, and L. plantarum VET 14A for seven days normalized the stool consistency, and improved appetite in the dogs with acute diarrhea. 

3.3. Nonspecific Diarrhea

In addition to metronidazole, E. faecium SF68 (5 × 108 CFU/day) was administered for seven days to dogs with diarrhea. Normalization of the stool and the elimination of Giardia spp. cysts were observed in dogs treated with dual therapy compared to the group treated with the drug alone.

Advertisements touting the benefits of probiotics are plentiful claim that they are a cornerstone of preventative care. Probiotics boost the healthy gut bacteria that help digest food. They are a well-known therapy for diarrhea and gastrointestinal upset. More recently, they’ve been found to counter urinary tract infections, immune system disorders and even anxiety.

In fact, mental health is one of the most exciting revelations about probiotics. Your dog’s gastrointestinal tract and brain are in constant contact, and proper microorganisms in the intestines can help with mental and emotional regulation.

The bacterium called bifidobacterium longum, commonly known as BL999, is at the forefront of this discovery. Dr. Ragen T.S. McGowan, a pet behavior researcher for Nestlé Purina, reported that dogs who took BL999 were less likely to bark, jump, spin or pace in situations that normally caused them distress. They were also more likely to explore a new environment.

Positive regulation of the microbial ecology in the GI tract has systemic effects. Studies have confirmed that the intervention of probiotics could change the microbiota of dogs. The supplementation of probiotic like Shop PAWBIOTIX preparations was shown to increase the abundance of beneficial microbes.

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