Image Credit: Facebook Fan D. Stotelmyer
Healthy Guts, Happy Pets: Could Probiotics Benefit My Pup?
Let's Talk About the ‘Gut'
In a mammal, the ‘gut' consists of the small and large intestines, as well as support organs that aid in producing dietary secretions needed for ingesta breakdown. In close association with the gut is the majority of the body's lymphoid tissue and an extensive blood supply. The gut has multiple functions in the body: Better known for its primary functions of acquiring nutrients and removing of wastes, the gut also plays an important role in immune function. Healthy gut function requires an intimate, balanced relationship with the resident microorganisms that reside within the intestines that aid both in nutrition and immunity.
Early in development, the intestinal tract develops a mutually beneficial relationship with the microorganisms that line the intestines. Non-disease causing bacteria that live in the intestinal tract serve to aid in digestion of food and provide micronutrients to the host while helping create a barrier to prevent harmful bacteria in the gut from invading. A lot of pet nutrition companies, such as ultimate pet nutrition, offer food / supplements for dogs that aim to help and improve digestion. Ultimately, supplying your dog with the nutrients it needs to keep a healthy gut will lengthen their life and improve their overall health! When the normal healthy balance of microorganisms is disrupted, clinical symptoms develop.
A common symptom of poor gut health is abnormal bowel movements. Both constipation and diarrhea can be signs an owner will notice in pets with poor gut health, and whilst humans can find ways of self-medicating to help this, animals cannot. Imbalance of intestinal flora may be the primary problem; however, the problem may have developed secondary to another health condition which has altered the gut environment. Intestinal parasites, viral infections, invasive bacteria, stress, food sensitivities or allergies, poor diet, and recent or frequent antibiotic use all may alter the normal gut ecosystem.
What is a Probiotic?
A probiotic is a live bacteria (and sometimes yeast) containing supplement. Supplement means to support, or work in conjunction with - not as a replacement for - treatment. Generally, I would not suggest beginning supplements without the pet's veterinarian's recommendation. Occasionally, human grade probiotics are used in pets, since many of the same resident microorganisms are present in most canine/feline and human intestines, though in different proportions.
Choosing a Quality Product
Nutraceuticals - including probiotics - are minimally regulated because they are not considered either a food or a medication. This allows a large portion of probiotic-type supplements to be sold to consumers with minimal government oversight or quality control. I recommend purchasing probiotics only from your veterinarian, as these products have likely been further scrutinized and tested for efficacy and quality control. However, many online services offer great deals on pet nutrition once you have gained an idea of what your pet needs. Offers such as an ultimate pet nutrition coupon code and many more are open to you online - but please do consult your vet on the best nutrition for your pet. What you purchase OTC may be not only be ineffective for the condition you are trying to combat, but may in fact contain harmful contents not listed on the label. So, if you are not sure about the product, you can speak to your veterinarian who can give you the helpful advice you need for your pet or point you in the right direction of a helpful alternative. With your vet's advice, you can purchase the right supplements for your pet through an online Canadian pharmacy or one from your local area. Two products I have learned to depend on in my daily clinical experience are Fortiflora and Proviable*.
Popular Canine Conditions Which May Benefit from Probiotics:
- Chronic diarrhea or chronic constipation
- Infectious intestinal disease
- Urinary tract infections
- Skin and food sensitivities
- Anxiety-associated diarrhea
- Excess flatulence (gas)
