23 Apr Does Your Dog Need Probiotics?
Whether you own a working dog on your farm or a much-pampered pooch, we want to keep our furry friends healthy and happy. We do our best to ensure their well-being from regular walks to belly rubs.
But have you ever considered the importance of gut health in your dog’s overall health and happiness? That’s where probiotics come into play.
Probiotics are often hailed as a cornerstone of preventative care for people. They’re now gaining popularity among pet owners for supporting gut health in dogs and cats alike.
These beneficial bacteria work wonders in aiding digestion, combatting diarrhoea, and soothing gastrointestinal upsets.
But their benefits don’t stop there.
The connection between your dog’s healthy gut and their behaviour
Recent studies have unveiled a fascinating connection between gut health, mental health, and dog behaviour.
A 2020 study found:
“…possible connections between the gut microbiome and the central nervous system and indicating the possible adoption of probiotic interventions aimed at restoring a balanced host-symbiont interplay for mitigating behavioural disorders.” 1
Another study refers to the “gut-brain axis”. This is the connection between a healthy gut and the nervous, endocrine, and immune systems in animals:
“Growing evidence shows that the gut microbiota is a central player in the gut-brain axis. Various microorganisms inhabit the intestines of dogs, which are essential in maintaining intestinal homeostasis. These microbes can impact mental health through several mechanisms, including metabolic, neural, endocrine, and immune-mediated pathways.” 2
Pet probiotics may also help boost the immune system in pets.
How do you choose the right probiotics for your dog?
When selecting a probiotic, be sure to check the label for essential information like the expiry date, specific species included, and the number of live organisms per dose.
Probiotics support digestive health and boost your dog’s immune system by maintaining a healthy gut flora balance. Supplementing your dog with probiotics can be part of its daily routine, whether anticipating a stressful event like boarding or simply aiming for long-term health maintenance. This is a great way to keep your dog happy and active for years to come.
Try Opti-Gut Probiotic for Dogs and Cats: an affordable, daily probiotic supplement
Opti-Gut is a natural probiotic that supports pet health and immune function. Biolink™ Opti-Gut Probiotics for Pets helps boost your pet’s immunity and overall health with Opti-Gut’s powerful, high-strength multi-strain microbials. These live microbes help replenish gut flora and improve nutrient absorption.
Depending on their size, we recommend adding 1 to 5 grams of Opti-Gut pellets to your pet’s daily feed. Dogs find the pellets quite tasty!
Always consult with your veterinarian before introducing new supplements to your pet’s diet, especially if the pet has pre-existing health conditions or is taking medications.
Biolink™ Opti-Gut Probiotics for Pets is available from our online store.
REFERENCES:
- Mondo E, Barone M, Soverini M, D’Amico F, Cocchi M, Petrulli C, Mattioli M, Marliani G, Candela M, Accorsi PA. Gut microbiome structure and adrenocortical activity in dogs with aggressive and phobic behavioral disorders. Heliyon. 2020 Jan 29;6(1):e03311. doi: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2020.e03311. PMID: 32021942; PMCID: PMC6994854.
- Sacoor C, Marugg JD, Lima NR, Empadinhas N, Montezinho L. Gut-Brain Axis Impact on Canine Anxiety Disorders: New Challenges for Behavioral Veterinary Medicine. Vet Med Int. 2024 Jan 23;2024:2856759. doi: 10.1155/2024/2856759. PMID: 38292207; PMCID: PMC10827376.