{"id":9604,"date":"2024-12-18T12:50:29","date_gmt":"2024-12-18T12:50:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/vitaanimalhealth.com\/?p=9604"},"modified":"2024-12-18T14:40:49","modified_gmt":"2024-12-18T14:40:49","slug":"the-ultimate-guide-to-pet-probiotics","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/vitaanimalhealth.com\/the-ultimate-guide-to-pet-probiotics\/","title":{"rendered":"The Ultimate Guide to Pet Probiotics"},"content":{"rendered":"

For pet owners, their dog\u2019s health is a top priority. Regular exercise, good quality food, staying up to date with preventative healthcare are all commonplace. But from time to time, even the most pampered pooch can experience the discomfort of an upset stomach. Whether it\u2019s due to scavenging, anxiety, other medications, illness or even unknown causes, having a dog with tummy troubles can be a worrying time. But did you know you can help support your pup\u2019s tummy all year round to help strengthen their natural defences with pet probiotics? Just like us, dogs have a delicate balance of gut bacteria that plays a crucial role in digestion, immunity, and overall health. And we can help ensure the gut microbiome is as healthy as possible! \u00a0\u00a0<\/p>

Alongside a well-balanced diet, one way to support their microbiome, or \u201cgood bacteria\u201d is by incorporating pre and probiotics into their diet. In this blog, we\u2019ll explore the benefits of pre and probiotics for dogs, how they work, and how you can introduce them into your dog\u2019s daily routine.<\/p>

So whether you\u2019re dealing with digestive issues or simply looking to boost your pet\u2019s health, pre and probiotics might be the answer you\u2019ve been searching for!<\/p>

What are prebiotics and probiotics?<\/strong><\/h3>

Probiotics are live bacteria, often referred to as \u201cthe good bacteria\u201d, and can be found to have various health benefits which contribute to healthy gut function, enabling proper digestion and boosting the immune system.<\/p>

While probiotics are naturally occurring in the body, they can be supplemented to manipulate the gut bacteria to a more favourable balance of good bacteria.<\/p>

Prebiotics are \u201cthe food\u201d for the probiotics. They are specialised fibres that help support the probiotics already present in the gut. They act as nourishment for the probiotics, stimulating their growth and aiding their effectiveness.<\/p>

Why are pre and probiotics important for dogs?<\/strong><\/h3>

Promoting a well-balanced ecosystem of gut bacteria is fundamental for your pet to have a healthy gut and body. An imbalance can contribute to a range of common health challenges in pets such as digestive issues, allergies and weakened immunity. Probiotics can support the digestive system, helping with issues like diarrhoea, constipation and food sensitivities. They can also aid in supporting strengthening the immune system as well as skin and coat health.<\/p>

In short, pre and probiotics are an essential part of a healthy gut and a happy, thriving pet.<\/p>

How can pre and probiotics support behaviour in dogs?<\/strong><\/h3>

The expansive microbiome support health benefits such as good digestion and strong immunity, but they can also play a role in dogs\u2019 behaviour. As part of their metabolism, they communicate with the brain via neurotransmitters. The gut and brain can also communicate via neural and immune pathways in a two-way direction. This is known as the gut-brain axis.<\/p>

Research is showing that the composition of the gut microbiome can have an effect on the cognitive abilities of dogs, and that a healthy gut microbiome could support positive behaviour in dogs.<\/p>

What are the health benefits?<\/strong><\/h3>