Probiotics & Immune System Support for Dogs

Intestinal balance in dogs

Probiotics specifically designed for animals include living microorganisms and fibres that positively influence the existing intestinal flora. Probiotics are nutritional supplements that aim to preserve or improve your dog’s immune system; not medication. These microorganisms, fibres and yeasts are identical to the existing intestinal flora and compliment the natural intestinal balance. When a change in the natural balance occurs, diseases and viruses have a greater chance of evolving, which is why probiotics boost the immune system.

Why give dogs probiotics to your dog?

With the exception of those given diet (veterinary) dog food, many dogs receive an unbalanced diet as standard food is usually poorly composed. Standard dog food can negatively influence the intestinal balance as a result of this poor composition, which could contain high levels of sugar, for example. Other negative influencers include hypersensitivity to certain proteins or carbohydrates, which can lead to the development of stomach and intestinal problems such as flatulence, soft stool and vomiting. Over time, this could even result in noticeable weight loss. Unfortunately, food hypersensitivity is quite common in dogs. Once the intestinal climate becomes more and more unbalanced, the dog will become more susceptible to diseases. To help restore (or maintain) the intestinal balance, probiotics can be given and their diet should be adjusted.

The effect of antibiotics on the intestinal flora

If your dog is suffering from a bacterial infection, it is highly likely that your veterinarian will prescribe a course of antibiotics to treat the infection and prevent the situation from worsening. Unfortunately, diarrhoea is an aggravating but common side effect of antibiotics. Furthermore, although antibiotics are used to treat harmful bacteria, they can also negatively affect the healthy intestinal bacteria. Using probiotics after the course of antibiotics has concluded can help stimulate the restoration of the intestinal flora’s natural balance.

What are prebiotics

Prebiotics refer to substances that induce the growth of healthy intestinal flora such as carbohydrates that cannot be digested or fibres and help restore the natural climate of the colon. Most available supplements include a combination of prebiotics and probiotics.

Should I always administer probiotics?

A probiotic supplement is not always necessary to ensure a healthy intestinal balance. However, probiotics can help dogs with a compromised immune system, for example after a course of antibiotics or senior dogs.