Probiotics for dogs are essential to support their intestinal function and to prevent any kind of intestinal disorders. The dog intestines have both good and bad bacteria and when these are present in a balanced proportion, the intestines will function properly.
Probiotics for Dogs
Probiotics have been part of a healthy diet for a long time. They can be useful in various types of digestive problems: indigestion, constipation, bloating, gas and diarrhea. These intestine problems can be the cause of many other health problems in dogs such as itchy skin, allergies or halitosis or bad breath. Helping the intestinal function, probiotics can improve all these conditions.
Probiotics are living microorganisms in the intestine of the pet which facilitate the intestinal functions. The word probiotics means supporting life.
Probiotics such as Lactobacillus Acidophilus or Lactobacillus Bulgaricus can control the normal function of the intestines.
A normal function of the intestines involves the presence of certain bacteria. Antibiotics and a poor diet can destroy the useful bacteria in the body and health problems may appear. Probiotics have several vital functions such as:
- Fortify the immune system in the fight with bacteria such as Salmonella, E-coli
- Produces antibodies (plasma cells, lymphocytes) which offer protection against harmful pathogens
- Produce natural antibiotics, which may fight off infections in the body
Other properties of probiotics are:
- Anti-oxidant effect
- Anti-inflammatory effect
- Reduce the cholesterol level
- Help with the absorption of some vital minerals
- Support the production of vitamin B and folic acid
Probiotics for Bad Breath in Dogs
Probiotics are among the best natural remedies for bad breath treatment. Halitosis or bad breath can be caused by many problems such as:
- Gingivitis
- Dental problems
- Stomach and intestinal problems
- Poor digestion, undigested food, which stays in the gastro-intestinal tract for a longer period of time
- Poor diet, rich in protein and fat but poor in fibers
- Infections (caused by infected food or intestinal parasites)
- An occlusion caused either by a tumor or by a swallowed object
- A stomach ulcer
Administering probiotics to dogs with bad breath caused by stomach and intestinal problems or by a poor diet may improve the dog’s condition. The probiotics will facilitate the digestion and will eliminate bad breath.
Sources of Probiotics
Probiotics may be found in the form of supplements, but they are also present in a number of foods:
- Fermented milk
- Yogurt
- Cheese
Yogurt can be given as a probiotic supplement or can be mixed with dog’s food. Various probiotic supplements can be found on the market.
Other Bad Breath Treatments for Dogs
Gastro-intestinal problems that lead to bad breath may be eliminated through the use of digestive enzymes or soil based organisms.
Brushing your dog’s teeth regularly may prove efficient to reduce halitosis. Meat-flavored dog toothpastes can be bought to make tooth brushing a more pleasant activity.