Probiotics & microbiome

Allergy or Food Intolerance / Sensitivity

https://caninehealthysoil.com/

Anitbiotics
Probiotics
- Microbiome & Gut Health
- Behavior & Mood
- After Antibiotics
- Diarrhea
Probiotic Products
Raw Meat Diets & Microbiome
Microbiome Testing
CellBio Testing

Antibiotics

Antibiotics are designed to kill harmful bacteria but they also kill good bacteria in the GI tract where the majority of the immune system works affecting your dog’s overall microbiome balance and health.

Adding probiotics to your dog’s diet can affect overall health positively. All probiotics are not created equal. Some in addition to probiotics, contain additional ingredients like flours or kelp. These can be okay for a healthy dog but dogs with food sensitivities or thyroid issues can be affected by these additions.

Can antibiotics make your veterinary patients fat?

Probiotics during and after antibiotics

Probiotics that have been used to restore the gut microbiome after antibiotics. See video at right.

Bifidobacterium bifidum
Bifidobacterium longum
Lactobacillus rhamnosus
Streptococcus thermophilus
Bifidobacterium breve

Should Your Dog be on a Probiotic?

Probiotics

“Probiotics are beneficial strains of live microorganisms that help maintain healthy levels of gut-friendly bacteria in your pet’s digestive tract” “Humans and dogs host very similar microbes, they are not exactly the same microbes, but very closely related strains of the same species.”

Look for CFU (Colony Forming Units) which is a measure of viable microorganisms. Look for a minimum of 1 billion for the primary microorganisms and a capsule or coated powder so the microorganisms are active in digestion. “Choose a probiotic with the highest CFU to make sure that you give your dog a diverse array of beneficial organisms in just one dose.” Written by Dr. Karen Shaw Becker Probiotics for Dogs and Cats: What Are They and How Do They Help?

Each microorganism has its own job to do so for specific purposes be sure to look for the correct strain.

Behavior & Mood

Bifidobacterium longum BL999 has been reported to help with behavior and mood. Its easy to find Bifidobacterium longum, but to date I’ve only found the BL999 strain in the “Calming Care” product made by Purina. You may need to inquire of the manufacturer of any product you consider to determine strain.

Genus - Bifidobacterium

Species - longum

Strain - BL999

Purina Launches Supplement for Canine Anxiety Management

https://www.americanveterinarian.com/news/purina-launches-supplement-for-canine-anxiety-management

Stress-Related Gastrointestinal Upsets and Diarrhea in Dogs.

(Bifidobacterium animalis AHC7) may help to prevent stress-related gastrointestinal upsets and diarrhea in dogs.

Probiotics for Behavior / Mood

Probiotics for anxiety or behavioral issues. See video at right.

Bifidobacterium longum BL999
Lactobacillus acidophilus
Bifidobacterium bifidum
Lactobacillus casei
Bifidobacterium lactis
Bifidobacterium animalis
cats for stress

Probiotics and behavior

Effects of Varying Doses of a Probiotic Supplement Fed to Healthy Dogs Undergoing Kenneling Stress

http://www.jarvm.com/articles/Vol10Iss3/Vol10%20Iss3%20Kelley.pdf

Dog and human digestive systems have similarities

https://www.petfoodindustry.com/articles/7666-dog-and-human-digestive-systems-have-similarities

The gut microbiome correlates with conspecific aggression in a small population of rescued dogs (Canis familiaris)

Microbiome Dog & Cat testing and Gut Restoration Supplement

I would also consider a microbiome test from AnimalBiome since behavior problems can be influenced by imbalances in the gut microbiome. https://www.homeskooling4dogs.com/microbiome

For Stress & Diarrhea in Cats & Dogs

Enterococcus faecium SF68

Kefir

“Traditionally made with cow, goat or sheep milk, kefir can also be made with coconut or almond milk (also coconut water). “… “Kefir is very safe, but this is not to say that some people or pets don’t react negatively to kefir, especially when first trying it. When introducing kefir to your pets, remember to always go slow.” https://www.planetpaws.ca/2015/07/04/kefir-daily-amounts/

So how much should you give your pet? Recommended minimum daily intake of kefir:

Small size dogs or cats – 1 tsp. – 1 tbsp.
Medium size dogs – 1 – 2 tbsp.
Large dogs – 2 – 3 tbsp.

**38 BILLION CFU – 14 EFFECTIVE PROBIOTIC STRAINS**

**6 PROBIOTIC STRAINS - OVER 5 BILLION CFU**

Raw meat diets have been shown to have improved apparent protein and energy digestibility, reduced faecal weight and better faecal consistency in dogs. But without the inclusion of supplementation (fermentable substrates) “Raw red meat diets decrease faecal microbial diversity in the dog”. Decreased faecal microbial diversity is to be avoided to maintain a healthy balanced microbiome.

“From our results and from the comparison with existing scientific evidences, it appears that the modification of microbiome can be attained when a considerable variation of dietary regimes is applied. Specifically, the administration of highly digestible feed, combining fresh meat with readily fermentable substrates, promoted a more balanced growth of bacterial communities and a positive change in some of the readouts of healthy gut functions.”

Raw meat based diet influences faecal microbiome and end products of fermentation in healthy dogs

Below are various trusted saliva based tests.

NutriScan for food intolerance/sensitivity
CellBio to detect biomarkers of chronic disease.
Insights Microbiome for microbiome imbalances
AnimalBiome for Microbiome

Key bacterial families (Clostridiaceae, Erysipelotrichaceae and Bacteroidaceae) are related to the digestion of protein and energy in dogs.

Dog & Cat testing and Gut Restoration Supplement

“Research has shown that a balanced gut microbiome (the digestive system and how it handles food for nutrition and energy) is essential to overall health and longevity. When a pet’s microbiome is unbalanced, diarrhea, skin, immune system, and weight problems occur, and managing unpleasant symptoms can affect quality of life for pets (and pet parents).”

What is a microbiome and why does it matter?

Does your dog or cat suffer from digestive, skin, immune system, or weight issues? These could all be related to poor gut health which you can improve by looking at his microbiome.
Your pet's microbiome or gut digestive system is a complex internal environment made up of trillions of bacteria that is necessary for digestion and protects your pup from pathogens.
These bacteria can have a profound impact on your pet's health and immune system.
Our microbiome test includes a detailed analysis of the bacteria and suggest ways to improve gut health.

Why test your dog or cat's microbiome?

Inform their future. Your pet's gut provides an amazing amount of detail on what needed to maintain good health.
Discover their unique needs. Learn how you can address potential imbalances in your pet's microbiome.
Did you know your pet insurance might pay for microbiome testing? Learn more.

CellBio Testing

CellBIO is the do-at-home, simple way to detect biomarkers that predict if your pet is developing a chronic disease, such as inflammation, infection, obesity and even cancers.

Salivary Diagnostics for Managing Cellular Oxidative Stress

Grass Eating?

Allergy or Food Intolerance / Sensitivity

IBS & IBD - Inflammatory Bowel Disease

The Canine Fecal Microbiome By W. Jean Dodds, DVM on March 3, 2019

Research