04.03.2024 - Prof. Dr. med. vet. Norbert Mencke, veterinarian
04.03.2024 - Prof. Dr. med. vet. Norbert Mencke, veterinarian
Prebiotics and probiotics for dogs: information for dog parents
When it comes to the health of our dogs, intestinal health is of crucial importance. A healthy gut not only contributes to a happy and active dog's life, but also plays an important role in strengthening the immune system. In this blog, you will learn how prebiotics and probiotics can help your dog improve their gut health and increase their overall quality of life.
Content
- What are probiotics and how do they benefit my dog?
- What are prebiotics and how do they benefit my dog?
- The ideal combination of pre- and probiotics
- Instructions for use and side effects of pre- and probiotics in dogs
- Conclusion
What are probiotics?
Probiotics are live microorganisms, such as beneficial bacteria and yeasts, which can have positive effects on dog health. These "good" bacteria are found naturally in various fermented foods such as yogurt or sauerkraut. However, the number of probiotic bacteria here is too low to have a sufficient effect on intestinal health.
In special dietary supplements However, a sufficiently large amount of these microorganisms can be found in special dietary supplements.
But what exactly can probiotics do for your dog? Here are some of the benefits:
- Improved digestion: Probiotics promote healthy digestion by activating digestive enzymes and improving nutrient absorption. This can help to prevent digestive problems such as diarrhea or constipation.
- Strengthening the immune system: Around 80% of the cells that are important for your dog's immune system are found in the intestines. Probiotics support the immune system by increasing the number of immune cells in the intestine and helping to reduce inflammation.
- Prevention of gastrointestinal disorders: Probiotics can help prevent or alleviate gastrointestinal disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome or intestinal inflammation by restoring the balance of intestinal bacteria.
- Reduction of allergies: A healthy gut microbiome (i.e. the entirety of microorganisms living in the gut, i.e. bacteria, protozoa, etc., which are important for health and well-being) can help to reduce allergies in dogs, as it reduces the excessive reaction of the immune system to certain allergens.
- Better absorption of nutrients: A healthy gut absorbs nutrients more efficiently. Probiotics support this absorption, which is reflected in a shiny coat, sufficient energy and an overall better quality of life.
What are prebiotics?
Prebiotics are an often overlooked but extremely important component of your dog's health.
- In contrast to probiotics, prebiotics are not living microorganisms, but rather food for the "good" bacteria in your dog's gut.
How prebiotics can benefit your dog:
- Feeding the intestinal flora: Prebiotics are substances that cannot be absorbed by your dog's digestive system. Instead, they serve as food for the beneficial bacteria in the gut. By nourishing these bacteria, prebiotics promote a balanced gut microbiome.
- Promote digestive health: By supporting a healthy gut microbiome, prebiotics help to maintain your dog's digestive health. They help prevent constipation and diarrhea by keeping the intestines moving.
- Strengthening the immune system: A healthy gut plays a crucial role in your dog's immune defense. Among other things, prebiotics promote the production of short-chain fatty acids, which reduce inflammation in the body and strengthen the immune system.
- Optimal nutrient absorption: Prebiotics support the absorption of nutrients in the intestine. This means that your dog can get more benefit from his food, leading to better health and energy.
- Prevention of excessive development of pathogenic (i.e. disease-causing) bacteria: Prebiotics help to inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria in the gut by providing a favorable environment for the "good" bacteria.
Did you know...
...that around 80% of the cells important for the immune system are located in the intestine?
Build up intestinal flora nowDid you know...
...that around 80% of the cells important for the immune system are located in the intestine?
Build up intestinal flora now
The ideal combination of pre- and probiotics for your dog: synbiotics
Synbiotics are a combination of prebiotics and probiotics that can be extremely beneficial for your dog's health.
- After all, they offer the benefits of prebiotics and probiotics at the same time.
The prebiotics act as food for the probiotic bacteria, allowing them to grow and develop more efficiently in the dog's intestines.
Intestinal health is dependent on many other external influences. Supplementary feed should therefore be seen much more as a supportive measure. Prebiotics and probiotics are therefore not remedies (therapeutics).
The Canosept intestinal flora tablets contain an optimal combination of prebiotics and probiotics and are therefore a synbiotic.
Prebiotics and probiotics for dogs: Instructions for use and side effects
Prebiotics and probiotics have a positive effect on the intestinal flora and can therefore have a positive impact on your dog's health and well-being. But what should you bear in mind when using them?
When should prebiotics and probiotics be fed?
If there are signs of impaired intestinal flora, it is recommended that the dog is first thoroughly examined by a vet to determine the exact cause.
The use of prebiotics and probiotics can be useful in the following cases:
- Your dog suffers from indigestion
- Your dog needs a change of food
- Your dog has been dewormed
- Your dog is exposed to a stressful situation, e.g. a long journey or relocation
How long can prebiotics and probiotics be fed?
The duration of use should be determined individually , based on your dog's needs and state of health. It also depends on the reason for use.
If your dog has acute digestive problems or a disturbed intestinal flora, prebiotics and probiotics can be administered over a short period of time. One or two days is often enough to stop diarrhea. Intestinal flora tablets should also be given for at least 7 days and up to four weeks to rebalance the intestinal flora.
The daily amount of Canosept intestinal flora tablets is 1 tablet per 10 kg (weight of the dog). The recommended intake period is up to 4 weeks.
Can feeding prebiotics and probiotics to dogs lead to side effects?
There are no known side effects associated with the administration of Canosept intestinal flora tablets. If the tablets are taken during antibiotic therapy, the tablets should be taken 4 hours apart. It is important to administer the antibiotics first and then the intestinal flora tablets.
Conclusion: Prebiotics and probiotics for a healthy dog life
- Probiotics are live microorganisms that enrich your dog's intestinal flora. Prebiotics are substances that promote the growth and activity of beneficial intestinal bacteria.
- The combination of prebiotics and probiotics (synbiotics) contained in the Canosept intestinal flora tabletsare the ideal supportive measure for digestive disorders.
- Improved digestion, a stronger immune system and stress support are just some of the benefits of prebiotics and probiotics.
Relevant products in the blog post
About the author:
Professor Dr. med. vet. Norbert Mencke has been working as a veterinary scientific advisor for Ardap Care GmbH since 2020. As a veterinarian and dog owner for many years, he knows the problems and questions that dog parents have from a professional and personal perspective. As an expert on the subject of dog health, Norbert Mencke provides you with helpful information and tips. You can reach Norbert Mencke at mencke@ardapcare.com.
Prof. Dr. med. vet. Norbert Mencke, Veterinarian
About the author:
Professor Dr. med. vet. Norbert Mencke has been working as a veterinary scientific advisor for Ardap Care GmbH since 2020. As a veterinarian and dog owner for many years, he knows the problems and questions that dog parents have from a professional and personal perspective. As an expert on the subject of dog health, Norbert Mencke provides you with helpful information and tips. You can reach Norbert Mencke at mencke@ardapcare.com.
Prof. Dr. med. vet. Norbert Mencke, Veterinarian
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