For life that is what the term "probiotics" means. Seems pretty broad and general, but as you come to understand the utility of probiotics for pets, you realize that they do have such a broad and expansive effect on your dog or cat's health. We know that probiotics really are foundational for wellness in pets. Learn why countless dog and cat owners have found miracle results with their pet's health by supplementing Probiotic Miracle® in their pet's diet.
The Role of Natural Probiotics in Pets
The animal intestinal tract is inhabited by microorganisms, tiny bacteria, known as intestinal flora. In total, this flora is referred to as the microbiota. It is extremely important that this microbiota is comprised of intestinal flora that is favorable towards health, as opposed to being pathogenic (known as Dysbiosis, which causes gas, loose stool, and diarrhea). When the mix of the gut bacteria is favorable, the host organism (in this case, your dog or cat) enjoys a number of benefits related to proper system function. This includes the production of enzymes, vitamins, and minerals.
Additionally, many immune support functions are related to the health of the gut. The modern canine and feline diet, as well as the overuse of antibiotics, has lead to an imbalance in the gut which has lead to numerous health issues, such as, loose stool, constipation, flatulence, yeast overgrowth (yeast infections), and allergies, to name a few. Probiotics are the bacteria that are known to be the healthy bacteria, and they can serve to provide a great foundation of health by keeping the balance of bad bacteria in check.
1. Probiotics are the Key to Immune Function
80% of all immune function is thought to be correlated to the health of the gut. The health of the gut is directly related to the aforementioned intestinal flora (microbiota). Studies suggested that several gene and specific compounds derived from probiotics work on host immunoregularity. Specifically, they regulate the functions of systemic and mucosal immune cells and intestinal epithelial cells. Thus, probiotics showed therapeutic potential for diseases, including several immune response-related diseases, such as allergy, eczema, viral infection, and potentiating vaccination responses.
2. Probiotics Are Vital for Early Development
Because the immune system is developing in puppies in kittens, probiotics are especially recommended for then. Establishing a healthy base of intestinal flora will go a long way in preventing your pet from getting allergies and other immune related disorders. If your animal tends to have any of these problems now, probiotics can help over time as prevention (though you may need to do something for acute care now, like an allergy formula, or fish oil.)
3. Probiotics are Critical for a Healthy Digestive System
Many of the problems related to poor digestive function have to do with the host microbiota being overrun with pathogenic bacteria. When this happens, issues ensue; the inability to tolerate certain foods, lack of regularity with bowel function, pain and discomfort due to inflammation. Probiotics get classified as such because they have some very important known properties. One of which is the ability to colonize the intestinal walls in a positive way. In doing this, they become competitive with the pathogenic bacteria (the bad bacteria). Ultimately, the "good" probiotics will overrun the bad bacteria, leaving the bad bacteria no place left to reside. Over time, bad bacteria numbers become reduced and they are kept in check.
The result; you see an amelioration of symptoms, or the symptoms are resolved. In short, if you have an animal displaying any symptoms related to poor digestive function, probiotics can really make a difference.
4. Probiotics are Great for Oral Health
Halitosis (bad breath) is caused by the accumulation of bad bacteria in the mouth. Bad breath is annoying, yes, but really there are bigger concerns that go with this problem. Bacteria can increase dental carries, and cause gum disease. There is now a known connection between gum disease and coronary heart disease. It is thought that maybe the oral bacteria can lead to pathological changes to the blood vessels, ultimately affecting the heart. This is why many oral formulations now include probiotics. In addition to the three areas above, probioticsare now being indicated in a number of other applications such as obesity and mood.
Its safe to say that probiotics are here to stay as a foundational intervention for both wellness and dealing with acute disorders.
Probiotics Are The #1 Recommended Wellness Supplement
Probiotics are an effective therapeutic supplement, but are highly recommended as a daily wellness supplement (given when your pet is well). Probiotic Miracle® will get your pet well and keep them healthy. Not only are probiotics the #1 wellness supplement, but Probiotic Miracle® is America's #1 probiotic of choice for dogs and catssimply, because it works! Probiotic Miracle® is the only pet probiotic supplement researched for canine and feline health. The specific strains of probiotics are guaranteed to be effective in dogs and cats.
Also read: Probiotics for Pets: Understanding Strains and CFU
Recommended Digestive & Immune Support Products
Cites and References
A meta-analysis and systematic review on the effect of probiotics in acute diarrhea. Salari P, Nikfar S, Abdollahi M.Inflamm Allergy Drug Targets. 2012 Feb 1;11(1):3-14.PMID: 22309079 [PubMed - in process] H NMR-based metabonomic applications to decipher gut microbial metabolic influence on mammalianhealth.Martin FP, Collino S, Rezzi S.Magn Reson Chem. 2011 Dec;49 Suppl 1:S47-54. doi: 10.1002/mrc.2810.PMID: 22290709
Related citations Effectiveness of Early Diagnosis, Prevention, and Treatment of Clostridium difficile Infection .Butler M, Bliss D, Drekonja D, Filice G, Rector T, MacDonald R, Wilt T.Rockville (MD): Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (US); 2011 Dec.PMID: 22299184
Gut microbiota and inflammation.Hakansson A, Molin G.Nutrients. 2011 Jun;3(6):637-82. Epub 2011 Jun 3.PMID: 22254115
Intestinal dysbiosis in inflammatory bowel disease.Kaur N, Chen CC, Luther J, Kao JY.Gut Microbes. 2011 Jul-Aug;2(4):211-6. Epub 2011 Jul 1. Review.PMID: 21983063 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE] Probiotics and immune health.Yan F, Polk DB.Curr Opin Gastroenterol. 2011 Oct;27(6):496-501. Review.PMID: 21897224
Probiotics and prebiotics in the management of irritable bowel syndrome: a review of recent clinicaltrials and systematic reviews.Whelan K.Curr Opin Clin Nutr Metab Care. 2011 Nov;14(6):581-7.PMID: 21892075
Probiotic modulation of dendritic cells and T cell responses in the intestine.Meijerink M, Wells JM.Benef Microbes. 2010 Nov;1(4):317-26. Review.PMID: 21831770
Probiotics and prebiotics in periodontal therapy.Koduganti RR, Sandeep N, Guduguntla S, Chandana Gorthi VS.Indian J Dent Res. 2011 Mar-Apr;22(2):324-30. Review.PMID: 21891907 [
Probiotics in periodontal health and disease. Chatterjee A, Bhattacharya H, Kandwal A.J Indian Soc Periodontol. 2011 Jan;15(1):23-8.PMID: 21772717
Potential correlation between periodontitis and coronary heart disease-An overview. Shrihari TG.Gen Dent. 2012 Jan;60(1):20-4.PMID: 22313976
