How to keep your dog's gut microbiome healthy

A healthy gut equals a healthy dog. Read below what you need to know about your dog's gut microbiome and learn the most effective tips to keep it healthy, offering your beloved friend years of life.

What is the microbiome?

The microbiome is the set of billions of microorganisms that live in and on the dog's body and in various areas, such as the eyes, genitals, skin and gut.

The microbiome has several beneficial functions, such as fighting dangerous microbes, contributing to the health of the immune system, as well as creating vitamins and fatty acids that help the overall health of the animal.

Why the gut microbiome is so important

Some microbes promote health, while others are harmful. For example, salmonella is a pathogenic microbe, as it can cause disease, while the microorganisms of the gut microbiome not only do not cause disease, but play a key role in preventing it.

So when we disrupt the gut microbiome, we disrupt the function of the immune system, which to a significant extent relies on the gut . Studies in dogs (and cats) show that many of the conditions commonly seen in pets, such as oral disease, gastrointestinal disease, skin and urinary tract problems, and bacterial infections, are linked to changes in the gut microbiome.

It is important to remember that genetics are only responsible for about 10% of dog diseases. The remaining 90% have environmental causes, with improper nutrition prevailing.

How to keep your dog's microbiome healthy

One of the most important steps you can take to keep your dog's microbiome healthy is to avoid the use of antibiotics unless a bacterial infection has been diagnosed and all other treatment options have been exhausted. If your vet recommends a course of antibiotics, insist that they do a culture test first, to determine the bacteria involved and the best drug to treat it.

The problem with antibiotics is that they indiscriminately kill gut bacteria, both good and bad. This is why secondary infections and reduced immune system function are common side effects of taking antibiotics. Chronic exposure to low doses of antibiotics through food also burdens the gut microbiome and can lead to poor health and an increased risk of drug resistance.

Another very important step in maintaining your dog's long-term gut health is to provide food and supplements beneficial to the gut flora. A balanced diet of protein, fruit and vegetables provides your dog with the beneficial micro-organisms it needs. But if he has been treated with antibiotics, he should also take nutritional supplements, such as probiotics, to replenish the microbiome affected by the drugs.

Another very beneficial supplement is digestive enzymes. High quality pet digestive enzymes should be animal derived and ideally contain ingredients such as amylase, lipase, protease, lactase, bromelain and papain.

Other factors that disrupt the balance of gut bacteria

The gut microbiome, in addition to antibiotics, can be negatively affected by other factors, such as:

• Sudden change in diet
• Poor quality or unsuitable food for the dog's needs
• Contaminated water
• Surgery
• Gastrointestinal diseases
• Emotional stress (often caused by a change in routine or environment).

Therefore, it becomes clear that maintaining gut health in your dog requires providing high quality food, without major changes and based on his nutritional needs according to his breed, weight and age.

In the case of surgery, a recent gastrointestinal condition or severe stress, it is a good idea for your dog to receive a nutritional supplement that promotes gut health. Thus, the balance of his intestinal microbiome and, by extension, his overall health will be maintained at ideal levels.

Check out our full range of probiotics to keep your dog's gut in tip-top shape!