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We have all probably heard of probiotics before, especially in yogurt ads, and the wonders of including them in our diet. But what are probiotics and why do our dogs need them as much as we do?
Probiotics are live microorganisms that are directly fed in certain amounts to benefit the health of the host, be it a human or a dog. These microorganisms are naturally found in the gut and are essential for keeping good health. The word probiotics come from the Latin word “pro”, that means for and the Greek word “bios”, that means life – so the word probiotics itself tells us they are beneficial, or for life!
It has long been known that the gut is the largest immune organ in the body, where most of the immune cells are present. Furthermore, there is a primordial connection between the gut and the brain – the intestinal flora is responsible for producing neurotransmitters and neurochemicals that are essential for the production of certain hormones in the brain, like serotonin, the well-known hormone of happiness. The brain is aware of the intestinal microbiota, which in turn affects behavior and the way the world is perceived by animals – humans and dogs included!
Having in mind the role the gut plays in the health and general welfare of dogs, the 5 top reasons your dog should be on probiotics are:
Stress and illness may disrupt your dog’s balance between healthy and harmful microbes. Old age seems to be a trigger for imbalance, too. Thus, adding probiotics to your dog’s diet helps to regulate this balance and keeping it at an optimal state of health.
By competing with pathogenic microorganisms, probiotics protect your dog from diarrhea and gastrointestinal disorders to liver disease and chronic intestinal abnormalities, such as intestinal bowel disease (IBD). Also, they can be an important barrier against toxins that may cause cancer. Probiotics are also thought to help in gastritis associated with Helicobacter, common parasites, such as Toxocara canis and Giardia, and viruses, such as the canine parvovirus
Probiotics help in the production of vitamin B-12 and they also help the organism to absorb calcium, magnesium, iron, and nutrients. Probiotics help digestion, reducing gas formation and regulating bowel movement.
Probiotics protect from drugs, heavy metals, and allergens. Because dogs nowadays are subjected to some of the same lifestyle challenges as humans, which include an increased exposure to allergens, probiotics may act protectively against allergies.
A healthy diet and good functioning of the gastrointestinal tract help to prevent obesity, contribute to good breath, a good-looking coat and skin and help to prevent behavior disorders and diarrheic episodes. Although scientific research is very limited on the use of probiotics in pets, as opposed to people, there are some encouraging studies that point to scientific evidence of the benefits of adding probiotics to your dog’s diet. Some of these studies are placebo controlled trials that show the benefits of using probiotics both in treating acute episodes of diarrhea in dogs and preventing such episodes. Another important aspect of probiotics is the quality (and quantity) of the ingredients. Naturally-derived, organic ingredients are always preferred and play a major role
Although scientific research is very limited on the use of probiotics in pets, as opposed to people, there are some encouraging studies that point to scientific evidence of the benefits of adding probiotics to your dog’s diet. Some of these studies are placebo controlled trials that show the benefits of using probiotics both in treating acute episodes of diarrhea in dogs and preventing such episodes.
Another important aspect of probiotics is the quality (and quantity) of the ingredients. Naturally-derived, organic ingredients are always preferred and play a major role in the results. Probiotics for dogs should derive from the canine gastrointestinal tract, as intestinal flora differs from species to species. Human microbiota, for example, is distinct from a dog’s or cat’s microbiota. Some microorganisms that have been proven to be beneficial, as they adhere to the dog’s intestinal mucus, prevent the adhesion of pathogens, and increase immune parameters, are Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus fermentum, and Lactobacillus acidophilus.
Most healthy bacteria are stable in dry feed and can travel through the gastric acid, enzymes, and bile without being destroyed. Contrary to what some may advocate, even when probiotics become non-viable, they still have a positive effect on the gut, as the dog can still use the genetic material of those probiotics.
Don’t forget that a good diet, to begin with, is paramount to your dog’s health, especially if it has reached seniority. If your dog is missing vital nutrients in the first place, probiotics will not perform miracles, as they are not a solution for malnutrition. Lastly, letting your dog be a dog, meaning it is allowed to happily roll in the mud and dirt, occasionally drinking from ponds, and being outdoors, will help it boost its immune system naturally by getting in contact with soil-based microorganisms. All in all, natural behaviors and animal tendencies are the evolutionary and biological way of nature making animals thrive.
Veterinary Naturals' Hemp & Health Probriotic for Dogs is a high fiber, omega fatty acid rich option for your dog. With natural and organic ingredients, it provides all the benefits of this article and more. You can find it at these reputable retailers:
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Fortunately, you don’t have to shell out for an expensive sushi dinner with your dog to get the proper amount of fish oil in his or her diet, since fish oil is probably one of the most prevalent ingredients in dog supplements out there.Vets recommend it as a hip and joint supplement for dogs with arthritis. Fish oils and omega-3 fatty acids have veterinary and scientific backing for its therapeutic claims.
Vets recommend it as a hip and joint supplement for dogs with arthritis. Fish oils and omega-3 fatty acids have veterinary and scientific backing for its therapeutic claims.
We’ve done our best to demystify fish oils for you. Fish oil essential fatty acids, EPA and DHA explained
So why does fish oil work? It’s rich in omega-3 fatty acids.
Omega-3 fatty acids are EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). They are long-chain fats, six and five double bonds, which makes them highly unsaturated fats, found abundantly in oily, coldwater fish, with tiny amounts found in algae.
When your vet recommends fish oils, the prescription carefully matches your dog’s weight to the correct EPA amounts.
Both EPA and DHA regulate immunity and inflammation, but EPA is the more effective, functional fatty acid when it comes to inflammation.
Fish oil hip and joint supplements for dogs would only work for arthritis when they have sufficient amounts of EPA. What does EPA do, exactly?
This is why it’s important to get your EPA dosage right, and why you have to wait for a short period before you see the benefits of fish oil supplements in your dog. Give the EPA time to produce natural anti-inflammatories and to battle the inflammatories.
The benefits of fish oils for dog arthritis as a hip and joint supplement
Because of the anti-inflammatory properties of omega-3 fatty acids, fish oils help so much for dogs diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, no matter the age. Younger dogs badly injured in their bones or joints develop arthritis even with surgery. And of course, senior dogs begin to feel their age in their hips and joints sooner or later.
So what benefits do fish oils bring for dog arthritis?
How much fish oil should I give my dog?
Your dog’s vet should determine the dosage, whether for general health (studies and anecdotal evidence show fish oils help so much in skin and coat health, decreasing shedding, increased energy and appetites) or for supplementary therapy for dog arthritis or atomic dermatitis. She or he will be able to provide the guidance.
As a general rule, dogs with arthritis and senior dogs require higher doses.
You can start your dog on fish oils with 20mg EPA per pound of body weight. Simply multiply your dog’s weight by 20 and you have the efficient amount of EPA you need.
If you want to give your dog the same fish oil you’re taking, you can, but look at the dosage and consult your vet.
My dog has been on fish oil for a while, but nothing has changed.
Many dogs do get their food laced with fish oil, or they eat fish oil caps eagerly. But is the dosage right? Talk to your vet to get the proper dose for your dog. She or he will want to understand the dog’s entire food picture.
What if I overdose?
Fish oil is safer than most supplements. If you overdose, your dog will most likely get diarrhea. Cut back. And remember that like all their food, you have to ease them into it. Start with small amounts and work toward your target dose over a period of weeks.
How long should I wait for it to work?
You will probably see easier movement in your arthritic dog after three to four weeks of taking fish oil at the target dosage.
What about EPA and DHA ratio?
You don’t need to calculate DHA in fish oils. EPA is more functional for dog arthritis. And don’t confuse it with EFA (essential fatty acids) dosages, which some manufacturers put on their labels. Also note that you need omega-3 fatty acids, not omega-6, which are already abundant in most canine (and human) diets.
Fish oils have a scientifically proven positive effect on treating dog arthritis. But don’t self-diagnose and don’t play chemist with dosage. Consult your vet.
This is why Veterinary Naturals’ hip and joint supplements are expertly formulated with fish oil in the dosage that provides immediate relief for our four-legged family. Veterinary Naturals also includes holistic ingredients like turmeric, ginger, and hemp too. Most other brands simply don’t measure up. Together with a balanced, grain-free diet, your old dog will soon feel like a puppy again.
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It’s a bit crazy that we include natural and organic turmeric in our supplements for dogs. In addition to being a key spice of many Eastern Cuisine for centuries, it turns out it has some amazing health benefits for humans – and dogs!
Western medicine is finally catching up with Eastern practice.
Turmeric is now being researched extensively for pharmacological use in treating and/or reducing symptoms related to a wide range of health conditions. In fact, a paper written for the American Academy of Pain Management discusses the health benefits of turmeric.
Dr. Horwitz, the medical director of the Arizona Centre for Integrative Medicine and assistant professor of clinical medicine at the University of Arizona College of Medicine, also cites a 2006 University of Arizona study that found this potent anti-inflammatory to reduce the symptoms associated with rheumatoid arthritis.
Clinical studies have shown that curcumin in turmeric is a powerful antioxidant. Antioxidants neutralize free radicals which cause the painful inflammation and damage to joints affected by arthritis.
This is pretty significant for our senior K9 friends that may be suffering from the aches and pains associated with arthritis and aging in general.
The anti-inflammatory properties, combined with the fact that turmeric is a natural antiseptic and antibacterial agent, suggests that it’s also useful for disinfecting and treating skin injuries.
Another concern with our senior pets is ensuring heart health.
Like us, our pets are susceptible to blood clots and excess cholesterol. You may have heard of LDL (bad cholesterol) and HDL (good cholesterol).
Well, turmeric has been found to lower LDL levels which support both heart and liver health.
In addition, turmeric helps to thin the blood, reducing the risk of deadly clots that can lead to strokes and heart attacks.
It’s important to not thin your dog’s blood too much, but the right amount can be helpful.
If your pet is on medication, especially those that thin the blood, check with your vet for the appropriate dosage.
What about the liver? Yes, turmeric is good for that too.
Our environment and food are becoming more and more toxic and that not only affects us, it impacts our pets as well. Our pets are susceptible to toxins in the environment and in their food, especially commercially produced kibble and treats. The liver plays a significant role in removing toxins from the body. Think of the liver as the main industrial center of the body.
It’s involved in nearly every biochemical process required to run the body.
The body’s abilities to clot blood, to break down harmful toxins, and to remove waste and store energy, are all affected by the liver.
It is a major player in your pet’s digestion, storing vitamins and producing bile which is necessary to break down fat. It’s a pretty important piece of machinery for your pet’s overall health.
In short, turmeric boosts the liver’s ability to metabolize fat and remove waste from the body.
One of the most interesting discoveries I made while investigating the benefits of turmeric is that there are now reports coming out claiming that turmeric may help in the fight against cancer!
This powerful antioxidant plays a significant role in preventative medicine.
In a study at UCLA, doctors found that curcumin seemed to block the cancer-promoting enzyme that stimulates the growth of head and neck cancer. The Department of Small Animal Clinical Scientists has conducted studies that show that curcumin can inhibit tumor growth and may even shrink existing tumors. It’s believed that this has to do with the spice’s amazing ability to shut down blood vessels that feed tumors.
Antioxidant properties are also helpful in reducing the negative side effects of chemotherapy.
Now, we are not saying turmeric is the only thing you should do to prevent, control and/or treat cancer; however, it certainly has us excited about its anti-cancer properties.
But That’s Not All…
If we haven’t already convinced you about the health benefits of turmeric, here are a few more uses:
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